Chicago's Hidden Gems: 80 Unforgettable Team Bonding Experiences

Looking for the best team-building activities in Chicago? Whether you’re planning a fun group outing, a corporate event, or an engaging team-building experience, Chicago has endless options to offer. Bondly recently worked with Google, Airbnb, Visa, Boston Consulting Group, and many more to successfully organize team events!

This article presents a variety of engaging ideas for team building activities in Chicago and surrounding areas. Whether you're looking for fun group activities in Chicago or specific team events near me, we have you covered.
Explore options for group activities in Chicago for adults, including unique corporate team building activities that foster collaboration and camaraderie. From outdoor team building activities to exciting group outings in Chicago, there are plenty of choices to suit your needs.

If you're interested in team building camps near me or best group activities in Chicago, this article will guide you through the most enjoyable experiences available. Discover the top team activities in Chicago and find the perfect fit for your group, whether you're planning a casual outing or a structured team event.

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Table of Content

1. Food Team building activities Chicago

2. Culinary Team building activities Chicago

3. Art & Culture Team building activities Chicago

4. Game Team building activities Chicago

5. Outdoor adventures Team building activities Chicago

6. Virtual Team building activities Chicago

7. Other traditional Team activities Ideas

Top Team Building Activities in Chicago for 2024

1. Culinary Team building activities Chicago

1. Pizza Making Class

• Price: From $144 / person

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 1-32 people

• Duration: 3 hours

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Master the art of pizza with our hands-on class! Learn to craft perfect dough, stretch and top your pizza, and cook it to perfection. End with a delicious homemade panna cotta for a truly authentic experience.

What will be taught

• How to make fresh pizza dough

• How to stretch fresh pizza dough

• How to properly top a pizza (not as easy as you might think)

• How to Cook a pizza in a high temp wood burning oven

• Choosing the Right Cheese for Your Pizza

• Which Yeast to Use

• Panna Cotta

• General knife skills

Menu

• Pizza Pizza Pizza!

• Orange and Vanilla Scented Panna Cotta

Buy Now, Pay Later

 

 

2. Pasta 101 Class

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• Price: $144 / person

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 1-32 people

• Duration: 2 hours

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Learn to craft fresh pasta from scratch! Master the art of rolling dough, forming shapes, and creating delicious fillings and sauces. Plus, discover the secrets to storing, cooking, and serving pasta for an amazing dinner. 

What will be taught

How to make fresh pasta dough

How to roll out fresh pasta

Simple ravioli making

Pasta cooking

How to shape tortellini

How to make a classic Caccio e Pepe sauce

Cherry tomato ragu

How to roast squash

General knife skills

Menu

Tagliatelle di Caccio Pepe

Spinach Ricotta Ravioli with Cherry Tomato Ragu

Traditional Meat Tortellini in Brodo

 

Book Now, Pay Later

 

Get Your Custom Team Building Activities Ideas for Free! (EXCLUSIVE OFFER)

How it works

1. 5-Minute Discovery Call
We’ll listen to your needs and gather key details for your team event: your location, number of attendees, budget per person, preferred activities, and any special requirements.

2. Event Proposal (Free)
We’ll send you with the most popular activities that fit your criteria. You can decide if any of the options work for you. If not, no pressure at all!

Recently worked with Google, Visa, Boston Consulting Group

Get Personalized Ideas

 

 

2. Food Team Building Activities Chicago

3. Chicago Foodie Tour

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• Price: $89 / person 

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 15-75 people

• Duration: 2 hours

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Discover Chicago's iconic deep-dish pizza on a unique food tour! Visit three legendary pizzerias in the Magnificent Mile area, tasting and comparing their famous pies side by side. It's a pizza lover's dream and a delicious journey through Chicago's culinary heritage. 

What's Included

• Visit 3 of the hottest restaurants to enjoy signature dishes at each – all in one outing.

• No waiting and no reservations needed for the best seats at these in-demand restaurants.

• VIP service throughout.

• Learn fascinating history and anecdotes along the way from your expert tour guide.

