55+ Fun and Engaging Ideas for Corporate Events That Your Team Will Actually Enjoy 

Corporate events should be engaging, energizing, and actually fun. The right event boosts morale, strengthens relationships, and creates lasting memories. This guide covers 55+ team building ideas to help you find the perfect fit. 

This isn’t a popular opinion, but we’ll just say it: 

Most corporate event ideas are forgettable.  

They blend into a blur of forced networking, awkward small talk, and activities that feel more like a chore than something to look forward to.  

That’s a problem—because corporate events should energize your team, not drain them. 

In this guide, you’ll learn why exactly a great corporate event matters so much. Plus, you’ll discover 55+ corporate event ideas you can choose from and learn how to pick the perfect one for your team.  

Table of Contents

• Why Do Fun Corporate Event Ideas Matter for Your Team? 
• 15 Outdoor Corporate Event Ideas for Teams That Love Fresh Air 
• 14 Incredible Indoor Corporate Event Ideas  
• 11 Virtual and Hybrid Corporate Event Ideas for Distributed Teams 
• 17 Corporate Events Tailored for Philanthropy and Community Impact 
• 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Corporate Event for Your Team 

Why Do Fun Corporate Event Ideas Matter for Your Team? 

A corporate event isn’t just an excuse to get out of the office—it’s a strategic investment in your team.  

Done right, these events boost engagement, improve retention, and create a workplace where people actually want to be.  

Done wrong? You’ll get eye-rolls, low attendance, and employees who would rather fake a dentist appointment than sit through another forced activity. 

But let’s focus on the positives.  

Fun Corporate Events Boost Employee Engagement and Retention

Companies with highly engaged employees are 23% more profitable than those with disengaged teams. 

And what’s one of the easiest ways to increase engagement? Give your employees experiences that make them feel valued. 

A well-planned corporate event shows that leadership cares about more than just deadlines—it creates moments of connection, recognition, and fun that employees associate with their workplace. When people feel connected, they stick around. 

Great Corporate Events Strengthen Collaboration and Teamwork

You can’t force people to work well together. But you can create experiences that naturally build trust, improve communication, and strengthen relationships.  

Activities that encourage problem-solving, creative thinking, and shared goals break down silos and improve workplace dynamics. 

That’s why events like scavenger hunts, escape rooms, philanthropic activities, and outdoor challenges work so well. They make teamwork feel organic—not like a forced trust fall in a conference room. 

The Right Corporate Events Improve Morale and Reduce Burnout

Employees are more burned out than ever, and a big reason is the lack of meaningful connection at work.  

A fun, well-designed corporate event recharges your team, provides a mental reset, and reminds them why they enjoy working together. 

When you create opportunities for genuine fun and interaction, you’re not just giving employees a break—you’re actively fostering a culture where people feel energized and excited about their work. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive into 55+ corporate event ideas your team will love, followed by a cheat sheet for picking the right corporate event for your group.  

15 Outdoor Corporate Event Ideas for Teams That Love Fresh Air

If your team is stuck in an office (or on Zoom calls) all day, an outdoor corporate event is the perfect way to refresh, recharge, and reconnect.  

These activities offer a change of scenery, encourage movement, and create an energizing environment for team bonding. 

1. Scavenger Hunts

A classic, high-energy way to get people moving, thinking, and working together. Organize a scavenger hunt in your city, at a park, or even around your office. Give teams clues, challenges, and puzzles to solve as they race to the finish line. 

• Best For: Large and small teams, problem-solving, collaboration 
• Pro Tip: Make it more engaging with custom company-themed challenges or a photo/video component 

Here are a few scavenger hunt ideas your team might like. 

Wild Goose Chase 

In this scavenger hunt activity, your team can get out of the office and explore your city in a whole new way. Together, your team will need to think outside the box, bond as a group, and venture outside into the community in order to complete a series of fun and unique photo and video challenges. 

