The best team building activities and group events in Chicago

Indulge in a refreshing team building experience as you discover the art of homemade pasta with this lively and interactive class. Homemade pasta is worth your time and effort, and you’ll learn why as a talented chef guides you through the process of crafting fresh pasta from scratch. You’ll master the art of dough-making and exploring a variety of pasta shapes and seasonal flavors. After putting your culinary skills to the test, savor the fruits of your labor as you enjoy your homemade pasta accompanied by a kale caesar salad, homemade fettuccine and a lemon-vanilla cheesecake for dessert.

A foundational requirement of good cooking skills is being comfortable with a knife. In this workshop, your group will have fun together as you learn foundational techniques such as dicing and chopping, how to properly hold a knife, and even the differences between knives and how to find the knife that’s right for you. By the end of the class, you’ll be chopping and chiffonading your way to culinary freedom.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this pastries workshop which will walk your group through the process of preparing three different types of cake. After making the batter and baking your cakes, you’ll learn icing techniques and eventually get to enjoy your hand crafted sweet treats. Throughout the experience, you and your team will be guided by an experienced pastry chef who will teach you replicable cake making skills. Your group will walk away with some newfound knowledge, and plenty of dessert.

Enjoy the culinary cornucopia that is Chicago in this premium cooking event that will see you and your team members exploring what makes Chicago’s food scene so renowned. Your menu will include a Greek Villagers Salad, Black Bean and Cheddar Empanadas and Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein and there will be a premade cannoli for you and your team to enjoy as dessert. Since this is a premium course, your team members will be treated to an appetizer and a beer and wine package to make the evening all that more enjoyable. If you want to discover how to bring the authentic culinary culture of the city to your team members, enroll in this course today.

Everyone loves pizza, which makes this exciting team building pizza-making workshop a great choice for bringing everyone on your team together. Whether they prefer thick or thin crust, this hands-on experience allows each attendee to customize their very own "Personal Pizza Masterpiece" from start to finish. With the help of a professional pizza chef, you and your team will learn the secrets to making the perfect pizza dough, rolling it to perfection and selecting the tastiest toppings to suit your palate. After your pizza bakes, gather around a communal table with your fellow pizza makers to enjoy your culinary creations.

Risotto is one of those dishes that has developed a reputation for being significantly harder to prepare than it actually is (assuming you aren’t trying to win Top Chef). This group class makes it a goal to rid you and your team of any risotto fears and guide you down the path of down right to prepare this versatile dish at home.. By the end of the workshop, you’ll not only have the confidence to make impress-your-friends-and-colleagues tier risotto, but you’ll also have a belly full of this classic Italian dish which you’ll enjoy side by side with your co-chefs.

Explore  the world of dumplings and provide your team with a new set of cooking skills in this savory and delicious team building class. An expert chef will guide your team through the art of crafting delectable pan-fried Chinese dumplings and everyone will have the chance to experiment with traditional fillings and innovative twists. Whether using savory meats or creamy cheeses and fresh veggies, everyone will have the chance to unleash their culinary creativity and create their perfect dumpling. Plus, everyone will learn the folding techniques that make dumplings such a visually recognizable appetizer. Whether your team is composed of cooking enthusiasts or novices, the casual and instructive atmosphere ensures a delightful experience for everyone, leaving your taste buds satisfied and your team bonded.

Make fresh pasta from scratch in this beginners-friendly group activity. You’ll learn how to make and roll out the dough, form several popular pasta shapes, and even how to prepare various fillings and sauces. Of course, you’ll get a full crash course in pasta cooking techniques as well, and your hard work will be rewarded with not only newfound love for your team or friends, but also a delectable meal.

Enjoy a trip south of the border (or to one of Chicago’s many excellent taquerias) in this private group cooking class. You and your team members will learn how to create all of the elements of a traditional taco plate. From the tortilla to the filling. Get ready to roll up your sleeves to make homemade tortillas, zesty guacamole, vibrant salsa verde, rich salsa pasilla, and an array of mouthwatering fillings like nopales, camarones, pollo, and carnitas. And what's a fiesta without margaritas? The event will start with a bit of shared libation and you and your team sample some refreshing drinks before diving into the delicious menu.

Provide your team with the opportunity to make delicious sushi and dumplings in this team building workshop. In just one session, you and your team will learn the fundamental techniques to prepare delicious sushi rolls that will impress even the toughest critics. From mastering the art of sushi rolling to creating signature veggie dumplings paired with a delectable honey soy dipping sauce, this hands-on experience promises to be both educational and incredibly fun. Your menu will feature a delightful selection of sushi rolls highlighting crab and veggies, including Uramaki, Maki, and Temaki. Plus, dairy-free ingredients and BYOB setup ensure that everyone can join in the fun, with the option to omit crab for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Dive into French pastry delights with this hands-on making class for team building and culinary fun. Led by a certified Pastry Instructor, you and your team discover the secrets behind crafting perfectly delicate and flavorful macarons from scratch. From mastering the intricacies of the meringue to perfecting the fillings, you'll leave with newfound confidence in creating these iconic treats at home. During the class, you'll create a variety of macarons, including pink, yellow, and green ones, and learn to whip up delectable fillings like buttercream frosting and chocolate ganache. Prepare to impress your colleagues with your newfound macaron-making prowess and enjoy a sweet bonding experience with your team.

