13 Cool Team Building Activities in Chicago (2024)

There’s no shortage of unique event venues and team building activities in Chicago. For many organizations, team building is one of the best methods for strengthening communication among colleagues. Not to mention, offsites that encourage collaboration among team members can also foster motivation, productivity, and creativity.

And it’s a given that your team will appreciate a change of scenery and respite from the day-to-day routine of the workplace. Companies based in the Windy City have a huge number of team building activities and corporate event venues available to them. This Midwestern metropolis boasts an abundance of beautiful cityscapes, world-class cuisine, and superlative arts and culture of all kinds.

And remember, many of these ideas pair perfectly with a private Peerspace rental. After all, Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for event venue rentals, including sensational spots to hang out and strategize with your team. Choose one or more of the team building activities in Chicago ahead, customize your own event at a Peerspace, or do a bit of both!

Now, let’s get on to the list of the best team building activities in Chicago.

1. Book an unforgettable venue on Peerspace for any occasion

Chicago has hundreds of private spaces that would make fabulous choices for a team building event, all available to book through Peerspace. Choose from a wide range of venues, between peaceful daylight studios and loft spaces to scenic rooftops and creative workshops.

One of the most important elements of that planning process is selecting an event venue, and our platform makes that a total breeze. You can easily discover and rent from hundreds of options in Chicago, with spaces owned and operated by local hosts.

Each venue has its own listing that includes numerous high-quality photos of the space and reviews from past clients. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect. As the largest marketplace on the web for event spaces, Peerspace is the go-to choice for event planners, whether professional or informal.

So what types of team building venues in Chicago can you find on Peerspace? Here are some of our favorites:

• This bright and airy gorgeous loft in West Town (pictured above) ideal for groups of 20 with custom woodwork and greenery throughout to inspire and motivate your colleagues
• This West Loop industrial building with room for 30, an open layout, a ping pong table, a pool table, a kitchen for your catering team’s use, and two conference rooms
• This expansive private condo in Near North Side with room for 20, modular furnishings, 7 tables and 22 chairs, a 65″ screen, a projector, and a screen
• This converted factory designer loft in Irving Park for 25 guests, featuring a commercial kitchen, breakout spaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, two projection screens, and several outdoor patios
• This minimalist, inviting, and warm cafe in West Town with space for 25, plenty of seating, Bluetooth speakers, catering, and optional private barista service
• This Loop modern luxuries corporate event space with space for 125, conference and club seating, on-site food and drinks catering, and panoramic city views
• This spacious art-filled gallery space in historic Pilsen that can accommodate up to 200 people

And that’s only the beginning of the types of spaces you can rent on Peerspace for a private and customizable Chicago team building event.

Once you book the perfect team building venue, you can also contact the venue’s local host to make the experience even better. They strive to make your experience exceptional and can help you plan some of the logistics of your event.

2. Test out cutting-edge tech at Redline VR

Tech companies in particular, take note: A team building experience that incorporates virtual reality is fantastic for anyone who’s excited about new technologies. You might even be inspired when you witness the impressive innovations that have produced immersive adventures like these.

And Redline VR is a fantastic place to experience it, whether it’s your first time trying it out or you’re an “old hat” at VR. Their team building workshop is based on Howard Gardners’ theory of multiple intelligences. It offers opportunities to attempt to defuse a virtual bomb, fly a spaceship on its maiden voyage, and more — all while your team is taking their collaboration and communication to the next level.

3. Flex your creative muscles at Art Room Events

Art Room Events offers corporate team building activities that are a great outlet for creativity, not to mention an ideal opportunity for relaxation. Delve into a creative workshop, practice mindfulness at a studio, or immerse yourselves in a lively theater party — their services cater to a variety of team-building needs.

From painting sessions to collaborative art projects, their events cultivate teamwork, boost morale, and encourage innovative thinking in a fun and engaging atmosphere. It’s the ideal opportunity to unleash your team’s creative potential while forging stronger bonds and enjoying some well-deserved relaxation.

Choose your team building package, then book a private Chicago event space. This way, Art Room Events can deliver a signature experience straight to your Peerspace venue. One of our favorite options is this Southside art gallery that has the perfect setup for a paint and sip party for up to 80 guests.

Want less structure and more R&R? Then you need to see our favorite retreat activities in Chicago next!

4. Find hidden gems on a hunt with Urban Explorer

With a long and unique history, there’s plenty to learn about the Windy City. Take a loop around Chicago discovering storied buildings and historic sculptures. Urban Explorer offers team building Chicago Scavenger Hunts that are part city tour, part history lesson, and part game, a recipe for team bonding magic.

These scavenger hunts take you across the city and to specific “secret spots” that illuminate your team and introduce you to a new side of your beloved city.

5. Show off your problem-solving skills at The Escape Game Chicago

Escape rooms are a classic team building activity for a reason. Here’s a perfect example: in The Escape Game Chicago, you and your team must work together on escape room challenges, such as Gold Rush and Prison Break! You can also book online experiences and play at your private meeting room on Peerspace.

Check out with an employee at Deloitte has to say about their team building experience here: “Last week my boss surprised all of us with a virtual prison break escape room and it was exactly what we all needed to reconnect on a beyond-work level to get our minds off the daily grind. I highly recommend it.”

6. Explore the city with Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours

Absolutely Chicago offers tours of art and architecture, museums and the lakefront, fireworks, haunted places, and more. In fact, there are also structured scavenger hunts and trivia contest activities if you’d prefer a greater challenge.