You’ll need to tackle a list of challenges, including: 

• Snap a photo of your team standing next to a large public clock that reads EXACTLY 22 minutes past the hour 
• Search for a business that is open 24 hours 7 days a week and snap a photo of a team member with the sign showing the business’ hours 
• Snap a photo of a teammate next to a vehicle that has an “antique” or “collectible” license plate 
• Head to a nearby playground and take a photo of your entire team balanced on a seesaw. Here’s the catch: everyone’s feet must be off the ground while balanced!
• Find a hopscotch course or use a piece of chalk to create your own on a sidewalk. Record a 5-second video of a teammate hopping and completing it 
• Stage a martial arts battle with another team in a nearby park. Record a 5-second video of both teams facing each other (with plenty of space between you) and doing the famous crane kick 

The team with the most points when time runs out will be named the winners! 

This activity is available in the following formats: 

• Hosted: Completely turnkey, you’ll have a live host who coordinates all logistics and runs the event from start to finish. 
• Remote-Hosted: When you don’t need an in-person host at the event, you can have a virtual host who will kick off your event, make sure everything is running smoothly, be available for troubleshooting and questions, and then wrap things up for you. 
• Self-Hosted: Rather than having a host, our team will give you detailed instructions on everything you need to successfully set up and run the event as well as access to Outback’s app. 

So, you can do your team building activity in the format that works best for you. 

Storage Locker Scavenger Hunt

Have you ever watched Storage Wars–the show where people bid on storage lockers and auction off the contents–and thought it would be cool to do on your own? 

Even if you haven’t, you can take our word for the fact that it looks like fun! 

And with a storage locker scavenger hunt, you can do your own iteration of this show (without actually needing a storage locker to root through). 

You can ask your team to find things like: 

• Old computers running on outdated operating systems. If the machines are functional, participants can take a picture of the start menu or a video of a team member using the computer. 
• Videotapes, cassettes, records, BlueRay movies, MP3 players, and Discmans (or even Walkmans!) 
• Old cell phones 
• Old magazines 
• Vintage clothing 
• Old photos of family members or friends 
• Old-school sportswear or gear 

Your team can look for items stored in their homes and share their findings with their colleagues. 

Selfie Challenge

Looking for a fun and simple scavenger hunt for your team? Then you’ll love the Selfie Challenge scavenger hunt. 

The premise is simple: your group just needs to break into teams and head out into the city (or office or any other location you choose!) to take selfies that match a predetermined list. 

To make this extra fun, we recommend making it last for a few days—or even a week—so that you can incorporate some really fun and interesting selfies, like: 

• On top of a mountain 
• At a zoo 
• In a bar 
• With your pets 
• When you first wake up 
• In a forest 
• By a lake 

You can also include some quicker and simpler ones, such as: 

• With your team 
• By a statue 
• In a mirror 
• With a teammate’s lookalike 
• Making a human pyramid 
• With a stranger 

The opportunities are virtually endless for this team building scavenger hunt. 

The Amazing Chase 

Inspired by the popular reality TV show The Amazing Race – on which teams race around the world, with each leg of the competition requiring the groups to solve puzzles, interact with locals, and complete challenges – this interactive scavenger hunt has teams following clues around their city and taking on physical and mental challenges to move on to the next destination. 

With more teams in play, the stakes are even higher, and the competition is even more fierce. 

2. Hiking Adventures

Nothing beats fresh air and scenic views to reset the mind and build team bonds. Choose a trail that matches your team’s fitness level, and encourage teamwork by assigning partners or having check-in points along the way. 

• Best For: Small and mid-sized teams, stress relief, informal team bonding 
• Pro Tip: End the hike with a picnic or bonfire for extra social time 

You can also use a tool like AllTrails to help you find a good spot. 

3. Beach Day

Sun, sand, and team bonding—what’s not to love? A beach day is a laid-back but engaging way to bring employees together. Organize fun activities like beach volleyball, sandcastle-building contests, or water sports. 

• Best For: Large teams, casual networking, relaxation 
• Pro Tip: Rent a beachfront space with shaded seating, music, and catering to keep it comfortable 

Want to add a little something extra to your beach day? We’d recommend Picnic Party Games.  

This activity has teams complete as many goofy photo and video challenges as possible before time runs out. 

