Looking for something to do with the whole team out of the office in San Jose? Well, luckily for you, this city’s got it all! From escape rooms to outdoor adventures, you’re sure to find something to bring your team closer together.
When it comes to things to do in San Jose and everything you need to know to plan and find ways to build team spirit with a fun unique event, we got you!
Indoor Team-Building Activities
Indoor activities are a great way to bond, without having to rely on the weather. These engaging experiences help teams develop problem-solving skills, foster creativity, and foster trust.
Explore Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are a great day or night activity to unwind while still keeping things interesting. Your team will put their heads together to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and escape before time runs out. They encourage quick thinking, collaboration, and communication in a high-energy setting for members of your company.
Some of our favorite spots in San José are:
- The Escape Game – In this escape room, you can dive into immersive themes and exciting challenges.
- OMESCAPE – Features slightly spooky, story-driven escape rooms.
- Beat the Lock – Provides unique and customized escape room in-person and virtual challenges.
- Winchester Mystery House – The guided tour experience takes participants through the iconic (maybe haunted?) mansion’s winding hallways.
Creative Workshops
Creative workshops give teams a chance to collaborate and connect with one another while getting in touch with their artistic sides. These hands-on sessions promote important team skills, like problem-solving and teamwork. But, they do it all while keeping things chill.
- The Tech Museum – Check out interactive displays featuring human anatomy, artificial intelligence, pixelated play, and more!
- Color Me Mine San Jose – A pottery painting studio where you can take your team to unwind and relax for two hours!
- San Jose Made Workshops – Throughout the year, San Jose Made offers a variety of hands-on crafting and design workshops. The next one is crafting your very own felt pizza!
Interactive Art Sessions
San Jose’s vibrant art scene provides plenty of opportunities for teams to connect through interactive experiences.
Some of our best corporate event options, the SJ Walls Public Art Project—the “longest public art corridor” in San Jose—lets you explore and appreciate San Jose’s murals while enjoying a walk outside. Or the San Jose Museum of Art – Perfect for a team building sesh, the San Jose Museum of Art offers tours and interactive art sessions. You can even rent space for you and your colleagues to enjoy!
Virtual Team Building Events
Virtual team-building events provide a way to stay connected no matter where your team members are located! These activities can help boost engagement and strengthen teamwork in a digital space.
Top virtual team-building options:
- TeamBuilding.com – Provides online trivia and games, escape rooms, and problem-solving challenges.
- Let’s Roam Virtual Team Building – Find customized and creative interactive games (virtual Murder Mystery, anyone?) and challenges designed for remote teams.
Axe Throwing
Axe throwing is an exciting, high-energy way for teams to bond while engaging in some friendly competition. It’s fairly approachable as well! Even beginners will leave feeling like an expert lumberjack with the new skill.
AxeVentures San Jose is where you should go. Enjoy guided axe-throwing sessions led by experienced coaches. They even have a rage room!
Outdoor Team Building Activities
Outdoor team-building activities bring fresh air, can be organized for a next-to-free amount and adventure into the mix, which creates the perfect setting for collaboration, team fun, and a great night’s sleep later.
Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts are frankly an iconic way to turn team bonding into an exciting adventure.
Gear up your team to navigate San Jose to solve clues and complete challenges to reach the finish line! Wild Goose Chase, a smartphone-guided scavenger hunt that takes teams through the city’s streets and landmarks to work together at uncovering some amazing hidden gems in San José.
Park Activities
San Jose’s parks offer a relaxed setting for team-building exercises that encourage teamwork and engagement.
Discovery Park’s Giant Monopoly Game invites teams to play a massive game of Monopoly and walk away with a renewed team bond (and the ultimate bragging rights). Almaden Lake Park – Organize classic team-building games like relay races, tug-of-war, and collaborative challenges in a scenic setting.
Hiking and Nature Exploration
Hiking through San Jose is the perfect setting for team building and great experiences! Embark on the San Jose Historical Walk, a guided adventure through landmarks like the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, where you can learn more about historical facts and snap a few photos!
Castle Rock
For a more physically demanding challenge, hike to the top of Castle Rock to catch one of the best views in San José.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
For a fun and interactive outing, visit the ultra-fun Happy Hollow Park & Zoo to explore exhibits and learn about different animal species (all while strengthening your team connections!)
Skills Development Activities
Beyond adventure and creative activities, skill-focused team-building exercises help improve collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
Communication Skills Workshops
Effective communication is essential for teamwork. These workshops help teams build active listening skills, foster open dialogue, and ensure every team member feels heard and valued.
Check out San José Toastmasters, which helps people develop and practice their public speaking and professional communications skills. Or The Leadership & Communication Academy provides tailored workshops to improve workplace communication.
Trust-Building Exercises
Trust is the foundation of a strong team! Find a gorgeous San Jose park and include a few of these trust-building activities (bonus points if you follow it up with a picnic). Some of our top recommended trust-building activities are:
- The Blindfold Challenge – Pairs navigate an obstacle course while one person is blindfolded.
- The Human Knot – A fun, interactive challenge that requires teamwork to untangle a human chain.
- Outdoor Ropes Courses – Locations like Mount Hermon Adventures offer high ropes courses designed to build trust and teamwork.
Plan Your Next Corporate Event
Planning a successful corporate event starts with the right venue, good food, fun activities, and a knowledge of your team to ensure they have the best experience possible!
Choose the Perfect Venue
Selecting the right location is key to a unique experience. Depending on the size of your team, some top venues in San Jose include the San Jose Convention Center, a large-scale and versatile space that caters to corporate events of all sizes.
If you’re looking for something geared at tech teams, check out a modern, upscale venue for network and team gatherings like GlassHouse San Jose.
Organize a Memorable Event
A successful corporate event keeps teams engaged but also shows them that you know them and care about their positive experience! It makes the team building that much more authentic.
Whether it’s an interactive workshop, a networking session, or a themed celebration – choosing activities that will genuinely resonate with your team is vital to a great time and a positive experience.
Consider Group Size and Budget
Planning within your budget range ensures that everyone can participate comfortably. Go for a cost-effective venue that serves catering or reserve an affordable restaurant with a private space to help create an inclusive and enjoyable experience.
Elevate Your Team Experience in San Jose
Team-building activities strengthen communication, boost morale, and enhance workplace collaboration. They’re an absolute must for the business that wants to retain employees and foster a great work environment.
So, what will be your next fun and exciting event? An outdoor hiking adventure, an art session, or a haunted tour? San Jose offers choices for everyone. Ready to take your team experience to the next level? Check out our shows in San José and around the Bay area to book an unforgettable group outing!