The best team building games in NYC

How well do you know your trivia? This virtual trivia event uses the beloved bar trivia format to quiz you on tough questions about music, history, dog breeds, and even ice cream flavors. You’ll divide into teams and tackle four rounds of questions that will require your combined brain power to answer. The first round peppers you with traditional questions, but when you make it to the next rounds you’ll have to bring your most obscure knowledge of music and images, followed by a surprise round topic that you’ll have to wait to find out. If this doesn’t tickle your trivia fancy, choose from events featuring other obscure facts, like Movie Trivia, Wine and Spirits Trivia, or Name the Year Trivia.

Lego blocks aren’t just for kids in this wildly popular brick-building challenge. You’ll show off your skills with these childhood favorite blocks and make a series of Lego masterpieces. Everyone will receive their own 200+ piece block kit in this virtual class, so you’re on an even footing when you face a series of challenges that test your architectural skills and creativity. You’ll join teams to tackle building projects based on prompts, like the tallest stable structure, a form of transportation, or your favorite hobby. Once you see each group’s unique solution, you’ll put it to a vote to select the winner.

Reach for the gold in this goofy and fun office version of the famed athletic competition, where Coursehorse will provide the props and you’ll take on the challenges. This event features a series of team-based, hands-on, and generally silly competitions that will have your group cracking up. Games like type-racing, Family Feud-style challenges, marshmallow tower-building races, harmonica playing, and spoon races make this a unique experience that will bring tons of fun and teamwork to your next event.

Feud Frenzy is a twist on the well-loved game show where your team will have to strategize and compete for victory. You’ll have to think fast and get creative on the spot to win this fast-paced quiz game. Each round of play uses survey-style questions to see how well you can guess how other people answered. The clock is ticking, though, so you’d better answer fast to win the most points.

If you think bingo is just a game your great aunt played in smoky halls, you’ll have to think again. This virtual team building bingo event is every player for themselves in a multimedia game show filled with video clips, images, and riddles to test your pop culture knowledge. Once you go over the rules of the game, you’ll open a link to a digital bingo card with multimedia prompts that will test your knowledge and your keen eye. Can you identify songs, recognize quotes, and identify famous slogans? Then maybe you’re ready for this raucous spin on the Bingo party game.

Guess that Price brings all the fun of America’s longest-running television game show to life for your next team building or group event. You’ll compete against your friends or coworkers to come closest to guessing the price of products and experiences. Some of them are everyday items like groceries, while others are more obscure like dream vacations or high-tech gadgets. How well do you know your prices? You’ll find out when you see who’s the Guess that Price champion.

Tackle the toughest escape room challenge yet and see if your team has what it takes to beat the game. In Prison Break, you’ll be separated into 1950s-style prison cells where you’ll have to collaborate to outsmart the guards and sneak into the warden’s office. If you don’t succeed, you might face a lifetime behind bars. The realistic setting feels authentic, right down to the real prison toilets. You can make this a full afternoon or evening event by adding customized extensions like a happy hour or catering. If you’re looking for a different escape room experience, you can choose from a wide variety like Train Through Time!, The Heist, Gold Rush, or more.

If your team members are fans of the popular Jeopardy television show, maybe you have what it takes to be a champion in the Ultimate Quiz Showdown. In this riff on the long-running classic, you’ll compete against each other to test your knowledge of categories like history, science, and literature. If you get the answer right, you score points for your team and you’ll be on your way to victory.

Cooking competition shows have a big following; even if you’re not a home cook, it’s riveting to watch contestants face kitchen challenges and cook with unique ingredients. You can have your own culinary showdown that puts your team's kitchen skills to the test. You’ll have to work together to solve these challenges. Each team will have a bin of unique ingredients, like chestnuts, wasabi greens, golden beets, carrot juice, or fava beans, which you’ll use to whip up a delicious risotto, or at least try to. Even if your risotto is a flop, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious meal together featuring Crostini with Peperonata and Whipped Ricotta, Roasted Lemon-Rosemary Chicken, and a refreshing Tuscan Kale Salad. Cap it all off on a sweet note with a sure winner, a Dark Chocolate Torte.

If the thought of disappointing the judges with a less than stellar risotto is too much to bear, consider this handmade pasta challenge instead. In this competitive cooking event, an experienced chef will provide your team members with a demonstration of the art of pasta making before letting everyone off into the kitchen to compete to make the most elaborate and delicious pasta dish. The menu can be customized to your heart’s desires and there are a lot of different pasta recipes that your team can be tasked with crafting. Whether working on their own or as part of a team kitchen, this is a great way to blend a practical cooking class with a fun evening of competition.