Master the art of crafting these French delicacies in this croissant baking event. You’ll learn the secrets behind creating the perfect flaky texture and buttery goodness of traditional croissants, from kneading the dough to mastering the art of shaping and baking. Discover the irresistible allure of pain au chocolat and savory ham & cheese croissants. Bond over this buttery goodness and elevate your baking skills to new heights with this deliciously rewarding team building experience.

Tantalize your taste buds and sharpen your conversation skills with this captivating wine and cheese-tasting experience. You'll delve into the world of wine and cheese and discover their unique production methods, exploring the nuances of two wines along with two types of cheeses from Murray's Cheese. You don’t need any prior experience; knowledgeable instructors will guide you through each tasting and provide valuable insights and vocabulary. You’ll engage in guided discussions about the selected pairings and enjoy ample opportunities to ask questions and share your pairing ideas. This is a delightful blend of learning, tasting, and camaraderie, and will satisfy both your thirst for knowledge and your craving for cheese!

Get ready to shake up some fun with this private mixology workshop led by a professional mixologist. You'll craft three modern craft cocktails while learning the essentials of mixology and fostering team camaraderie. Explore the art of cocktail making as you dive into mixology history, bar tools, and fundamental skills before mastering three crafty concoctions: the Good Afternoon, the Awesome Sauce, and the Huzzah! Mocktail options are also available upon request for non-drinkers.

Venture into an exciting journey through the flavorful world of Belgian craft brewing with this virtual beer-tasting experience. You’ll learn about Belgium's esteemed brewing heritage, savor exceptional beers, and foster camaraderie in this distinctive event. Discover the intricate flavors that define Belgian craft brewing as you sample six exceptional beer varieties brewed by Belgian family brewers. You'll gain insights into Belgium's rich brewing history and deepen your appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each brew. All materials, including six 11.2-ounce bottles of beer, will be conveniently shipped to your venue or office.

This art adventure will dazzle your senses with the mesmerizing patterns you can create using just acrylic paint, silicone, and a torch burner. You’ll select your canvas size, choose your favorite paint colors, and immerse yourself in this personalized art experience. Unleash your creativity and let your emotions loose on the canvas. Share this journey into vibrant hues and unpredictable patterns as you tap into your team’s artistic potential in an unforgettable team building activity.

Join in this stress-free and fun-filled team building event right at your home or office. With step-by-step guidance from a professional artist enjoying an evening painting has never been easier. You and your team will receive a pre-sketched canvas upon which you’ll create a masterpiece of your choice, whether it's from a provided catalog of images or your own photograph or artwork. Raise your glasses for a toast to creativity and camaraderie and make memories that will last a lifetime in this easy and enjoyable activity designed for all skill levels. Unwind, sip on wine, and unleash your inner artist.

Sometimes, painting just feels a bit too focused and orderly, and you crave a bit of chaos. If this sounds like something your team would enjoy, consider this creatively charged team building adventure with a Shooting + Spinning Paint Party. Armed with airsoft guns, everyone will aim to burst balloons filled with paint, collaborating to create a vibrant splash of color on your canvas. As the paint-splashed canvas spins, watch in awe as a mesmerizing abstract artwork unfolds before your teams’ eyes. This is a great event for any team looking for a unique way to express themselves creatively.

In this team building candle making workshop, you’ll discover the art of crafting beautiful and aromatic candles. Your team will learn the secrets of creating stunning candles that not only look fabulous but also fill your space with delightful fragrances. This expert-led session covers all of the steps that go into making scented candles, including mixing fragrances and instilling those fragrances in wax. By the end, you'll have the skills to craft multiple candles and the knowledge to continue your candle-making adventures independently.

Abstract art often gets a bad reputation, but if you are looking for a fun and accessible art activity that doesn’t rely on your team’s creative skills, you’ll love this art splash painting party. Everyone will get protective clothing and buckets of paint before being let free into an art studio to splash, shoot, spin and otherwise toss the paint onto canvases to create chaotic and psychedelic art projects. No need for delicate brush strokes or an artist's eye in this memorable artistic experience.

