11 Fun Team Building Ideas in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is known as the “City of Festivals,” with a calendar packed full of cultural festivities all year-round. Whether you’re sampling German beer at Oktoberfest, marching in the city’s annual Pridefest, or listening to music at Summerfest, Milwaukee has something new to offer at every turn. The city even builds its own Eiffel Tower every Bastille Day! But if you want to find a more structured activity to bond your coworkers, check out this list of 11 fun team building ideas in Milwaukee that will help you make the most of your time in this memorable city.

1. Take a cooking class at the Milwaukee Public Market

The Milwaukee Public Market is a vibrant downtown food complex with a variety of stalls run by local food vendors. They also offer cooking workshops and team building events in the Madame Kuony Demonstration Kitchen. The classes cover global cuisines from French to Filipino, while team building events provide customized interactive cooking experiences just for your team.

2. Host a workshop at a Peerspace venue

If you’d rather put your own team building event together from scratch, book a venue on Peerspace and bring a workshop facilitator to you. From a modern meeting space on the Lower East Side, to a barn and log cabin in a pine forest in Saukville, you’ll find a range of spaces that are available to rent by the day or hour from local Wisconsin hosts. Whether you’re looking for a secluded rural retreat or a coworking space with A/V gear and Wi-Fi, browse the listings to find the right event space for your team. Then, call up the Concierge service to line up a caterer, equipment delivery, or anything else you need from a trusted local vendor.

3. Cruise the river in an electric Duffy Boat

Team building on the water is always a fun option, and with a Duffy Boat, you don’t even have to learn how to sail! These eco-friendly boats are ”as easy to drive as a golf cart.” Rentals start at $89 for two hours on Wednesdays, with prices increasing on weekends and peak hours. You can bring your own food and drink, or stop for lunch at a nearby dock. Whether you have a business meeting on board or want to keep it casual, this is a fun team outing idea for groups of up to eight or 12 per boat. You’ll need to be over 25 years old and have a valid driver’s license to rent one. Renters under 30 have to pass an online safety course.

4. Enjoy go-karts and laser tag at Lightspeed

Lightspeed is an arcade and gaming arena in Greenfield, WI, that’s ideal for high-energy teams. You’ll play team-building versions of classic group games like laser tag. From 30-player battles in which you learn to strategize together, to solo games in which everyone’s on their own team, you’ll experience the rewards and challenges of teamwork in a high-pressure environment.

5. Learn the ropes at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours

Go for an adventure outdoors with a team building experience offered by Lake Geneva Canopy Tours. This scenic challenge course features nine zip lines, a high ropes course, hiking trails, and more, all within a 100-acre forest. There’s also an indoor meeting space, an outdoor patio and firepit, and a picnic area. Catering is available from local businesses near Lake Geneva. Their team building programs start at $60 per person for corporate groups, and $35 for nonprofits.

6. Practice curling at the Wauwatosa Curling Club

Instead of kickball, learn a new Olympic sport at the Wauwatosa Curling Club. This local league offers team building lessons on the ice, with a two-hour event for 20 people costing around $1000. You’ll learn curling rules, safety, and etiquette, then break up into teams to play a game. The air stays around 40 degrees, so wear warm but loose clothes, such as yoga or jogging pants.

7. Solve the puzzles at Save Milwaukee

Going to an escape room is a great team building idea, but it’s important to choose a game that’s a good fit for your group. Save Milwaukee offers games for eight to 20 people, which is larger than most escape rooms and means you won’t have to break up into smaller teams. You and your group will have 60 minutes to solve an interactive puzzle in a mysterious art gallery.

8. Study impov at ComedySportz Milwaukee

ComedySportz (CSz) isn’t your standard improv show. At this team building event, you’ll break up into two groups to compete in improv games, with the help of an experienced referee. CSz calls it an Applied Improvisation program that will help you build communication skills with your colleagues, and teach you out-of-the-box improv techniques you can use in the workplace! This is a funny, modern team building idea that’s ideal for improving your company culture.

9. Sample local dishes with Milwaukee Food Tours

Wisconsin may be known for its cheese, but the local cuisine includes a variety of ethnic dishes brought over by German, Polish, and Slavic immigrants. Sample sausage, pierogi, goulash, and more on a corporate outing with Milwaukee Food Tours. You can get around on foot or streetcar, or book bus transportation for up to 28 people. Choose from additional tours, such as Churches and Chocolate, holiday lights, or a Black History tour of Milwaukee’s civil rights history.

10. Test your skills at Game Show Battle Rooms

Treat your team to a day of fun and games with a team building competition at the Game Show Battle Rooms. Groups of eight to 64 can participate, with up to 32 people in each game room. You can choose from a Classic Showdown or a Primetime Showdown, with everyone having a turn to compete. Games include “Friendly Feud,” “Wheel of Phrases,” and “Name That Price.” Food isn’t allowed in the arena, but craft beer and other beverages are available on site.

11. Drink and paint at Splash Studio

Among one of the most classic team building ideas in Milwaukee, head to Splash Studio, a DIY painting bar on the East Side. Each artist-led session includes the chance to paint your own piece of art on canvas or wood. You can choose from semi-private sessions to full-venue buyouts for up to 88 people. Or, bring the crew to your office or Peerspace venue for an offsite workshop for up to 60 artists.

From scenic zip lines to regional food tours, these team building ideas in Milwaukee offer just a glimpse of what this friendly and welcoming part of the country has to offer. Whether you attend a cultural festival or a host a workshop at a private Peerspace venue, we think these ideas will give you a new appreciation of both downtown Milwaukee and the surrounding countryside!

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