The best group activities in Los Angeles for small to large groups

If your group is too small to meet the minimum number for a class, you can still enjoy all the fun of a group activity. Many group events are open to multiple participants, and you can just reserve the number of spots you need. This keeps your costs in line with your budget for a small number of people, and it offers myriad options like cooking, crafts, escape rooms, or wine tasting. Here are some of the best activities for your small group in LA.

Immerse yourself in the art of pottery with our small-group classes in Los Angeles, ideal for those seeking a more personalized experience. These intimate sessions are perfect for exploring pottery techniques like hand-building and wheel-throwing, whether you're making practical items such as planters or experimenting with sculptural designs. With fewer participants, you'll benefit from more individual attention and a relaxed setting that encourages meaningful connections with others. Enjoy a creative, stress-free activity and leave with a unique piece of art or decor that captures the essence of your experience.

Stained glass is a beautiful technique of placing colorful strips of glass between strips of soldered metal. You’ve probably seen elegant panels of stained glass in ancient cathedrals or on Victorian-era lamps. This class is an introduction to stained glass using recycled glass p pieces to compose an abstract glass panel. You’ll learn to score, cut, and sand the pieces of glass and then adhere the fragments together using copper foil and colder. Thanks to your experienced glass artist host, you don’t need any prior experience to succeed on your first attempt. You can reserve the number of seats you need for your small group in this public class.

Working with clay is naturally soothing and relaxing and a sure way for your group to let go of the day’s worries. In this group clay date, you’ll learn to build clay vessels using both hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Your ceramics host will walk you through each step and give you personalized instructions to help you build your unique piece of pottery. You’ll complete up to three pieces of pottery during your class time, which your instructor will fire and glaze so you can pick up your finished masterpiece in three to six weeks. You also have the option to add a poured candle or a potted succulent for a small extra fee to further personalize your piece.

Now, you can learn to craft amazing sushi rolls yourself using fresh, delicious ingredients. A professional sushi chef will guide you through the essential details of making authentic sushi, from preparing the perfect sushi rice to selecting the best ingredients and rolling it all up with a sheet of nori. You’ll learn to make three popular variations of sushi rolls, including Spicy Tuna, California Roll, and Chef’s “Catch of the Day.” You can purchase drinks to enjoy with your sushi at the partner venue where the class is held. All you need to bring is your enthusiasm and your appetite because everything will be prepared and ready for you to have a delightful experience in the kitchen.

Instead of an ordinary night out at a cocktail party or bar, experience the secrets from behind the bar and learn to craft your own delicious cocktails like an expert. This group event starts with basic techniques for using bar tools and common cocktail terminology. Then, with help from an expert bartender host, everyone will craft two classic cocktails and an original crafted cocktail. Be sure you don’t come with an empty stomach, and you’ve arranged safe transportation home; this is a relaxed and fun class where you’ll get to enjoy and share cocktails while you enjoy a fun time with your group. You can even suggest your own party themes to make this a personalized experience.

Knowing how to sew is a great life skill to have that you’ll use over and over again. Consider how useful it would be if you could hem your own pants or repair a ripped seam. This class starts with the basics of machine sewing, showing you how to thread and unthread your machine. Once you’re ready, you’ll measure and cut fabric and then sew your own personalized tote bag from start to finish. If you have a sewing machine, you should bring it so you can learn to use your own tools. Sewing machines are also available for class members to use.

Playing tennis is a great way to combine fitness with fun. It’s a fast-paced game that will help your focus and alertness as much as your agility and balance. Plus, it’s a fun social activity; you can play a game of doubles or singles, making it a fun way to spend time with friends. This class covers all the basic strokes, including forehand, backhand, volleys, and serving, as well as the rules of the game and court etiquette. You should bring your own racket and a can of tennis balls, and don’t forget a bottle of water because you’ll be working up a sweat.

You can create stunning floral arrangements to decorate your home that rival the ones you see in trendy flower shops. In this class, all the flowers and containers are provided so you can learn to create three styles of design, including American, European, and contemporary. Plus, you’ll learn how to keep flowers alive for weeks instead of days so you can enjoy your beautiful creations longer. By the end of this class, you’ll have made so many flower designs you’ll practically need a shopping basket to take them all home with you.