Some examples of challenges you can do in this activity include: 

• Catapult Cuisine: Use a utensil to launch a bite-sized food item into another person’s mouth from 10 feet away. 
• Tree Hugger: Snap a photo of someone hugging a tree trunk like a koala bear. Legs and arms must be completely off the ground! 
• Spoon Relay: Participate in a relay race while balancing a small rock on a spoon. 

These games can be done all at once or spread out throughout the day. 

If you’re planning a corporate event for the summer months, you can also dive into our list of 74 Summer Team Building Ideas for a little more inspiration.  

4. Orienteering Challenge

Turn a simple outdoor trip into an adventure-filled competition by challenging teams to navigate using maps and compasses. This taps into strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving. 

• Best For: Leadership teams, puzzle-solvers, outdoor enthusiasts 
• Pro Tip: Offer prizes for the fastest or most creative team 

5. Camping Trips

Whether it’s traditional camping or glamping, spending a night outdoors can encourage deep connections and build trust among team members. Activities like storytelling, stargazing, and group meals add to the experience. 

• Best For: Teams looking for a multi-day retreat, bonding, unplugging from work 
• Pro Tip: Make sure to plan team building exercises like campfire stories or survival challenges 

6. Whitewater Rafting

For teams that thrive on adventure and adrenaline, whitewater rafting is the ultimate team building challenge. Employees must work together, communicate, and trust each other to navigate rapids successfully. 

• Best For: Thrill-seekers, active teams, overcoming challenges 
• Pro Tip: Choose a guided experience that fits your team’s comfort level, from mild rapids to intense runs 

Believe it or not, rafting is actually part of our DNA at Outback. You can learn more about that here. 

7. Ziplining and Ropes Courses

Encourage confidence, trust, and stepping outside comfort zones with a ziplining or ropes course adventure. These activities push teams to overcome fears, rely on each other, and build camaraderie. 

• Best For: Confidence-building, trust, leadership development 
• Pro Tip: Pair this with a team lunch or group debrief afterward to discuss takeaways 

8. Amusement Park Takeover

If your team prefers thrills over structured activities, why not host a corporate event at an amusement park? Employees can ride roller coasters, play games, and enjoy a relaxed, fun-filled day outside of work. 

• Best For: Large teams, casual fun, reward-based events 
• Pro Tip: Offer custom company swag like T-shirts or hats to make it a branded experience 

9. Boat Cruise or Yacht Party

A waterfront corporate event adds a level of exclusivity and excitement. Whether it’s a river cruise, lake excursion, or yacht party, this is a great way to mix team bonding with relaxation. 

• Best For: Celebratory events, networking, corporate retreats 
• Pro Tip: Choose a themed event (e.g., tropical, casino night) to make it more engaging 

10. City Cleanup Challenge

Want to combine team bonding with giving back? Organize a city cleanup where employees pick up litter, restore local parks, or plant trees. This fosters teamwork and corporate social responsibility at the same time. 

• Best For: Community engagement, CSR initiatives, outdoor bonding 
• Pro Tip: Offer prizes for the most collected trash or funniest cleanup story to keep it competitive 

11. Farmers’ Market and Local Food Tour

For a laid-back and culture-rich experience, take your team to a farmers’ market or a curated local food tour. Employees can explore unique vendors, enjoy fresh food, and connect in a relaxed setting. 

• Best For: Food lovers, social outings, casual networking 
• Pro Tip: Give employees a budget to buy local products as a fun perk. 

12. Golf Scramble Tournament

Golf is a classic corporate event that encourages casual conversation, networking, and friendly competition. A scramble format ensures that all skill levels can participate. 

• Best For: Small and mid-sized teams, executive networking 
• Pro Tip: Offer fun awards for achievements like longest drive, best-dressed golfer, or most creative putt 

13. Go-Kart Racing

High-speed fun that brings out competitiveness and strategy. Go-karting encourages teams to think quickly, make decisions under pressure, and have a blast. 