Buy Now, Pay Later

 

4. Party with Bou: You Uni Live Once

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• Price:  Differs by menu

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 12-30 people 

• Duration: 2 hours

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Raise a Glass & Bond at Bou! Upscale omakase & sushi rolls fuel a vibrant team gathering. Delicious food, cocktails & lively atmosphere create lasting memories.

Cocktail & Sushi Party

• 12 pieces plated signature omakase

• 2 rolls per person

• Open bar includes sake, beer and speciality cocktails

Buy Now, Pay Later

 

 

5. Party with Bou: Bou-Gie

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• Price: Differs by menu 

• Type: In-Person, Private event only

• Group Size: for 12-30 people

• Duration: 2 hours

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Unwind & Connect at Sushi By Bou! Luxurious chef's choice omakase experience. Perfect for team bonding in a vibrant atmosphere.

Omakase

• 17 course sushi omakase

• 1 handroll

• Chef's choice based on market availability

Buy Now, Pay Later

 

 

6. DBY Weekday Happy Hour

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• Price: $45.11/ person 

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 10-100 people

• Duration: 2 hours

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Cheers to Teamwork! Unwind with colleagues at Brew Yards' Weekday Happy Hour. Enjoy open taps & delicious BBQ appetizers. Ditch Zoom, bond in person!

Happy Hour

• Open taps

• Assorted BBQ appetizers for your table

Buy Now, Pay Later

 

 

3. Art & Culture Team building activities Chicago

8. Spray Paint 'n' Sip

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• Price: from $47.70 / person 

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 1-30 people

• Duration: 90 minutes

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Unleash Your Inner Artist! Create your own Chicago street art with our interactive workshop. Learn spray paint & stencil techniques. Take home your masterpiece! 

What's Included

• Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB)

• Expert guidance to create your own original piece

• Instruction in spray paint and stencil techniques

• Personalized 16″x20″ canvas for each participant to take home

• Gloves and aprons provided

• Access to over 100 stencils

Book Now, Pay Later

 

  

9. Paint N Sip

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• Price: From $45 / person

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 1-20 people

• Duration: 3 hours

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Join this BYOB painting class for a fun-filled evening of creativity, laughter, and relaxation. Bring your favorite drink and let our talented instructors guide you step-by-step to create your own masterpiece!

Class

• Guided Paint & Sip Class: Step-by-step instruction from a professional artist.

• Art Materials: Use of high-quality water-based acrylic paints and 16” x 20” canvas boards

• Finished Artwork: Students take home their completed painting.

• BYOB: Bring your own beverages to enjoy during the class.

• Materials & Supplies: All art materials provided.

• The painting dries quickly and will be dry and permanent by the end of the class.

Buy Now, Pay Later

 

 

10. Art Shot

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• Price: $125 / person 

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 5-80 people

• Duration: 1 hour

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Fire up creativity! Shoot & spin your way to a masterpiece! Immersive art experience fosters teamwork & communication. Choose something different!

Art experience

• Shooting/Spinning Art Experience(Canvas 24*36 for teamwork(per each 7 people))

• Art Room Experience(Canvas 12*16 per person)

• Paint

• Premium Clothes Protection(Raincoat and Tall Shoe covers)

Buy Now, Pay Later

 

 

11. Art Bear

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• Price: $115 / person 

• Type: In-Person 

• Group Size: for 6-60 people

• Duration: 1 hour

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Brushstrokes & Bears! Paint unique baby bears & unleash team spirit in a fun, immersive experience!

Art experience

• Fluid Bear Experience(Baby Bear per person)

• Art Room Experience

• Paint

• Premium Clothes Protection(Raincoat and Tall Shoe covers)

Book Now, Pay Later

 

 

12. Art Touch

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• Price: $100 / person 

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 6-80 people

• Duration: 1 hour

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Spark your team's creativity! Experience an "Art Touch" team session - a unique way to foster communication & build a stronger unit. Forget the ordinary, choose something different!

• Fluid Art Experience(Canvas 16*20 per person)

• Art Room Experience

• Paint

• Premium Clothes Protection(Raincoat and Tall Shoe covers)

Book Now, Pay Later

 

 

13. Art Blast

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• Price: $190 / person 

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 5-80 people

• Duration: 2 hours

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Blast creativity together! Spin art, pour masterpieces & explore artistic techniques. Build communication & teamwork in a fun, immersive experience.