Even beginners can create a beautiful piece of art in this introduction to the vibrant world of oil pastels. You’ll learn about using color theory and blending techniques to make your work look like old master oil paintings. Oil pastels are a creamy, easy-to-use medium that is a great way for new artists to begin exploring color. You’ll learn how to smoothly blend and apply subtle shades, how to create tints and color mixtures, and the chemistry behind color mixing. Oil pastels are quick to set up and easy to clean up, making them perfect for busy groups who want to fit more art into their life.

If you can’t decide between a relaxed social hour or a creative craft class, this group event is the perfect blending of both. You’ll get to craft a unique candle using your choice of aromatic fragrances and vibrant colors while you sip on a glass of fine wine and savor delicious snacks. This event is great for getting group members relaxed and talking with each other while they immerse themselves in the soothing activity of candle making. The class includes a candle kit, a snack, and two glasses of wine.

You’ll learn the art of creating beautiful, fragrant candles in this fun group experience. This class covers different types of candles and how to get started with your own candle making journey. You’ll have a selection of candle molds to choose from, as well as an assortment of fragrances and colors to personalize your creations. All the materials are provided for you to make several candles, and you’ll gain the skills to continue making candles at home for far less than what they cost in stores. These unique, multi-colored candles are sure to be a conversation piece in your home.

If you’re dining at a restaurant with an open kitchen or watching cooking shows on television, you’ll see the impressive way that experienced chefs wield their knives. Food looks and tastes better when ingredients are cut uniformly since it allows them to cook more evenly. In this hands-on group culinary event, you can learn the secrets to precise knife cuts and techniques. When you know how to use a knife properly, you can chop, dice, slice, and julienne your veggies quickly and efficiently. Then, you’ll advance to more complicated and decorative cuts, like brunoise, paysanne, batonnet, and tourne cuts. Plus, you’ll learn how to choose a good knife and how to keep it sharp and care for it properly. You’ll have a chance to work with vegetables, cut chicken breasts off the bone, and see a demonstration of deboning a whole chicken. Your chopping isn’t just for practice; you’ll prepare a delicious meal to enjoy together at the end of your class.

A fragrant, steaming loaf of bread hot from the oven is the perfect accompaniment to elevate a simple weeknight meal or make a special dinner truly memorable. This group event will introduce you to the fundamentals of crafting yeast breads from scratch. You’ll learn the secrets to making a perfect Pain de Ménage, Brioche, Baguettes, and Focaccia, and you’ll get to savor them paired with delicious jams and oils. Enjoy the satisfaction of watching steam rise and butter melt on your own freshly baked bread.

Handmade soaps are a luscious, soothing treat for your skin and an eco-friendly alternative to manufactured bars, and they elevate your home bath to feel like a luxurious getaway. Once you know how easy and fun it is to make these beautiful soaps yourself, it’s a creative outlet that pays off every time you suds up. In this group class, you’ll learn about the different types of soaps and how to use colors, molds, fragrances, essential oils, extracts, herbs, and novelties to make your bars truly unique. Plus, you’ll explore how to make soaps that are all-natural, organic, or therapeutic. All materials are included, so you just need to show up ready for some soap-making fun.

This is an art experience, unlike anything you’ve probably experienced before. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the creative process and let your emotions flow onto the canvas. The finished product is wild and colorful swirls of paint with a depth and sheen that truly stands apart. Using a 16 by 20-inch canvas, you’ll apply acrylic paint and silicone using a torch burner and let it flow and blend to create one-of-a-kind patterns. All materials are provided, including plastic aprons, to protect your clothing. It will take five days for your artwork to dry, after which you can pick it up or have it shipped to you for an extra charge.

Share a creative experience with your group and create a beautifully crafted bowl that you’ll use over and over. You don’t need to have any prior experience to enjoy using a potter’s wheel, and you’ll see how fun and rewarding working with clay can be. This one-hour class is a quick introduction to the basics of pottery, so it’s a great way to try a new craft without committing to a full course or a fun activity to share with a small group. After the class, you’ll pick a color for your piece, and the studio will fire and glaze it for you. It will be ready for you to pick up three weeks later.