• Best For: Competitive teams, fast-paced fun, stress relief 
• Pro Tip: Create team-based relay races for extra collaboration 

14. National Park Adventure

Get out of the city and explore a national park together. Whether it’s hiking, camping, or guided nature tours, this is a great way to reconnect with nature and unwind as a team. 

• Best For: Small to mid-sized teams, relaxation, nature lovers 
• Pro Tip: Consider booking a private guided tour to make it a more enriching experience 

15. Corporate Sports Day

A fun twist on a childhood favorite—field day! Organize a mini-Olympics, dodgeball tournament, or relay races where teams compete for fun prizes. 

• Best For: Large teams, company-wide engagement, team bonding 
• Pro Tip: Let employees vote on which sports or games they want included 

You can also take this to the next level with The Olympiad Challenge. 

The Olympic Games might take place every four years, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait that long to feel the excitement, energy, competitive spirit, and sense of community they inspire. 

With The Olympiad Challenge, you and your group can take the stage and compete for gold at your very own Olympics-style team building event. 

Your group will break out into “nations,” choosing your national symbol and creating a custom flag before partaking in an Olympic Oath rooted in integrity, fairness, and sportsmanship.  

Next, you’ll tackle challenges inspired by the ancient athletic games using supplies provided in your team bag, earning points for each one successfully completed. 

The team that earns the most points throughout the competition will be named Olympiad Challenge Champions! 

14 Incredible Indoor Corporate Event Ideas

Not every corporate event needs to be outdoors. Indoor activities are perfect for teams looking for structured, engaging, and comfortable settings—without worrying about the weather.  

Whether you’re planning a company retreat, a holiday party, or just want a fun break from work, these ideas will keep employees engaged while building connections and morale. 

1. Escape Room Challenge

A high-energy way to get employees working together. Teams are locked in a themed room and must solve puzzles, uncover clues, and beat the clock to escape. 

• Best for: problem-solving, communication, leadership development 
• Pro tip: choose a room theme that matches your team’s interests—mystery, sci-fi, or even company-related challenges 

Want your Escape Rooms to be elaborate and unforgettable? We’ve got a few options you can choose from, including: 

• Jewel Heist: Who will be the first to find the stolen jewels? In order to crack the case, your team will need to quickly uncover the hidden clues and then solve a series of brain teasers that require collaboration, creative problem solving, and thinking outside the box. 
• The Mummy’s Curse: Uncover the secrets of Ancient Egypt to retrieve the talisman and lift the mummy’s curse! Using mysterious items provided, your team will be challenged to strategize, problem-solve, and communicate as you solve a series of puzzles… before time runs out. 
• The Haunting of Spencer Manor: Uncover the secrets of Spencer Manor in this spine-chilling escape room experience, where your team must solve puzzles and unravel a ghostly mystery. 

Want even more ideas for unforgettable escape rooms? Check out our resource: The 26 Top Paid and Free Virtual Escape Rooms for Work and Friends. 

2. Cooking Classes and Bake-Offs

Bring employees together through food and creativity. A group cooking class lets teams learn new skills while working toward a delicious goal. Want some competition? Try a bake-off where teams go head-to-head to impress the judges. 

• Best for: collaboration, creativity, hands-on engagement 
• Pro tip: pick a cuisine that’s outside the norm to make it more exciting—think sushi-making, French pastries, or gourmet tacos 

3. Art and Creativity Workshops

Give your team a chance to de-stress and express themselves with an art-focused event. Painting, pottery, candle-making, or even collaborative murals encourage creativity in a low-pressure environment. 

• Best for: stress relief, team bonding, boosting innovation 
• Pro tip: display finished artwork in the office as a reminder of the event 

4. Improv Comedy Night

A hilarious way to build confidence, quick thinking, and teamwork. Bring in a professional improv coach or have teams create their own on-the-spot comedy sketches. 

• Best for: public speaking, leadership development, icebreaking 
• Pro tip: start with simple warm-ups before moving into team-based improv games 

5. Karaoke Night

Encourage employees to step outside their comfort zone and have fun. Whether it’s serious singing or over-the-top performances, karaoke is always a great way to bring teams together. 