• Shooting/Spinning Art Experience(Canvas 24*36 for teamwork(per each 7 people))

• Fluid Art Experience(Canvas 16*20 per person)

• Art Room Experience

• Paint

• Premium Clothes Protection(Raincoat and Tall Shoe covers)

Book Now, Pay Later

 

 

14. Art Splash

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• Price: $60 / person 

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 6-80 people

• Duration: 40 minutes

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Unleash creativity & teamwork! Splash into an unforgettable art experience. Our immersive session fosters communication & builds a cohesive team. Forget the standard corporate gatherings, chose something inspiring!

• Art Splash Experience(Canvas 12*16 per person)

• Paint

• Premium Clothes Protection(Raincoat and Tall Shoe covers)

Buy Now, Pay Later

 

 

15. Mosaic Candle Holder DIY

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• Price: $56.50 / person 

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 15-40 people

• Duration: 4 hours

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Unite & Create! Build a masterpiece together with our Mosaic DIY Team Building. Fun & creative, this experience fosters collaboration & leaves a lasting reminder.

What's included

• Candle holder

• Staff guided workshop and material

Buy Now, Pay Later

 

 

16. Tufting Workshop

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• Price: $78 / person 

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 1-10 people

• Duration: 3 hours

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Learn how to make your own tufted rug in this tufting workshop in Chicago. Tufting is one of the newest social media sensations for a reason! It's fun, creative, and can be a relaxing craft to help you unwind!

Workshop

• 18" x 18" tufted rug

4. Game Team building activities Chicago

19. Escape Game 2 (Private Event Option)

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• Price: From $38.10 / person

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 4-99 people

• Duration: 60 minutes

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Unleash your inner detective with Chicago's original escape rooms. Dive into handcrafted puzzles by local artisans, offering unique, mind-bending challenges for an unforgettable adventure with colleagues, friends, or family.

Chose between one of the following games:

Operation G.R.A.N.I.E: The Greater Retired Alliance of Intelligence and Espionage (G.R.A.N.I.E.) needs your help! Head to the future to activate this secret agent and save Chicago’s tomorrow.

The Dollhouse: Enter the neon lair of 'The Dollhouse Killer' in 1982. Decode the puzzles to unveil their identity before this B-movie nightmare returns to cast you in their sinister plot.

Duck & Cover Classroom: Travel back to 1954 and solve puzzles in a nuclear-era classroom to find misplaced radioactive materials before Chicago faces disaster.

Detective vs. Dillinger: Step into 1934 and help a young detective take down John Dillinger. Solve puzzles and crack codes in this film-noir adventure to save Chicago from notorious mobsters.

Roaring Dan's Pirate Dungeon: Travel to 1908 to face Chicago's pirate, Roaring Dan Seavy. Uncover secrets in his hideout and escape the dungeon before Lake Michigan's icy tide comes in.

Event Space add-on

Rate: $100 per hour

Capacity: 15 people

Amenities: Tables and chairs provided

Features: Guests can bring food and drinks

Lobby Area Rental (larger groups)

Larger groups can also rent the lobby area

Amenities: Tables and chairs provided

Features: Guests can bring food and drinks

Book Now, Pay Later

 

 

 

20. The Secrets of the Loop Scavenger Hunt

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• Price: $58.40 / person 

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 12-100 people

• Duration: 2 hours

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Uncover the hidden gems of Chicago's Loop on our engaging scavenger hunt! Discover landmarks like the Picasso in Daley Plaza and Cloud Gate in Millennium Park while solving clues and learning about architecture and art.

Scavenger Hunt

• You and your teammates will search for answers to tricky, humorous questions about the amusing things and cool places you discover

• No previous knowledge is required: you just need a sharp mind and comfy shoes

• The hunts are conducted by our live, in-person Hunt Hosts and assistants

• The hunts are not races, and running disqualifies you

Book Now, Pay Later

 

 

 

21. Game Night Out

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• Price: $75 / person 

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 16-24 people

• Duration: 3 hours

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Level Up Your Fun! Hilarious hosts lead epic party games in comfy, private rooms. Perfect for team building. Unleash your competitive spirit & create lasting memories!