Remember those crafts you made as a kid at summer camp or birthday parties? Here’s a fun trip on the way back machine to that fun and effortless childhood creativity. You’ll make nostalgic crafts like splatter art, perler beads, friendship bracelets, and shrinky dinks while you enjoy a cocktail and indulge in some mindless chatter with your best buds. You can come and go during this two-hour make-and-take session, making this a perfect event for groups whose schedules don’t perfectly align.

When was the last time you did something just for fun? CAMP events are all about reconnecting with yourself and others through art. You’ll move, loosen up, make things, and let your imagination run free where there’s no right or wrong -- it’s just for fun. In this open studio, you’ll have several different crafts to choose from. It might be watercolor, drawing, friendship bracelets, painting rocks, or anything in between. All materials are provided, so you can just show up with your favorite beverage to sip on and get ready to chill with your group and have some artistic fun.

Looking for an unforgettable group activity in LA? Dive into the vibrant world of street art with this graffiti art tour and workshop in Downtown LA. This immersive experience kicks off with a guided tour showcasing the city's most stunning murals and graffiti, featuring works by renowned graffiti artists like Shepard Fairey, JR, and Risk. Discover the rich cultural heritage of LA's street art, influenced by Mexican muralists and Chicano writings. After the tour, head to an art studio for a hands-on graffiti workshop, where you'll learn the techniques of aerosol art and create your own masterpiece. Perfect for all ages and skill levels, this activity is a fantastic way to bond with friends or colleagues while exploring LA’s dynamic artistic scene.

You’ll be on the top of the list for every party when you perfect your bartending skills. A group mixology class will teach you how to use professional bar tools like a jigger, a strainer, and a shaker and explore the history of spirits and how each variety blends into distinctive cocktails. Mixing up drinks is a fun and social activity that will get your group laughing and teaming up to make delicious drinks. Whether you want to make a mean Bloody Mary or a refreshing Margarita, making craft cocktails is the perfect blend of learning and fun. There are mocktail options available as well for those wanting to experience the fun without the booze.

Escape rooms are a versatile option for any group size since you can fill all the spots with your own group or join in an escape room with other players. This is the perfect activity for groups who like puzzles and challenges. You’ll be given a mission in a themed room, and you’ll have to find hints and clues to solve the puzzle and escape from the room. You might have to find the passcode to open a container or the key to open a lock; can you spot the clues in the room? Once you accept your mission, you’ll have to complete the puzzle and escape before the clock ticks down your time. Escape rooms are great for teams because they challenge your creative thinking and problem-solving and get groups working together.

A wine tasting experience is a fun alternative to a meetup at a bar. You’ll learn how to appreciate the qualities of fine wine when you can sample and compare varieties alongside an experienced sommelier. You’ll learn about the rich history of wines, and you’ll gain confidence in choosing a good bottle yourself. Wine tasting classes demystify wine so you can enjoy it more fully and talk about your wine tasting ideas with others. As you learn about how wine is made, you’ll get better at describing the smell and taste of wine and selecting a food and wine pairing that will enhance a meal. In addition, you’ll learn tricks of the trade, how to store wine properly, and how to confidently purchase a wine you’ll love.

Art experiences are a great group activity because they are something everyone can enjoy, whether you’re a budding Picasso or you’ve never drawn anything more than a stick figure. In a group art experience, you’ll have the guidance of an artist host to take you through each step of creating a beautiful painting or a stunning piece of pottery. If you’d like a more relaxed, social experience, consider a paint and sip event, where you’ll enjoy a glass of wine while you paint. Some art events are immersive paint journeys where you’ll defy convention to fling, shoot, and spray paint on a colorful abstract canvas. Bringing forth your natural creativity will make you more inventive at work and maybe introduce you to a new hobby.

If you like working with natural materials like plants and flowers and you’re an artist at heart, a floral design group event is a great option. You’ll learn helpful tricks and tips for floral design, and you’ll discover how to balance colors, texture, and shapes in a way that transforms your space. You can choose from different aesthetic themes, like contemporary arrangements or traditional European styles, that use different types of blooms and color themes. This is a great opportunity to learn the secrets of the industry and practice with a seasoned floral designer. It’s also a fun way to bring the beauty of the seasons into your decor with an ever-changing palette of flowers and greenery. Floral design classes are both informative and relaxing and make a good alternative to more high-energy or competitive events for groups who like a low-key experience.

