10 Awesome Team Outing Ideas in Riverside

Riverside, CA, is the largest city in the Inland Empire, a major metropolitan area that stretches to the east of Los Angeles. Riverside was formerly the center of the state’s citrus industry, named for its location on the Santa Ana River. Now, it’s a mix of residential and industrial areas, with a University of California campus, an air force base, museums, and more. If you’re looking for team outing ideas in Riverside, you won’t be disappointed.

From group tours to historic event spaces, there are plenty of options to get your team out of the office to enjoy the city’s pleasant year-round weather. It also makes for an easy day trip from LA or as a stopping point on your way to Joshua Tree or other parts of the region.

1. Take a tour of the Mission Inn

The Mission Inn is one of Riverside’s most notable landmarks. Over 100 years old, this historic property will transport you back to the early days of Riverside’s growth as a city. The 75-minute walking tour includes a look at the inn’s history, architecture, and more. You can also rent out a private meeting room or event space for an off-site workshop or retreat at the Hotel & Spa.

2. Create an event at a Peerspace venue

Rent a venue on Peerspace to design your own team outing ideas in Riverside. Since all of the properties on Peerspace are listed by local hosts, you’ll have your pick of unconventional spots that aren’t available from corporate rental agencies. Whether you want to rent a classroom with A/V capabilities for an off-site presentation or an entire cabin in the mountains for a weekend retreat, Peerspace has a range of locations to choose from. Plus, the Concierge service can help you arrange for any additional equipment rentals or catering services you need.

3. Take a “bird walk and breakfast” at the UCR Botanic Gardens

Instead of planning after-work drinks, why not start the day off with an early morning walk at the UCR Botanic Gardens? This event includes a guided walk through the gardens, with the chance to see dozens of local and migratory birds in a beautiful forested environment. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a continental breakfast where you can ask questions and learn more about what you’ve seen. If that’s too early for you, schedule a private tour at your preferred time instead.

4. Solve the clues at the Escape Bus

You may have been to an escape room, but have you ever experienced an escape bus? This team outing idea in Riverside is a great option because it’s mobile and can come to you. You’ll get all the benefits of a field trip without having to travel anywhere! The Escape Bus looks just like a traditional school bus, but it’s full of ingenious puzzles that your team will have to solve in order to win. Each game can accommodate up to six players at a time.

5. See a double feature at the Van Buren Drive-In Theatre

It’s hard to find a good drive-in theater these days, especially when it’s so easy to go to the local megaplex. But the Van Buren Drive-In Theatre is worth a trip! Divide your team into small groups and drive to this affordable outdoor venue, where you’ll get to see a double-feature while enjoying popcorn, nachos, and drinks. You can tune in to the audio track using your car’s FM radio, and even listen to the movie in Spanish by downloading the Theater Ears app.

6. Taste the wines at Canyon Crest Winery

You don’t have to go to Napa Valley to try some of California’s best wines. Canyon Crest Winery brings the vineyard to you at their central Riverside location. You can schedule a private tasting for your group at their wine bar, or host an event such as a birthday or holiday party. They even offer “bottling parties,” at which you’ll learn to bottle and cork your favorite wine varieties, as well as apply customized wine labels to create your own “house wine”.

7. Attend an adobe workshop at CalEarth

The California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture teaches kids and adults of all ages how to build environmentally-friendly structures using “SuperAdobe” earthbags. A one-day workshop will get your team working together while learning about this sustainable building style that’s used in refugee camps and for disaster relief. If you’re not ready to commit to a full workshop, you can book a private tour to visit the Hesperia, CA, campus and see the structures for yourself.

8. Relax at the Glen Ivy Hot Springs

The Inland Empire is full of natural hot springs, but some of them are quite the hike! At Glen Ivy, your team will have access to 19 pools, saunas, mineral baths, and more, all in the comfort of a modern resort environment. This is a fun and relaxing team outing idea in Riverside that can be combined with lunch, massage treatments, and other add-ons. Book a private cabana for your entire team, or stay for their evening hours to enjoy live entertainment after dark.

9. Enjoy the views from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Looking for team outing ideas in Riverside on a hot summer day? Why not head up? The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the biggest rotating tram on the planet, and it will take you to the top of Mount Jacinto, where the temperature can be as much as 30 degrees cooler. You’ll find two restaurants, museum exhibits, and 50 miles of trails. It truly feels like a different world as you leave behind the dry desert below for an alpine forest with epic views of the Inland Empire!

10. See the planes at the March Field Air Museum

The March Air Force Base is located right near Riverside, and it’s one of the largest bases of its kind in the country. You can see a collection of military aircraft on display at the March Field Air Museum, which offers private tours, including a 45-minute tram tour of its outdoor collection. If your group is feeling adventurous, you can even sign up for a “Paranormal Investigation Tour,” which takes place from 9 pm to 1 am, and involves the use of “ghost-hunting equipment.”

Riverside’s location in the Inland Empire makes it easy to plan a day trip to LA, Joshua Tree, or even Disneyland. But we think there’s enough to do right here in the neighborhood, with historic sites, recreation areas, and museums, all within an easy drive from the city. Consider planning one of these team outing ideas in Riverside, or search on Peerspace for additional venues and event spaces where you can host an activity of your own!

Find unique event venues in Riverside on Peerspace