Hosted Experience

• Original party games

• Fun live hosts

• Spacious private rooms that feel just like one of your friend's homes

• Delicious drinks are available by pre-order or can be purchased on-site!

Buy Now, Pay Later

What's Included

 Beverages

23. Gaming Event for a Large Group

5. Outdoor adventures Team building activities Chicago

24. Chicago Catamaran Sailing Adventure

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• Price:  From $146 / person

• Type: In-Person

• Group Size: for 1-12 people

• Duration: 3 hours

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Treat your team to an exclusive sailing experience that includes breathtaking views of the skyline, refreshing swims, and the luxury of private yachting including Chicago’s largest chartered Catamaran.

Sailing

Exclusive use of a catamaran for up to 12 guests (option to rent up to two boats)

Fully equipped with a kitchen, grill, and swimming floats

Option to BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) with provided coolers and refrigerator

Book Now, Pay Later

 

 

25. Sailboat Racing

Sailing

6. Virtual Team building activities Chicago

• Price: $30 / person 

• Type: Virtual

• Group Size: for 20-150 people

• Duration: 45 minutes

Interactive Event

• Demonstration of advanced illusions

• Learn how to perform a jaw-dropping card trick and mind-reading

• No prior skill or experience is necessary

Battle of the Brains: A lively virtual team trivia challenge led by witty hosts. Test collective intelligence with engaging questions for a fun-filled experience!"

Virtual trivia

Class

• Price: $9 / person 

• Type: Virtual

• Group Size: for 1-50 people

• Duration: 45 minutes

• Guided mindfulness practices
• Techniques to enhance awareness and reduce stress
• Methods for fostering mental clarity and resilience
• Tips for integrating mindfulness into daily life
• Tools for improving overall well-being

• Price: $9 / person 
• Type: Virtual
• Group Size: for 1-50 people
• Duration: 1 hour

What's Included

7. Other traditional Team activities Ideas

Affordable indoor activities. Traditional team building activity ideas. If you are looking for affordable indoor activities that you can enjoy without leaving the office, you can refer to these ideas. 

31. Silent Line-Up 

Without speaking, team members must line up in a certain order (e.g., by birthday or height) based on clues they give each other through gestures.

32. Lip Sync Battle 

Teammates take turns performing lip-sync versions of their favorite songs, and the group votes on the most entertaining performance.

33. Who Am I?

Stick a famous person or character’s name on each teammate’s forehead, and they must guess who they are by asking yes or no questions.

34. Lego Masters

Each team gets a box of Legos and is tasked with creating something unique, like a skyscraper or a robot, within a set time.

35. Puzzle Competition 

Teams race against each other to complete a puzzle first, fostering collaboration and problem-solving.

36. Indoor Laser Tag 

Rent a portable laser tag set or visit a nearby laser tag facility for an active indoor competition.

37. Marshmallow Tower

Teams compete to build the tallest tower out of marshmallows and spaghetti within a time limit.

38. Truth and Dare Pictionary

Combine Pictionary and Truth or Dare, where the drawing clues involve truth questions or dares.

39. Speed Networking

Set up quick 1-on-1 chats for teammates to get to know each other, with fun prompts for conversation starters.

40. Team Songwriting

Break into teams and write a fun song about your company or team, then perform it for the group.

41. Jenga Tournament

Host a competitive Jenga tournament where teams take turns removing and stacking blocks without letting the tower fall.

42. Tug of War

Use a sturdy rope for an indoor game of Tug of War, using small spaces like the hallway or an open office area.

43. “Shark Tank” Pitch Contest 

Teams create a product or service idea, then pitch it to a panel of “investors” (colleagues) in a Shark Tank-style format.

44. Office Olympics

Teams participate in a variety of silly events, such as chair racing, paper basketball, and stapler tossing.

45. Indoor Soccer

Use a soft ball and set up a mini indoor soccer game in a wide hallway or open office space.