Planning a group activity is the perfect way to mix up your usual routine with some fun and new experiences. Classes offer more than just a craft or activity; groups will build stronger connections as they share a new sense of accomplishment. Hands-on events like cooking, crafting, or mixing cocktails are both engaging and entertaining. They get everyone talking, collaborating, and having a blast. Many of these classes require teamwork and cooperation, skills that translate directly to a stronger, more cohesive workplace team. You'll flex your creative problem-solving muscles and get to know your colleagues on a more personal level. Plus, when you're focused on learning something new, stress melts away.

Learning new skills together gives everyone’s personality a chance to shine and allows them to express their original ideas. In this fun, laid-back environment, your team can relax and express themselves in ways that might not come out at work. You'll create lasting memories and gain new skills that you’ll cherish for years to come.

There are so many choices that it might seem hard to choose the right activity for your group. This is actually a big advantage since you can find a class that’s perfect for any kind of interest. The size of your group is one of the first things you should consider. Some classes are offered in small, intimate spaces or provide a lot of one-on-one instruction, making them ideal for small groups. Other classes can accommodate groups of dozens or even hundreds of participants, making them a great choice for your large group. Large classes often have more structured demonstrations and multiple team stations, or they focus on projects that you can complete individually with little assistance.

Once you know which classes will work for your group size, consider your goals for the event. Do you want an active event that will have everyone out of their seats? You might like an escape room, a sports class, or a game show event. If you prefer a chance to relax and chill with your group, consider a wine tasting event or a simple craft like candle making. Culinary events teach you new skills in the kitchen and allow you to share a meal that you cooked yourself, a great alternative to a simple restaurant event. Many group classes are great for team building because they foster “soft skills” like collaboration, communication, creative thinking, or problem-solving. You can also opt for a class focused on an interest you share, whether that’s pottery, dessert making, or mixology.

Once you've picked the perfect group event, it's time to dive into the details to make sure everything runs smoothly. A bit of planning goes a long way in ensuring your class is a hit. Designate someone to coordinate the event, handle the logistics, and communicate with the group. Make sure they touch base with the instructor beforehand to iron out any last-minute details and let everyone know what to bring or wear.

Group classes often have size limits, so confirm that your chosen activity can accommodate everyone. If your group is large, ask about the possibility of extra instructors or additional time slots. Alternatively, see if there are other activities available that might suit your needs better. If you want to add extra elements like a holiday celebration, company announcement, or social hour, check whether you can extend the class time.

Clarify the pricing details upfront to avoid surprises. Some classes include all costs, while others might have additional fees for taxes or gratuities. Knowing the total cost helps you compare options and ensure you're getting good value. Look for experienced instructors who can handle groups of your size and skill level, and check the project or menu to make sure it features appealing, high-quality materials. Some group activities can double as a social event or even a group dinner, making them a great value compared to other group events. An art or craft class usually culminates with a project everyone can take home, whether it’s a painting, a ceramic vase, or elegant candles, so it may be a great value when you compare it to the cost of an event with “swag” or other gifts for your attendees.

Ask whether you’re allowed to bring your own beverages to the class or if beverages are included in your class. Some venues may have restrictions on outside food and drink, while others may allow participants to bring their own alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages. If you are bringing your own beverages, plan for what you’ll bring and who’s responsible for getting it there.

Some people love to experiment hands-on in the kitchen or explore new recipes, while others love the mental escape of focusing carefully on an art or craft project. Sports classes are perfect for active groups who love to move and compete, while games like escape rooms, trivia contests, and game shows test your ability to solve puzzles and find obscure answers. Regardless of your group’s unique interests, group activities are a fun outlet for friends or a unique way to build teamwork and collaboration among colleagues. They make for a unique birthday celebration or family gathering.