And how better to appreciate it all than aboard a Segway? It adds an adventurous angle that you and your team are sure to adore.

7. Create a work of art with Pearl Paint and Sip

Pearl Paint and Sip boasts that they “put the ‘hip’ in ‘Paint and Sip.’” And that’s from the music they play to the paintings they choose, so we couldn’t disagree there!

Pearl also offers themed paint nights, including pets, glow-in-the-dark, and mosaics. What better way to bond with coworkers than with the relaxing combination of drinks, painting, and great music? It can be as simple as that.

8. Let off some steam with Bad Axe Throwing

If you’re looking for a unique team building idea in Chicago, how about some axe-throwing lessons followed by an exciting team-based tournament?! Bad Axe Throwing is ultra-popular, so they have locations throughout the country.

Meet up with your team at the West Loop location and enjoy private axe-throwing lanes and guidance from expert axe-throwing coaches. 

9. Use your brain and brawn at The Game Room

One of our most fun, entertaining Chicago team building ideas involves competing against your coworkers in a series of games. The Game Room is a themed dining, drinking, and gaming establishment on the second floor of the Chicago Athletic Association building.

Head there with your crew and match wits and muscles as you play bocce ball, checkers, Top Golf, foosball, and more! Sip limited-edition beer collaborations The Game Room has with local breweries and nosh on classic American fare between games.

10. Cook up something delicious with The Chopping Block

Chicago is a foodie mecca, which you can explore as part of your team building event. And this is especially timely considering that Chicago’s food scene is world-famous, with tons of new restaurants opening every year.

Experience the culinary awesomeness in a team-oriented, participatory fashion with The Chopping Block’s team building events. Guided by a professional chef, you’ll work with your team to create — and, of course, eat — a delicious meal!

At their core, cooking classes encourage creativity and problem-solving as participants experiment with ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques to achieve desired results. As teams work together to overcome challenges and successfully complete culinary tasks, they build trust, camaraderie, and mutual respect.

With that in mind, you can take your pick from a wide selection of kitchen venues on Peerspace. For example, put on your chef’s hat and head to this Wicker Park gourmet kitchen that can accommodate up to 25 people. The colorful open concept kitchen is absolutely Instagram-worthy!

These creative corporate event ideas in Chicago can be a real game-changer as you plan your next business gathering. Check them out!

11. Grab a bow and arrow at Chicago Archery

Regardless of if you go with a traditional archery party or an Archery Tag team building event, Chicago Archery is an unbeatable Chicago team building idea. This is especially awesome for those who enjoy a little bit of athleticism and adventure in a novel form. (And don’t worry, it’s totally safe!)

After all, archery requires clear communication between team members to ensure coordination and success. Participants must work together to develop strategies, share tips, and support each other during the activity. This cultivates teamwork and collaboration among colleagues, improving their ability to work together effectively in the workplace.

And in the company’s own words: “We pride ourselves on providing people the opportunity to learn proper archery marksman techniques, range safety, and equipment maintenance in an environment that is friendly and fosters focus, self-confidence, discipline, respect, and team building.” Sounds good to us!

12. Kayak through the city with Wateriders

You might not expect this to be an option in the midst of the Midwest’s largest city, but you can actually ride a kayak on the river and through the city! Explore an unexpected adventure right in the heart of the Midwest’s bustling metropolis by hopping on a kayak and paddling through Chicago’s iconic river.

A tour with Wateriders is a stunning way to appreciate the beauty of Chicago’s cityscape and while getting to know your coworkers in a new way. What’s better than immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant energy by kayak? You can even choose a themed glide down the river, such as Ghosts and Gangsters or History and Architecture.

13. Experience phenomenal brews with Chicago Beer Experience

Chicago is known for its craft beer scene — in fact, it’s got the greatest number of breweries in the country, making it “the nation’s brewing capital.” Explore the local establishments that earned the city this impressive title — and taste some truly great beers of multiple styles — by going on one of Chicago Beer Experience’s beer tours along with your team.

No matter if you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or simply eager to explore new tastes, these expertly curated tours offer a unique opportunity to bond with your team while savoring the finest brews Chicago has to offer. You and your team can even book a private bar on Peerspace and join Chicago Beer Experience virtually if you prefer! This downtown container bar with a basketball court and golf simulator seems like the perfect spot to us.

Bonus idea: Reach new heights at iFly indoor skydiving

Soar to greatness with your team when you partake in indoor skydiving with iFly in Lincoln Park. Reserve a private buyout at iFly for an exhilarating yet completely safe indoor skydiving experience with your team. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you soar through the air, leaving work stress behind and sharing laughter-filled moments together.

At the end of the day iFly provides more than just thrills — enjoy catering services, music, and even dedicated meeting spaces if required. It’s a phenomenal way to bond with your team, create lasting memories, and infuse some excitement into your corporate outing.

Check out what one team leader shared in their review following a visit to iFly: “Five stars for helping me plan (ok, iFLY did all the planning) a fun corporate event for my team. Food, music, and best of all, flying! None of us had gone indoor skydiving before, what a blast! Never seen my employees that excited before.”

Let Peerspace enhance your team building activities in Chicago

Now that you know about some of these incredible team building activities in Chicago, it’s time to start booking! Choose one or two of your favorites and enjoy them on-site or in the privacy of an inspiring event venue in Chicago on Peerspace.

Don’t forget to enlist the help of your venue’s local host if you need any extras. Many can accommodate your needs regarding catering, furniture, and equipment. That said, we hope we can help make your team building event a successful and memorable experience.

Find unique event venues in Chicago on Peerspace