Get your hands dirty and throw some creativity into the mix with this pottery wheel workshop, designed for beginners eager to learn the art of pottery. Dive into the basics of throwing on a potter’s wheel, focusing on simple yet essential forms like cylinders, cups, and bowls. You’ll explore various techniques including clay slab construction, pinch pots, coiling, and glazing under the expert guidance of your instructors. You’ll sculpt your way to success in this engaging and hands-on team building activity.

Engage your team with a painting class that’s suitable for both beginners and those looking to refine their skills. This event uses a step-by-step approach that ensures everyone can create a masterpiece, with theories and principles explained before execution. Students follow along with the instructor to replicate their process on canvas, and any questions are addressed along the way. After two hours of artistic exploration, you’ll proudly take home your own finished painting. With a new painting featured weekly, you can repeat this class as often as you want. You’ll learn new painting techniques each time and see your team’s creativity blossom.

Shot of Art offers immersive art making experiences that transcend the ordinary, fostering teamwork, communication, and camaraderie. In this art event, your team will channel their inner preschoolers as they use their hands to paint on either their personal canvas or a shared wall space with the other members of the team, creating a fun, low-stakes environment that is perfect for letting everyone express themselves in a way that they would otherwise never be afforded the chance. This unique artistic experience is sure to create memories and help your team bond with one another as they engage in art in new and unexpected ways.

In this relaxing and creative workshop, you and your team explore the "wet-on-wet" technique used in abstract painting. Everyone on your team will have the opportunity to create stunning abstract art, before sharing it with the group. Through layering paint and embracing the flow of the medium, everyone will craft beautiful artworks and gain skills transferable to various painting styles. Experience the excitement of a group art project in this relaxing, team building course.

In this team building group workshop, you’ll discover the joy of crafting unique artisanal soaps, each suited for individual members of your team. Here, you and your team will explore a variety of colors, molds, fragrances, and ingredients, and dive into discussions on creating organic, natural, or even medicinal soaps. Each bar crafted with care, these custom-made soaps are not only gentle on sensitive skin but also make for charming gifts and elegant bathroom décor, enhancing both wellness and aesthetics.

Gather your team for an exciting and laughter-filled team building event. This series of hands-on creative challenges promises an unforgettable experience that will have everyone in stitches. Led by an entertaining host, your group will kick off the event with high energy and dive into a range of hilarious competitions, including type-racing, Family Feud-style challenges, and marshmallow tower building. With activities like playing harmonicas and spoon races, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Gear up for an exhilarating round of trivia. From music to movies, history to ice cream flavors, and even dog breeds, this trivia event covers a wide array of topics to keep your team engaged and entertained. Teams will compete with one another through four rounds of play, reminiscent of beloved bar trivia events. You’ll divide into teams for a mix of seasonal trivia that requires collective knowledge and teamwork to conquer. Each round offers a different style of trivia, keeping you on your toes. Your team will laugh, learn, and bond as they face off in a friendly yet spirited competition.

Engage with your team in a fast-paced, competitive spin on the class game show format that will have you testing who in your team truly has a finger on the pulse of the population. You’ll break off into teams and strategize to find out how survey respondents feel on everything from best food to eat in your car to the worst place to run into your in-laws. As the clock is ticking, your team members will need to think laterally and outmaneuver their co-workers in three rounds and a lightning round. Have your team members chanting ‘good answer’ and hyping each other up in this creative and competitive team building event.

Test your team members knowledge of the retail price of a host of goods in this fast-paced, fun rendition of the classic game show format. You’ll play a series of mini-games that ask you to accurately guess the price of everything from storebrand toilet paper to luxury Caribbean vacations. Find out which member of your team has the best eye for deals and who knows the most about what it costs to live their dreams in this exciting and fun-filled team building competition.

If your group can’t decide on a game to play, why not try them all? This event includes one round of trivia, one round of Feud Frenzy (an updated twist on the classic game show), one round of escape room-style puzzles, and a round of speed type racing. These games require a combination of strategy, knowledge, and quick thinking, so all of your team members can have their chance to shine. With such a wide variety of games, this Chicago team-building game is sure to have something for everyone in your group.

Attention, agents. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to pull off the ultimate museum heist. A priceless Monet painting has vanished from the Barclay Museum of Historical Art, and suspicion falls on the curator, Vincent Hahn. Your task is to infiltrate the museum, navigate its galleries unseen, break into Hahn's office, retrieve the painting, and make a swift getaway before he returns. In The Heist, your team will collaborate to solve intricate puzzles and enhance your teamwork, communication, and analytical skills along the way. Plus, customize your event with optional add-ons like a happy hour or catering to ensure an unforgettable experience for your group. So, gear up, agents, and get ready to embark on a mission filled with intrigue, challenge, and adventure.