• Best for: icebreaking, social bonding, relaxed team fun 
• Pro tip: create a theme night (e.g., 80s, movie soundtracks) to make it even more engaging 

6. Trivia Night

Test your team’s knowledge on topics like pop culture, history, company facts, or industry-related questions. Teams compete for points and bragging rights. 

• Best for: friendly competition, engagement, knowledge sharing 
• Pro tip: use an interactive trivia app to make it easier to track scores 

If you want to host a DIY trivia event, we’ve got a list of 285 trivia questions and answers you should check out.  

Or, if you’re looking for more structured trivia team building activities, Outback offers more than a dozen you can choose from.  

7. Murder Mystery Dinner

A mix of role-playing, problem-solving, and entertainment. Each participant plays a character and works to uncover the “killer” through conversations, clues, and deduction. 

• Best for: large teams, creative problem-solving, immersive storytelling 
• Pro tip: assign roles ahead of time and encourage employees to dress in character to enhance the experience 

You can also check out Outback’s Clue Murder Mystery.  

In this activity, you and your coworkers will have to put your heads together to solve who had the means, motive, and opportunity to commit a deadly crime. Using the Outback app, teams will attempt to piece together the case by correctly answering the most questions. 

8. Virtual Reality (VR) Experience

If you want something futuristic and interactive, rent a VR arcade or bring VR headsets to the office. Employees can explore digital worlds, play multiplayer games, or experience team-based challenges. 

• Best for: innovation, tech-focused teams, high-energy engagement 
• Pro tip: choose multiplayer VR games that require teamwork to win 

9. Wine or Beer Tasting

A sophisticated yet relaxed way to bring employees together in a social setting. Partner with a local brewery or winery for a guided tasting session. 

• Best for: social networking, casual team bonding, after-hours events 
• Pro tip: provide non-alcoholic pairings for those who prefer alternatives 

10. Movie Screening and Discussion

Host a private screening of a cult classic, motivational film, or industry-related documentary. Follow it up with a discussion session where teams can share insights. 

• Best for: relaxation, team bonding, thoughtful discussion 
• Pro tip: offer themed snacks or drinks that match the movie setting 

11. Dueling Pianos or Music Bingo

Bring in live musicians for an interactive event where employees request songs and sing along. Or, try music bingo—where players match songs to a themed bingo card. 

• Best for: high-energy social events, music lovers, casual entertainment 
• Pro tip: let teams vote on the playlist ahead of time for a personalized touch 

12. DIY Candle or Soap Making

A relaxing, hands-on activity where teams craft custom candles, soaps, or bath products. 

• Best for: creativity, stress relief, take-home souvenirs 
• Pro tip: let employees choose scents and designs for a personalized experience 

13. Corporate Talent Show

A surprisingly fun and engaging way to showcase hidden talents. Employees can perform stand-up comedy, play instruments, or display unique skills in a supportive setting. 

• Best for: employee engagement, culture-building, boosting confidence 
• Pro tip: keep it casual—no pressure, just fun 

14. Personal Development Workshops

Invest in your employees by bringing in guest speakers or hosting skill-building sessions. Topics could include public speaking, leadership skills, financial wellness, or mindfulness. 

• Best for: professional growth, employee development, personal enrichment 
• Pro tip: poll employees beforehand to see which topics interest them most 

These ideas are just a drop in the bucket. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our full resource: The Top 69 Indoor Team Building Activities. 

11 Virtual and Hybrid Corporate Event Ideas for Distributed Teams

With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, corporate events need to be just as engaging for employees working from home as they are for those in the office.  

These virtual and hybrid event ideas ensure that distance doesn’t get in the way of connection, collaboration, and team bonding. 

1. Remote Happy Hours

A simple way to help teams unwind and bond. Employees grab their favorite drink and join a casual video chat for conversations, games, or themed events. 

• Best for: casual networking, morale boosting, remote engagement 
• Pro tip: add fun icebreaker questions or a mixology segment for extra engagement 

Your remote happy hours don’t just have to involve people sitting on-screen and chatting. In fact, that’s not always the best approach in a virtual setting. 

