12 Corporate Team Bonding Activities In NYC That Are Actually Worthwhile

No matter the amount of people you are trying to bring together, team bonding activities are a great way to build relationships, camaraderie, and a sense of family. I mean, what could be better than stepping outside the four walls of your office for a few hours and having a little fun? Here in NYC, the city is crawling with tons of fun activities and exercises that would be perfect for your next employee outing. Without further ado, here is 11 of our favorite corporate team building activities right now in NYC.

1. Take a trip to the Upside Down at the Strangers Thing Experience

Nothing bonds people together quite like a TV show, and the newly opened Stranger Things: The Experience is perfect for fans of the popular Netflix show. This installation brings alive some of the show’s main characters like Eleven, Steve, Dustin and more, all while transporting you into the world of the Upside Down. Plus, photo opportunities are perfect for your whole team, and there are even food and drink specials as well that are perfect to get people mingling and having a good time! Private bookings are currently available now and accommodations can be made no matter the size of your group!

Inquire about bookings here.

2. Have a sing-along to music from your favorite artist at a Candlelight Concert

Dig into your musical side with one of the various Candlelight concerts paying homage to your team’s favorite musician. From Adele to Taylor Swift to the Beatles, enjoy an evening in ambient lighting, listening to your favorite hits being performed by a string quartet. Beverages are sold during every showing and the concerts themselves are even offered at different venues across the city. Choose your favorite artist and book one of the shows now!

See the full lineup of Candlelight performances here.

3. Become closer friends at the FRIENDS™ Experience

Immerse yourself and your teammates in a world of one of the 90’s most popular sitcoms, Friends! The Friends Experience is the perfect way to step back in time, relive the memories of the show, and have a laugh with your coworkers. Complete with photo opportunities, interactive experiences, live props and items from the show, and even a real life Central Perk coffee shop, there’s so much you can do with your team while you’re here!

Be sure to inquire about group rates here.

4. Compete in NYC’s first live game show, Game of 1000 Boxes

Communication and teamwork is what makes any team strong, and these traits will be put to the test in the Game of 1000 Boxes. This experience is NYC’s first ever live game show that will test your knowledge and problem-solving skills. After splitting into teams, up to 32 players will compete against one another in order to win a mystery box of prizes! This activity is perfect for breaking team members out of their comfort zone all while working toward the ultimate goal: being the winner.

Learn more about the experience here.

5. Enroll in a team-building program at Chelsea Piers

Chelsea Piers is a great location for many group outings, but their specific team building programs they offer are perfect for any company of any size. These programs are traditional in nature and offer specialized coaches and exercises per session. Options such as rock climbing, bowling, dodgeball, and other strategic games are just some of the activities you’ll find in these programs.

Be sure to check out the Chelsea Piers team building page to learn more about the available programs and how to book them!

6. Spend a day at the ballpark with the Yankees or Mets

Take your crew out to the ballgame with an afternoon or evening with one of NYC’s baseball teams. The Mets and Yankees both offer group packages and hospitality options that are a perfect for a getaway from the office. Depending on the size of your group and your budget, you can choose from a variety of ticket options that can include catered food and drink, specific seating areas, and even additional memorabilia and collectibles. If you have a group of sports fans, this is a great way to bring people together while cheering on your favorite team!

Learn more about Mets group packages here.

Learn more about Yankees group packages here.

7. Explore NYC’s finest museums

NYC offers some of the best museums and exhibits in the entire world, and they are the perfect spot for a group outing with your team. With programs from Museum Hack, you can engage with museums and art like you never have before! Their team building plans are led by art experts and include team building exercises about art, fun stories about the works you’re viewing, and icebreaker games that help you get to know each other better. Their goal is to “turn co-workers into team-workers” by introducing concepts of communication, teamwork, and leadership while at the museum. The museums you can choose from include The Met, The American Museum of Natural History, and so many more.

Learn more here.

8. Encourage some friendly competition with axe throwing

Looking to play for bragging rights among your team? Axe throwing is a great way to encourage some competition within your group. Live Axe in Manhattan is one of our favorite axe throwing bars where you can have a few drinks and throw some axes with some friends. Group reservations can me made all throughout the week, but we advise you to pick a weekend to organize something like this! If you and your crew really love it, you can even join one of their axe throwing leagues and compete against other teams.

Learn more here.

9. Take a food truck tour around the city

Everyone loves food, and taking a food truck tour through the streets of NYC is a delicious way to have some team bonding time. Through Turnstile Tours, you’re able to book different food truck tours based on different neighborhoods of the city. Whether you want to find hidden gems near your office or explore a different neighborhood with your crew, you’re bound to find something yummy along the way!

Inquire here about private tours.

10. Charter a boat for a day

In need of some views and good vibes? Consider renting out a New York Media Boat for an afternoon out on the waters of NYC. Included in group bookings is a 1.5 hour narrated tour around the harbor of the city, which will surely be an awe-inspiring experience for your group. From gazing at the skyline to visiting famous landmarks, the picturesque views are perfect for capturing memories and photos that you’ll remember forever.

Learn more about their tours here.

11. Walk & talk through The High Line

If you’re looking to take one of your team bonding activities into your own hands, considering do it at The High Line. This popular outdoor location is a great spot to do anything from a picnic to a scavenger hunt. There are so many things to see and do on this nearly 1.5 mile walkway, so the world is truly your oyster! Such a great place to get some fresh air and have some fun.

Learn more about The High Line here.

12. Conquer one of NYC’s Escape Rooms

Last but not least, bring your group together with one of the most popular team bonding activities, escape rooms. While we recommend The Escape Game, there are so many escape room options around the city that you can book for large groups! Have your team work together to solve puzzles, work through riddles, and uncover clues to help discover a way out. What could be a better way to sharpen communication skills and build relationships that can translate back into the workplace?

Book your group’s adventure here.