Step into the most challenging escape room experience yet: Prison Break. In this immersive adventure, players are divided into two separate prison cells and must collaborate closely to break free from a 1950s-style penitentiary. Your mission? Navigate through the cells, outsmart the guards, and orchestrate a cunning plan to infiltrate the warden's office for the ultimate escape. But beware, failure to succeed means a life sentence behind bars. With authentic prison fixtures and environments, including real prison toilets, the escape room detail ensures an immersive and unforgettable experience. Your team will tackle intricate puzzles, honing their teamwork, collaboration, and analytical skills along the way. So, are you ready to put your wits to the test and break free from captivity?

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure as you step into the shoes of special ops agents tasked with averting a global crisis. What begins as a routine investigation in a spice market quickly escalates into a high-stakes mission to save the world from imminent danger. With every twist and turn, you'll need to rely on your tactical expertise and teamwork to unravel the conspiracy before it's too late. In this immersive escape room experience, your group will face challenging puzzles that test your problem-solving abilities and foster collaboration. Together, you'll sharpen your analytical skills while racing against the clock to uncover the truth and thwart the nefarious plot threatening global security. So, gear up, embrace the challenge, and see if you have what it takes to emerge victorious in this thrilling adventure.

Step back in time to the era of the California gold rush as you embark on a quest to uncover a hidden fortune left behind by your late relative, Clyde Hamilton. With the clock ticking and other treasure hunters on your trail, you must race against time to locate Clyde's secret stash of gold hidden within his cabin. Your team will need to put their heads together, decipher clues, and solve puzzles to unravel the mystery and claim the treasure before it falls into the wrong hands. In this immersive escape room experience, you'll hone your teamwork, collaboration, and analytical skills as you navigate through a series of challenges designed to test your ingenuity and resourcefulness. With only 60 minutes on the clock, every moment counts as you work together to outsmart the competition and emerge victorious with the coveted gold fortune. This unforgettable journey is filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the thrill of the chase.

Indulge in festive cheer with a gingerbread house-making class for your team. You’ll join forces with your colleagues to construct gingerbread masterpieces while enjoying team games that foster collaboration and creativity. Let your holiday spirit shine as you unleash your inner child and design your own unique gingerbread house creation. Your participants will receive gingerbread house supplies in advance, including cookies, icing, and an array of colorful candies. During the event, immerse yourself in the merry atmosphere as you craft your houses to a backdrop of classic holiday tunes, then showcase your architectural wonders during a lively show-and-tell session.

Get your team into the holiday spirit with a festive gift-giving game. Participants play a lively holiday trivia contest to determine the order of unwrapping their gifts. With each turn, players will have the chance to unwrap a new gift or steal one from a fellow participant. By the game's end, every team member will depart with a virtual gift, which will be ready for shipping and delivery after the event. With a curated selection of gifts and a streamlined delivery process, this holiday-themed team building activity is sure to spread joy and cheer among your colleagues.

Discover the power of virtual team building activities to unite your group or business, no matter where they are. From engaging '90s trivia challenges to interactive culinary adventures and creative workshops, virtual events offer the perfect blend of fun and bonding. You can embrace the benefits of remote connectivity as you strengthen team relationships, boost morale, and foster collaboration from the comfort of your own homes. Let experienced hosts handle the logistics while you enjoy the convenience of virtual team building and enjoy a memorable experience.

Planning a team building event in Chicago isn't just about finding an excuse to leave the office for the afternoon (though it can certainly be that if you want it to be). Team building events are great for building a healthy culture in your office and improving the long-term effectiveness of your team. Doing things together outside of the office is how people build connections, which can, in turn, make the daily grind of work feel like much less of a grind. Team building events create organic group cohesion by providing a place for people to come together and interact with each other in ways that they might otherwise not. While your employees might not go out of their way to plan a trip to an escape room together, they are far more likely to go if you plan the trip for them, for instance.

Plus, team building events can be good ways to help your team members develop soft skills that are applicable in the workplace. An improv class is going to be a fun evening, but it can also help team members become more confident in sharing their ideas and communicating. An escape room can produce a memorable evening and it can help participants develop lateral and critical thinking skills. Even a cooking class can help participants learn how to follow directions and interpret complex instructions, thinking a few steps ahead.

Getting the most out of your team-building experience means knowing what you hope to accomplish from the beginning. The event you choose if you want to reward your team for a job well-done is going to be different from the event you choose if you want to help a new group break the ice. Think about your team’s interests and preferences, since these events aren’t going to be successful if your team members aren’t invested in them. This can mean choosing something broadly  applicable (mixology workshops, tasting events and cooking classes are great for just about any group) and basing your decision on the niche interests of your team (particularly if they are a small like-minded group).  You’ll also need to take into account logistics and issues like travel. Some activities, like escape rooms can only host a finite number of participants at once, while an outdoor painting class can host more participants (while possibly requiring more travel.