Instead, consider adding some structure to your remote happy hour with a team building activity like Virtual Happy Hour Trivia. 

With this activity, you can together with your team and take a trip to “Hamish McDuff’s” virtual pub. This hilarious Scottish pub owner is the legendary host of a trivia game that is perfect for your team’s virtual happy hour fun!  

Hamish will host two rounds of virtual pub trivia, featuring four themed categories of your choice. With 20 category options to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the perfect themes for your remote team – from Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader to Sports, Food & Drink, or even Celebrity Real Estate.  

With pub soundscapes, visual surprises, and warm-hearted humor, Hamish McDuff makes your guests feel like they just had a memorable happy hour with friends in a real pub, like the good ol’ days.  

This virtual pub trivia game is guaranteed to produce plenty of laughs and lift team “spirits.” It might even include a few special surprises.   

2. Virtual Cooking Classes

Employees cook together from their own kitchens while following a live instructor. Choose a cuisine, send out ingredient lists, and turn it into a fun, interactive event. 

• Best for: hands-on engagement, team bonding, creativity 
• Pro tip: encourage employees to show off their finished dishes at the end 

3. Online Book Clubs

Encourage employees to read, discuss, and connect over a shared book. Choose business-related books, self-development reads, or fun fiction picks. 

• Best for: thought leadership, learning, casual conversation 
• Pro tip: rotate discussion leaders each session to keep things fresh 

4. Virtual Fitness and Wellness Challenges

Keep employees active and engaged with challenges like step competitions, yoga classes, or guided meditation sessions. 

• Best for: employee well-being, engagement, workplace culture 
• Pro tip: offer small prizes for milestones like most steps walked or best wellness tip shared 

5. Virtual Coffee Breaks

Short, informal video calls where employees can connect over coffee, tea, or snacks—no work talk allowed. 

• Best for: casual bonding, icebreaking, reducing isolation 
• Pro tip: schedule them for 15 minutes to keep them light and refreshing 

6. Virtual Art and Painting Nights 

Employees receive painting kits in the mail and follow an instructor live on video. A great way to relax and get creative. 

• Best for: stress relief, creativity, social bonding 
• Pro tip: let employees vote on the painting theme in advance 

7. Online Gaming Tournaments

Set up a tournament for multiplayer online games like Mario Kart, Among Us, or Jackbox Party Packs. 

• Best for: friendly competition, casual fun, remote socializing 
• Pro tip: use a bracket-style format to make it more exciting 

8. Guided Virtual Meditation and Mindfulness Sessions

Help employees de-stress with guided mindfulness sessions that focus on relaxation and mental well-being. 

• Best for: stress management, wellness, focus 
• Pro tip: schedule sessions during lunch breaks for maximum participation 

9. Hybrid Town Halls and Networking Events

Host company-wide meetings where both in-office and remote employees can participate equally through live streaming and breakout rooms. 

• Best for: hybrid teams, company culture, leadership communication 
• Pro tip: use live polling and Q&A tools to keep engagement high 

10. Virtual Stand-Up Comedy Shows

Hire a professional comedian to perform a live virtual set for your team or host an amateur comedy night where employees share jokes. 

• Best for: stress relief, laughter, remote engagement 
• Pro tip: keep it short (30–45 minutes) for the best energy

11. Live Streamed Concerts and DJ Sessions

Bring the party to remote employees by streaming live music performances, DJ sets, or company-curated playlists. 

• Best for: casual social events, employee appreciation, engagement 
• Pro tip: create a pre-event poll where employees submit song requests 

17 Corporate Events Tailored for Philanthropy and Community Impact

Corporate events don’t have to be just about fun—they can also be a powerful way to give back to the community, strengthen company values, and bring teams together for a cause that matters.  

These events boost employee engagement while making a real difference. 

1. Charity Runs and Walks

Support a great cause by organizing or participating in a charity run, walk, or cycling event. Employees can fundraise, train together, and bond over a shared goal. 