If none of these games are exactly what you’re seeking for your next team building or group event, you could consider another type of activity. Team building cooking events teach you how to prepare delicious meals from scratch, including favorites like pizza and tacos as well as more challenging baking like French croissants or macarons and cultural classics like Paella and Chicken Mole. In team building art events, you’ll be challenged to explore your creative side and connect with teammates through experiences like pottery or painting. You can bring your team together in unique events like a magic trick workshop, a foraging tour for wild edibles in Central Park, or a delicious food tour in one of NYC’s hottest dining districts.

Why should you book a team building or group games event? 

Team building and group games are a great way to bring some fun and energy into the workplace. Game events are more engaging than just another ordinary office meeting, and they break up the usual routine. Your group will be able to let loose and enjoy themselves at the same time they’re building new connections and teamwork. Whether you plan a fast-paced trivia game or a scavenger hunt through the streets of NYC, playing games together is a great way to get to know each other in new ways and meet unexpected challenges together. Some friendly competition can even reveal hidden talents and skills that you haven’t seen in the office, and it brings out your best as you strategize and collaborate to emerge the winner.

Game show-style events are a fun way to spark creativity and teamwork and learn more about your teammates’ obscure knowledge. They mimic popular TV shows and get your team thinking on your feet. In a game room, you can face off over classic and modern games that require you to communicate and work together if you want to win. You’ll not only have a blast, but you’ll improve your team’s problem-solving skills and have everyone cheering each other on. Scavenger hunts get your team moving and exploring, whether you’re on the hunt through the city or in a virtual contest. You’ll have to be creative and resourceful to tackle the challenges. When you want to bring some holiday spirit to your office or get-together, a holiday game is the ticket to getting everyone involved and no one on the hook for all the planning and preparation. 

Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, a family reunion, or a corporate team-building endeavor, a group game event promises an unforgettable experience. Consider adding a competitive streak to your bridal or bachelor party, or simply indulge in a fun game night with friends. Group game events are a ton of fun that will get everyone involved. Come to your group game event prepared to battle it out for the win.

Playing games together encourages people to let their guard down and share. It shifts the expected dynamics for who is the expert or the leader -- everyone is on equal footing to find the way out of an escape room, or the newbie at the office may already be a real whiz at trivia. Regardless of how much experience you have with games, leaving your usual routine behind and immersing yourself in some fun competition helps you relax and connect with others. It’s also an opportunity to share your personal background and experience; you may be surprised at the talents or knowledge your group members show up with. 

Game events bring your group's unique background or preferences into the setting. If you’re an active group who likes to think on your feet, an escape room might be perfect. Budding stars in the kitchen will love a cooking competition, while masters of obscure knowledge are going to totally rock a trivia game. These novel personal connections help your group get to know each other and relate in fresh ways. 

A team building game has a big payoff for both individuals and groups. You’ll learn more about yourselves and each other, and nurture bold decisions and out-of-the-box thinking. Playing games helps you learn to approach problems in more flexible and intuitive ways, which improves your productivity and leads to stronger personal relationships. 

Each group is unique, and you want to find the perfect game event for your participants. Here are a few things to look for so you’ll enjoy a winning experience and delight in your newly crafty skills.

Consider how many people will be attending. Some games are better suited for smaller, more intimate groups, while others can accommodate a crowd. Classes are offered both in game venues and on location at your office or venue of choice. Decide whether you can access a remote location, or if you’d like to have the class brought to you.

Some games require teamwork and collaboration, while others focus on showing off individual skills and techniques. Choose a game format that meets your goals for the event. If you are aiming for a team-building experience or a fun group gathering, you may prefer a more collaborative event. If you are seeking personal enrichment or skill building, allowing each member to work at their level might be a better fit.

Choose a game event that will be appealing to your group members and a good fit for their abilities. You can choose escape rooms featuring a particular era, trivia contests that delve into niche interests like fashion, movies, or wine and spirits, and game shows that evoke fun memories of old favorites.   

If you plan to BYOB, choose a variety of beverages that everyone can enjoy-- whether a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic drink. If food will be provided, consider dietary preferences, like gluten-free, kosher, or vegetarian.

When you’re choosing a game event, think about the location and layout of the venue. Look for a spot that’s easy to get to, with plenty of parking or public transportation options, and make sure it's accessible for everyone in your group. Some events can even come to you anywhere in NYC, whether it's your office or a venue you choose.

Check whether the event is held in a private space so your group can focus and play together without distractions. If you’re planning a team-building or corporate event, consider if you can also host activities like team awards or recognition ceremonies. You’ll want to know whether you’ll have privacy in the space and if you can book extra time for your event.

Once you've chosen your group game event, it's time to nail down the logistics. Planning and preparation will help your class come off without a hitch. How much preparation will your group game event require? Do you need to arrange for supplies or refreshments, or do you need to prepare a space where you can hold the class? You may need to come dressed for active play or for the outdoors, so make sure everyone knows what they need to wear. Many classes provide everything you need so all you need to do is show up. 

