9 Cool Retreat Activities in Boston to Bond Your Team

When you live and work in Boston, your calendar is never empty. Whether you’re having dinner in the North End, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in South Boston, or exploring the hotspots on Cape Cod, there’s something to do in every season. Even in the winter, intrepid Bostonians take part in Frostbite Racing to show off their sailing skills in Boston Harbor. You don’t have to take things that far, but if you’re looking for cool retreat activities in Boston to bond your team, get started planning your event today with these nine great activities for teams of all sizes.

1. Take a ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands

First, enjoy Boston’s beautiful surroundings on a day trip to the Harbor Islands, a national and state park that’s just a short ferry ride from downtown Boston. With several islands to explore, you’ll find hiking, camping, and picnic spots, as well as a historic fort on Georges Island. Aside from ferry tickets — which, at the time of this writing, cost $19.95 per person — access to the islands is free. If your group is larger that 25, though, you’ll have to fill out a Group Authorization Form before your trip.

2. Rent a memorable venue on Peerspace

No matter which way you’re heading, liven up your company retreat by hosting it at a unique Peerspace venue. Have an in-town retreat at this fully-equipped office space in the Back Bay that’s available on evenings and weekends. Or, head to this rustic lodge in Tewksbury, which features a main hall, game room, and even a private screening room for movies.

Whatever event space you choose, you can call up the Concierge service for help putting the finishing touches on your retreat. From A/V rentals to catering recommendations, Peerspace offers everything you need to bring your personalized retreat activities in Boston to life.

3. Go skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors! Get your team moving with a trip to the Boston Common Frog Pond, which becomes a skating rink in winter. Finding outdoor retreat activities in winter can be a challenge, so this is a fun idea for an outing that’s easy to get to via public transit, as well as close to local bars where you can warm up afterwards.

4. Relive the 1980s at the Versus Arcade

Nostalgia always makes for a great team bonding experience. At the Versus Arcade, you can enjoy classic arcade games like pinball, as well as modern gaming consoles, in an ’80s-inspired setting. Located in Downtown Crossing, this is another fun retreat activity in Boston that’s easy to get to for centrally-located teams. Book the entire venue for a private company event, and enjoy craft beer and pub grub from the on-site bar and restaurant.

5. Visit the Igloo Bar in the Seaport District

If you prefer a corporate retreat event with waterfront views, take your team to the Lookout Bar at the Envoy Hotel. This rooftop restaurant is especially appealing in winter, when their heated “igloos” keeps you warm and cozy all night. Each igloo has space for up to 10 people, and you can rent them out in two-hour increments for private events. You’ll have fleece blankets for extra warmth, and a full food and drink menu for a memorable team bonding experience!

6. Experience living history at Plimoth Plantation

If you grew up in the Boston area, then chances are you took a field trip to Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum in which actors play the roles of pilgrims in a recreation of a 17th-century village. But this unique museum isn’t just for kids. Adults of all ages will appreciate this glimpse into the history of Massachusetts and the lives of the Native Peoples of the region. Combine your trip with a group dining experience or a movie screening for an all-day outing. Or, invite one of the costumed role-players to be a professional speaker at your retreat.

7. Take a ski trip to Wachusett Mountain

Another outdoor retreat activity in Boston is a trip to Wachusett Mountain, one of the area’s best ski slopes. Just an hour’s drive from downtown, you can see the city skyline from the peak. Take your team here on a day trip, or a book a nearby venue for an overnight retreat. The Wachusett Mountain Learning Center offers plenty of classes for beginners, so don’t worry if this is your first time on the slopes. Just book a group lesson and learn some new skills as a team.

8. Go to Adult Night at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center

If outdoor adventures aren’t your thing, spend some time at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center instead. They offer corporate event packages for team building, holiday parties, and more. You can participate in the MINILAND Boston scavenger hunt, hop on the Kingdom Quest laser ride, and strap on your headset for the the Great LEGO Race VR Experience. Buy out the venue for a large group, or attend their monthly Adult Night as a small team.

9. Do goat yoga at Chip-In Farm

Finally, don’t miss your chance to try goat yoga, the new summertime activity that’s available at several farms in the Boston area. What exactly is goat yoga? It’s just like ordinary yoga, except with the chance that a goat might climb onto your back to help you deepen your posture! Okay, so we don’t know how much yoga actually gets done when you’re distracted by baby goats, but it’s certainly a good excuse to hang out with farm animals and get some unique photo ops. Chip-In Farm offers private goat yoga lessons in Bedford, MA. If you don’t have the time to visit a farm, bring a traveling goat yoga lesson to you at your outdoor venue instead.

Boston’s year-round venues and seasonal outdoor activities never fail to surprise. Whether you decide to hit the slopes or the ice-skating rink or enjoy a summer day on the Harbor Islands or Plimoth Plantation, you’ll find a range of fun retreat activities in Boston to bond your team. And don’t forget: if you need a cool venue to host your event, browse Peerspace to find dozens of unique venues available to rent from local hosts throughout the Greater Boston area.

Find unique retreat activities in Boston on Peerspace