• Best for: wellness, community impact, team motivation 
• Pro tip: let employees vote on the charity to increase personal investment 

2. Volunteering at Shelters or Food Banks

Spend the day helping at a local shelter, soup kitchen, or food bank. Teams can pack meals, sort donations, or serve food to those in need. 

• Best for: hands-on impact, team bonding, social responsibility 
• Pro tip: schedule a post-event discussion where employees share takeaways from their experience 

3. Fundraising Tournaments

Turn a company sports tournament—whether it’s golf, bowling, or cornhole—into a fundraiser for a chosen charity. Employees donate to participate, and all proceeds go to a nonprofit. 

• Best for: friendly competition, fundraising, engagement 
• Pro tip: match employee donations to amplify the impact 

4. Mentorship Days

Partner with local schools, youth organizations, or career development programs to host mentorship sessions where employees share professional insights with students or job seekers. 

• Best for: leadership, education, community impact 
• Pro tip: structure mentorship into small groups to make conversations more meaningful 

5. Toy or Book Drives 

A simple but impactful event—set up donation boxes at the office where employees can contribute toys, books, or school supplies for children in need. 

• Best for: year-end giving, casual participation, corporate social responsibility 
• Pro tip: organize a wrapping or distribution event to make it more interactive 

6. Office Auction for Charity

Employees donate services, talents, or unique experiences (e.g., lunch with the CEO, a baking lesson, or a custom painting), and coworkers bid on them. All proceeds go to charity. 

• Best for: internal engagement, fundraising, team bonding 
• Pro tip: add humorous or creative auction items to make it more fun 

7. Company-Wide Blood Drive

Work with a local blood bank to host a donation event at the office or set up a team challenge to see who can recruit the most donors. 

• Best for: health initiatives, community service, employee engagement 
• Pro tip: offer incentives like an extra vacation day for those who donate 

8. Habitat for Humanity Build Days

Help build homes for families in need by volunteering for a construction project together. Employees get hands-on experience while making a lasting impact. 

• Best for: teamwork, physical engagement, meaningful impact 
• Pro tip: pair employees with different departments to encourage cross-team bonding 

9. Sustainable Office Challenges

Encourage employees to make eco-friendly changes by setting up recycling competitions, hosting sustainability workshops, or tracking energy-saving efforts in the office. 

• Best for: environmental responsibility, long-term impact, engagement 
• Pro tip: give out team prizes for the most creative sustainability initiatives 

10. Pet Adoption Days

Partner with a local animal shelter to bring adoptable pets to the office or host a company-sponsored adoption drive. Employees can interact with the pets and even take one home. 

• Best for: stress relief, social impact, employee well-being 
• Pro tip: cover adoption fees for employees who decide to adopt 

11. Letters to Soldiers or Hospitalized Children

Host a letter-writing event where employees write heartfelt messages to soldiers overseas or children in hospitals. 

• Best for: remote-friendly impact, creativity, spreading positivity 
• Pro tip: provide stationery and encourage employees to decorate their letters 

12. Partnership with Local Nonprofits

Create an ongoing initiative where your company sponsors a nonprofit and provides regular support—whether through volunteering, financial contributions, or mentorship programs. 

• Best for: long-term impact, company culture, CSR initiatives 
• Pro tip: set a clear goal, such as raising a certain amount or volunteering a set number of hours 

13. Giving Tree Holiday Initiative

During the holidays, set up a “giving tree” in the office where employees can pick a tag with a requested donation for families in need. 

• Best for: seasonal giving, easy participation, team spirit 
• Pro tip: make it a company-wide tradition with a celebration when gifts are delivered 

14. Charity Bike Buildathon 

Want a way to give back while helping your team hone valuable business skills at the same time? Then you’ll love this. 

With Charity Bike Buildathon, your workgroup will split into teams to build, decorate, and put together an advertising campaign for children’s bicycles. 

After each group has presented their bike, you get to donate them all to a charity of your choice! 

• Best for: teamwork, problem-solving, philanthropy 
• Pro tip: invite the charity or recipients to a reveal event for an extra meaningful touch

15. Random Acts of Kindness 

Philanthropy isn’t always about donating money or goods. Sometimes, it can just be about spreading some cheer and goodwill. 