If any members of your group have special dietary needs, look for classes that can adapt the menu to vegetarian or gluten-free or offer alcohol-free mocktails so everyone can participate and feel included. Group classes can be a great option for members with disabilities. They may take place in accessible locations or be available at your own office or choice of venue. For work teams, group activities are great team building options that promote collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. They’ll bring your team together and provide an outlet for creativity in the workplace.

Instead of the usual family get-together, grab your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins and build bonds and memories around a shared activity. No one will have to host or clean up, and you have the fun of cooking a creative dinner, making a craft, or playing action-packed games. For friends, group classes are a fun alternative to the usual bars, movies, or restaurants. You don’t have to have any experience with the class subject to have fun--activities are designed for any skill level. Many classes allow BYOB so you can even share your favorite drink while you relax and share a new experience.

It may be hard to narrow down your options with so many classes to choose from. Comparing the types of classes may help you select an activity that your group will love.

Arts and crafts events offer a fantastic variety of skills to explore, from painting and pottery to candle making and soap crafting. Group art classes provide a hands-on opportunity to learn from experienced instructors, allowing you to create paintings, drawings, or designs that express your unique thoughts and ideas. In experiential painting classes, you can let your creativity run wild, throwing, shooting, splattering, or squeegeeing paint to create unexpected abstract art. These creations are a wonderful reflection of your individuality.

On the other hand, group craft classes focus on making functional items that add beauty to your space or enhance your daily routine. Think skin care products or fragrant candles. You might dive into traditional techniques like ceramics, macramé, sewing, crochet, or wood crafting. In group pottery classes, you’ll work with different types of clay to craft vessels and decorative objects, finishing them with engraving, glazes, and paints.

Paint and sip events are all about having a good time in a relaxed environment. Here, the emphasis is on socializing and enjoying your favorite beverage while exploring painting techniques and subjects. It’s less about skill development and more about the experience. If you prefer not to get your hands dirty, consider art tours or meditation art experiences. These events cultivate your art appreciation and provide a relaxing way to enjoy the benefits of art.

Food and beverage classes cover a wide range of cuisines and drinks. Cooking classes are perfect for those looking to create full meals or learn new kitchen techniques. You might work with unique ingredients or explore different cultural cuisines. Group baking classes are also a hit, teaching you to make favorites like apple pie and cinnamon rolls, as well as international treats like mochi donuts, focaccia, and churros. Baking can be a relaxing hobby and a way to share special treats with loved ones.

If you’d like a more leisurely event or you don’t want to be the one behind the stove, group food tours are another great option for a group of food lovers. You’ll not only sample foods from favorite restaurants and bakeries, but you’ll learn more about the history and culture of NYC’s unique neighborhoods. You can broaden your exploration with food and drink tastings that include favorites like cheeses, chocolates, and olive oils. Many food-tasting classes explore pairing foods with drinks that enhance and complement them.

Group mixology and cocktail-making classes introduce you to the secrets behind the bar from experienced instructors. You’ll create cocktails with creative ingredients and techniques, and you’ll be able to taste-test your results in a DIY happy hour. If you’re more interested in the drinks themselves, group wine or whiskey tasting classes might be your thing. You’ll learn about different flavors and production methods and how to appreciate and discuss these drinks meaningfully.

If you’re a competitive group that loves to play games or embraces a good puzzle, consider activities like escape rooms or game events. Escape rooms are perfect for teams that enjoy solving puzzles and want to feel part of a story, requiring teamwork and creative thinking to escape a predicament. Trivia games are great for showing off your knowledge and learning new facts. Whether it’s movie quotes from the 1940s or the inner workings of Mario Kart, trivia games offer fun and friendly competition.

Game show events bring the excitement of TV games to life, recreating the experience of classics like Jeopardy or The Price is Right. Scavenger hunts, whether around town or digitally, are perfect for those who love solving puzzles and tackling challenges from different angles. Sports events are another great option for active teams with a competitive streak. Holiday games, like trivia and white elephant gift exchanges, wrap up the season’s spirit in a fun and memorable way, making them perfect for group or team building holiday events.

Each type of class or activity provides a unique experience that’s designed to help you connect, learn new skills, and create great memories to look back on. These group activities are a fun way to spend time with friends or colleagues.