46. Egg Drop Challenge 

Teams must design a contraption using materials like paper, straws, and tape to protect an egg from cracking when dropped from a height.

47. Balloon Tower

Teams must build a tower out of balloons and tape, competing to see who can build the tallest structure.

48. Office Trivia 

Create trivia questions about your company, industry, or general knowledge, and have teams compete to get the most answers right.

49. Talent Show

Teammates show off their hidden talents in a fun and friendly competition, with the group voting for their favorite performance.

50. Indoor Bowling

Set up a DIY bowling lane with plastic bottles as pins and use a soft ball to knock them down.

51. Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Teams perform short improv comedy scenes based on random prompts, fostering creativity and spontaneity.

52. Musical Chairs

Play a quick game of musical chairs with fun, upbeat music to get everyone moving and laughing.

53. Office Scavenger Hunt

Hide objects or clues around the office for teams to find, with a prize for the first team to complete the hunt.

54. DIY Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth with fun props and costumes for teams to take silly photos together.

55. Indoor Mini Golf

Design a mini-golf course around the office using everyday objects as obstacles and challenge teams to a round.

56. Office Ping Pong Tournament

Host a competitive ping pong tournament if you have a table, or use a makeshift table in the office.

57. Indoor Relay Race

Create a relay race with office-appropriate challenges like passing a paper ball or balancing an object on a spoon.

58. Blind Drawing

One person describes an object while the other teammate draws it without seeing the object, testing communication skills.

59. Indoor Volleyball (Balloon Edition)

Play volleyball with a balloon, using desks or tables as the net for a fun, low-impact game.

60. Memory Lane Game

Teammates share random fun facts or past memories, and the group tries to remember who said what by the end of the game.

61. Two Truths and a Lie

Teammates take turns sharing two true facts and one lie about themselves, and the group must guess which statement is the lie.

62. Desk Safari

Using your camera, create a “safari” by capturing a teammate’s head combined with an animal’s body on screen or in pictures for a fun and creative activity.

63. Team Jeopardy

Organize a Jeopardy-style quiz game with categories related to your industry, company trivia, or general knowledge. Teams compete to answer the most questions correctly.

64. Paper Plane Contest

Have teams compete to build the most aerodynamic paper airplane, then see which plane flies the furthest.

65. Sock Puppets Show

Provide teams with socks and craft supplies to create sock puppets, then perform a short skit or presentation using the puppets. 

66. Office Escape Room

Set up an escape room scenario in the office where teams must solve puzzles and find clues to “escape” within a time limit.

67. Human Knot

Teammates stand in a circle, grab hands with people across from them, and try to untangle themselves without letting go.

68. Charity Build Challenge

Teams build care packages, toys, or other items for charity, combining team bonding with giving back.

69. Collaborative Artwork

Each team member contributes to a larger mural or piece of art that symbolizes the team’s values or goals.

70. Office Olympics Desk Chair Race

Teams race around the office in their desk chairs, following a designated course.

71. Trivia Bingo

Create bingo cards with fun trivia about coworkers, and teammates must fill in spaces by finding someone who matches the description.

72. Paper Chain Race

Teams compete to build the longest paper chain within a set time using only paper and tape.

73. Laughter Yoga

A session of laughter yoga, where teams participate in exercises designed to induce laughter and reduce stress.

74. Silent Disco

Everyone wears wireless headphones and dances to their own playlist, sharing moments of silent fun and hilarity.

75. Emoji Story

Teams tell a story using only emojis and the other teams must decode what the story is about.

76. Office Art Museum

Teams create “masterpieces” using office supplies, then showcase them in an art gallery-style exhibit.

77. Post-It Note Challenge

Teammates must stick as many Post-It notes to a team member as possible in a set time, encouraging lighthearted competition.

78. Office Skits

Teams perform short skits based on funny or memorable moments from office life.

79. Hot Potato (Office Edition)

Using a small office object (like a stapler or stress ball), play a quick round of Hot Potato, with the loser answering a fun question.

80. Whisper Challenge

Teammates wear noise-cancelling headphones while others whisper phrases to them, and they must guess what’s being said.

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Virtual Team Building Activities