Random Acts of Kindness fuses the scavenger hunt concept with a philanthropic twist. This team building activity gets teams racing against one another to try and complete as many good deeds as possible before time runs out. 

• Best for: social impact, engagement, fast-paced fun 
• Pro tip: do this activity in your own town or in another city where your team is visiting

16. Host a Food or Toy Drive

A company-wide effort to collect and donate food, toys, or other essentials to those in need. Employees collaborate on logistics, outreach, and promotion. 

• Best for: large teams, CSR initiatives, event planning experience 
• Pro tip: share the impact with employees afterward—how many items were donated and who benefitted
   

17. School Supply Scramble 

Class is in session with this philanthropic activity where your team will be tested by a variety of education-themed teamwork challenges, share a special bonding experience, and support local children in need by competing to fill backpacks with school supplies and donating them to charity. 

• Best for: friendly competition, corporate social responsibility, hands-on giving 
• Pro tip: invite your team to choose some of the supplies to put into the backpacks to add a personal touch 
   

For even more philanthropic team building activity ideas, check out our article: 14 Charitable Team Building Activities for Workgroups. 

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Corporate Event for Your Team

With 55+ ideas to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The best corporate event isn’t just about what sounds fun—it’s about what fits your team’s needs, interests, and company culture.  

A well-planned event can boost morale, strengthen relationships, and make employees feel valued. But if it’s the wrong fit? You’ll end up with forced participation and disengagement. 

Here’s how to make sure you choose the right event for your team. 

1. Understand Your Team’s Preferences

Not every team thrives in the same type of setting. Some employees love high-energy, outdoor challenges, while others prefer more laid-back social events. The best way to ensure engagement is to ask your team what they want. 

• Send out a quick survey with event options and let employees vote 
• Consider different personalities—introverts might not love a talent show, but they could enjoy a trivia night 
• Keep accessibility in mind—some employees may have physical limitations that rule out certain activities
   

2. Consider Your Company Culture and Goals

A corporate event should align with your company’s values and objectives. Are you trying to build trust, reward employees, or spark creativity? Match your event type to your desired outcome. 

• For building stronger collaboration, choose problem-solving events like escape rooms or scavenger hunts 
• For relaxation and morale-boosting, opt for social outings like wine tastings, game nights, or movie screenings 
• For community engagement, pick a philanthropic event like a volunteer day or fundraising tournament 
• For professional development, go with workshops or mentorship programs 

3. Factor in Budget and Logistics

Great corporate events don’t have to be expensive, but they do require planning. Think through cost, location, and time commitment before making a decision. 

4. Mix It Up for Maximum Engagement

If your company only ever does the same type of event, engagement will drop. Employees will stop looking forward to it because it feels repetitive. The best way to keep things fresh is to rotate different event types throughout the year. 

This could be a cadence like:  

• One quarter, focus on team building activities (problem-solving, outdoor challenges) 
• Another quarter, host a social event (happy hour, sports game, karaoke) 
• Incorporate philanthropy and volunteer days at least once a year 
• Keep virtual or hybrid-friendly events accessible for remote teams year-round 

5. Plan for Maximum Participation

Even the best event won’t work if half your employees aren’t interested or don’t show up. Reduce friction by removing barriers to participation: 

• Give employees advance notice so they can block off their schedules 
• Make it easy to attend—pick locations and times that work for the majority 
• Offer flexible participation options (hybrid events, multiple session times) 
• Include small incentives to boost interest—raffles, gift cards, or a casual dress day for participants 

 
A corporate event is only as successful as the engagement it creates. By choosing an activity that aligns with your team’s interests, company culture, and goals, you’ll ensure participation feels natural—not forced.  

Whether it’s a high-energy adventure, a relaxed social gathering, or a virtual team building challenge, the key is to keep it fresh, fun, and meaningful. 

Now that you’re equipped with 55+ corporate event ideas and a game plan for choosing the right one, it’s time to start planning your next corporate event.