Allow enough time for class planning, and decide who is the point person. Plan to coordinate with the host or venue before the class so you’re aware of any last-minute preparations or changes, and let your group members know what they need to do to be ready for the class.

Some venues have minimum or maximum class sizes, so make sure your provider has enough space for your group. If your group is too large for the class, ask whether you can schedule extra games or facilitators to make room for everyone, or whether they offer alternate activities that would be a better fit. If you need to incorporate extra activities with your group game event, like a company speech, awards ceremony, or social hour, check whether there will be time for these extras. You may be able to add extra time or meeting space to your class reservation. Many game events can be played wherever you are, and even accommodate hybrid groups with members both on location and remote.

Know what the price for your game event includes, and consider whether it’s a good value, both compared to other events and for meeting your unique needs. Many group game events include all fees upfront, but others may have additional taxes or gratuities. Clarifying the price structure prevents surprises on the day of the class. Look for experienced facilitators who are accustomed to leading your group size and makeup and know how to make a game event fun. Consider the overall value for the money-- while some classes may be more expensive upfront, they may offer a higher-quality experience with better technology, game design, or facilities. A game event provides robust entertainment and team building that may be a great value when you compare it to the cost of an event with live entertainment. 

Ask whether you’re allowed to bring your own beverages to the game event, 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.

Many people love the mental escape of a rousing game or fun adventure, making group game events a great choice for a variety of groups and occasions. They're a fun outing for friends who want to share a competitive experience, family members seeking to create lasting memories together, or colleagues who want to build teamwork and collaboration in a fun and relaxed environment. Group game events are also a fun way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. Games cater to all experience levels, so they’re suitable for everyone in your group or team. 

Group game events can be a great option for group members with disabilities. Many classes take place in accessible locations and can be adapted for people with different abilities. You can plan an event in your own office or choice of venue, or look for community-based games like scavenger hunts that offer wheelchair access. 

For work teams, game events promote collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. They’ll bring your team together over a shared novel experience and provide an outlet for unique skills and problem-solving in the workplace. Families have great fun bonding over games. It’s a terrific way to get together without anyone having to host or clean up, and you have the fun of unique games together that will remind you of a special gathering. Every time you think of your escape room or game show experience, you’ll remember the fun that you had together.

If you are getting together with friends or planning a wedding party, group game events are a fun alternative to the usual bars, movies, or restaurants. You don’t have to be an experienced gamer to have fun--events are designed for every skill level. Many classes allow BYOB so you can even share your favorite drink while you relax and make art together.

Many game events can accommodate groups of 50 to 100 people, or even as many as 1000 people. This makes them an excellent option for large organizations, teams, or gatherings. Players are broken into teams to play, so games are easily adaptable for any size group. Plus, there’s no age limit on playing games. Group events are fun for any age, from young adults to seniors. 

You can plan a group or team building game event for any time of year. During the summer you may opt for a fun outdoor event like a scavenger hunt, while inclement weather is the perfect time for cozy board games or a rousing game of trivia. You can even plan holiday games like trivia or a white elephant exchange to add some fun to your seasonal event. Many classes are indoors, so it doesn’t matter whether the weather is sweltering hot or kicking up a snowstorm. Many groups and workplaces plan a special gathering around the holidays, and game events are a fun alternative to the usual office party or family reunion. You can play trivia to test your knowledge of holiday music or movies or have a white elephant gift exchange with unique provided gift options and silly gifting games.

If members of your group share an interest in movies, history, or sports, there’s a game for that. Joining in a group or team building game event is a great way to share your personal interests and create lasting memories. You don’t have to have a special interest in games to enjoy a group game event. 

There are a broad range of game events you can choose from, so you’re sure to find an option that’s a great fit for your group or team building event. If your team likes solving puzzles and you want to feel like you’re part of the story, an escape room is sure to delight. You’ll have to use teamwork and creative thinking to sleuth your way out of a predicament. Trivia games are great for learning new facts and showing off your knowledge. Everyone has a few favorite subjects, and knowing who is quoted in a 1940s movie or the inner workings of Mario Kart might be your ticket to trivia victory.

Game show events are reminiscent of beloved television games, and if you spent hours playing alongside contestants in Jeopardy or The Price is Right, you’ll love these reminiscent challenges. Game shows offer an escape from reality and a chance to get lost in the thrill of the game. Scavenger hunts take you on a journey, whether it’s through town or through a digital landscape. If you like to solve puzzles and approach challenges from different angles, you’ll love to search for game treasures. 

Holiday games wrap up the culture and sentiment of the season into fun games like trivia and white elephant gift exchanges. If you want to plan a holiday event for your group or team that is above the ordinary, a group or team building holiday game is sure to be fun and memorable.