10 Awesome Team Outing Ideas in Cincinnati

Cincinnati was founded in 1788 — the first major city to be founded after the Revolutionary War — and became a boomtown due to its location as a railroad and steamboat hub. Almost half of the American population is within an 11-hour drive from Cincinnati, making it a great destination for a day trip for teams anywhere in the Ohio or Kentucky region. The city is home to several universities, three major sports teams, and dozens of impressive architectural sites, such as the Cincinnati Music Hall. Here are just a few of our picks for the top team outing ideas in Cincinnati.

1. Play archery dodgeball at Archery Arena

Archery Arena puts a new spin on an old team-building classic. Instead of dodgeballs, you’ll be dodging foam-tipped arrows in a 24-person arena. If you have a larger group, that’s fine, too: you’ll take turns playing while the rest of you enjoy BYO-food-and-drink in the private party area. This is an active team outing idea that includes time for both training and gameplay.

2. Rent a private venue through Peerspace

Come up with your own team outing ideas in Cincinnati with a private event space that can be customized to suit your group size and event type. Book a venue from a local host, then hire a caterer through the Concierge service for an all-inclusive outing. Additional A/V gear, furniture rentals, and other amenities are available, too.

You’ll find unique venues all over the Cincinnati region, such as this antique stone country residence where you can host a group photoshoot or an outdoor retreat. Or, head out to a renovated Victorian home turned event and workspace where you can host a paint & sip party or prepare a pop-up dinner in the spacious kitchen. You can get as creative as you’d like while planning an outing for up to 50 people!

3. Hit the volleyball courts at Fifty West or the Sandbar

For a different kind of outdoor adventure, head to Fifty West Brewing company, where you can sample some local Ohio beers and play volleyball on the sand. Or, rent a cabana at the Sandbar, which offers a tropical vibe and seven outdoor volleyball courts beside the water. Cincinnati’s summers can be very humid, so your team will enjoy the chance to cool off outdoors.

4. Go fowling at the Fowling Warehouse

First played in Detroit, fowling is the latest team sport craze to hit the Midwest. A combination of football and bowling, you can play it in backyards, at tailgate parties, and anywhere else you can play cornhole or horseshoes. For a fully-equipped venue where you can play against each other or other teams, head to the Fowling Warehouse and get trained by learning the official rules. Don’t worry, it’s easy: it’s just like bowling, except with a football!

5. Ride the Cincy Brew Bus

Take a tour of Cincinnati’s brewpubs, distilleries, or wineries on the Cincy Brew Bus, which has a range of tours available to suit groups of all sizes and budgets. Choose from a speciality tour that includes pizza, donuts, or BBQ, or try their Poker Run tour, which includes the chance to win prizes while your team’s enjoying Bavarian pretzels. If you’re on a budget, there’s still a tour available: instead of a private bus, hop on the Cincinnati streetcar to visit three local ale houses.

6. Visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Learn about Cincinnati’s role in the Underground Railroad at the Freedom Center, a “museum of conscience” that’s devoted to unpacking the legacy of slavery — both past and present. Through interactive exhibits and videos, you’ll learn about the abolitionist movement that helped transport escaped slaves across the Ohio River at this very spot. But you’ll also learn about modern-day slavery, which continues to exploit up to 27 million people around the world. It’s a sobering but powerful and important team outing idea in Cincinnati.

7. Go for a cruise with BB Riverboats

Take a trip back in time on this historic form of transportation that helped make Cincinnati what it is today. BB Riverboats offers daily cruises up and down the Ohio River on a traditional riverboat with modern amenities, including climate-controlled decks, dance floors, and luxury dining. Book the entire boat for a private party, or buy tickets for one of their themed cruises, such as the jazz brunch cruise or holiday dinner cruise. This is a fun team outing idea in Cincinnati that’s perfect for a holiday party or company retreat at any time of year.

8. Spend the day at Kings Island

Looking for an all-ages venue for a team outing that the whole family can be invited to? Head to Kings Island, a theme park and water park that’s less than 30 minutes from downtown Cincinnati. Plan a scavenger hunt for your team, or have a catered lunch at a private pavilion. Better yet: if your group is big enough, you can avoid the lines with a full park buyout!

9. Rent a treehouse from the Canopy Crew

The Canopy Crew makes some of the most incredible structures you’ll find in the woods outside of Cincinnati. Located in the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, this venue offers several treehouses for rent in a beautiful natural setting. While they’re fully equipped with beds and kitchens and are designed for overnight stays, they’re also suitable for a company retreat or off-site adventure. If having a meeting in the forest sounds like a good idea to you, this may be the perfect spot!

10. See the wolves at the Wolf Creek Habitat

Wolf Creek Habitat is a one-of-a-kind sanctuary and education center less than an hour’s drive from Cincinnati. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can get up close to these wild creatures and interact with them in a safe and controlled environment. While entering the wolf enclosure isn’t entirely without risk, the venue offers several ways to interact, including photoshoots with a professional photographer and healing services for veterans.

Cincinnati offers a fascinating mix of history, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. With treehouses, riverboats, and roller coasters all within a short drive of the city center, we don’t think you’ll have any trouble finding fun team outing ideas in Cincinnati. For even more options, take a look at the listings on Peerspace to find a private venue where you can plan a day trip, company retreat, or corporate gala at any time of year and for any occasion!

Find unique event venues in Cincinnati on Peerspace