These are the activities you need to really get your team working in perfect harmony...
Okay, so first things first, these virtual team-building activities are actually fun. Because we’ve all been subjected to enforced fun, but enforced fun on Zoom? Haunting, genuinely. But in the modern world of hybrid and remote working, building rapport with your team can be a challenge, especially if your team members are halfway across the globe. Virtual team-building activities help connect teams in a meaningful way without the pesky logistics involved with in-person activities. And in our experience? If you pick the right activity, they can often be even more successful. Plus, you know, once it’s done you can close your laptop and get on with your life, rather than having to trek back to the office with the boss or, heaven forbid, be subjected to more enforced fun with dinner or drinks.
So, as you can tell, we’re definitely here for virtual team-building activities – when they‘re done right. They can be fun, stimulating and rewarding ways to build camaraderie among team members, as well as a good way to reward employees for a job well done. So, without further ado, here’s our pick of the games and activities that we think you should check out, from virtual bingo to scavenger hunts, pizza-making classes and watercolor workshops. All you have to do? Have fun. (Yes, really!)
Recommended: the best team-building and group events in NYC
Recommended: the best virtual team-building games
Who makes the cut? While we might not have tried every single activity featured, we've based our list on top reviews, popularity and partner insights to find you the best activities. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
One of the best ways to help your team learn to collaborate, problem-solve and generally give their gray matter a bit of a workout is to host an online game night (or day!). These events, which range from escape rooms to brick-building challenges, should provide your employees with the kind of evening about which they might well say ‘yeah, that wasn’t actually bad you know?’.
You like escape rooms right? Well, this one brings all of the puzzle-solving and teamwork of an escape room to your computer. Participants will work as teams to solve a murder mystery as they track down clues, eliminate suspects and work to solve the case. And don’t worry, you won’t be given a set of clues and left to your own confused devices, this event is led by experienced gamemasters who know how to keep participants engaged – and on the right track.
In this Virtual Scavenger Hunt, participants will get stuck into a competitive game night in which they work as teams to solve puzzles, answer riddles and find matching items from around their homes. Players will decode prompts that ask them to find certain objects, or create quick creative projects that they will then share with the larger group to determine who was the fastest or most creative. This activity is a great way to encourage ingenuity and collaboration while still giving participants a fun evening of activities. Plus you’ll get a little insight into the kind of trash your team members have around their home. Always interesting.
What we like most about escape rooms these days is the creativity that goes into their design. Virtual escape rooms are now no slouches either, which means you can lock yourself into a wide range of different themed escape rooms, with impressive design at their heart. For example, in the Virtual Time Travel: Escape the ‘90s event, participants will solve puzzles and gather clues themed after iconic ‘90s fashions, events and pop culture. The prize? Escape the decade of dial-up internet, VHS tapes, Blockbuster, and Furbys, and return to the safety of the present day. Top tip: Invite the Gen Z-ers in your team and marvel at their confusion at what life was like back then.
Looking for a more tactile way to spend your evening? (Don’t worry, HR won’t need to be called). With the Virtual Brick Building Team Challenge, participants will have packages of building blocks (pretty sure it’s Lego, fyi) shipped directly to their homes before being tasked with using them to compete in a series of design challenges. Some of these will be creative noodle-scratchers (like making a self-portrait or an ecosystem of animals), others will be engineering-based, such as making the tallest tower or sturdiest bridge. These challenges represent a fun way for teams to work together, or compete against one another in creative ways. Just make sure you tidy up afterward – nothing worse than stepping on a piece of Lego.
Bingo! That’s what you shout when you win. And you’ll win, because you’ll find yourself taking Virtual Game Show Bingo very, very seriously. It’s a chaotic, pop-culture-infused reimagining of the classic game of chance and dobbers and shrieks of ‘BINGO!’. Here, video clips, pictures and riddles will test your knowledge as you compete with your team to fill in the squares on your board. It’s fast-paced fun, too – there’s no waiting for numbers to be called here. Instead, it's a raucous spin on a beloved classic that will challenge your wits and, of course, promote team building. It’s a lot of fun, and will see participants’ pop-culture knowledge tested to the limits as they attempt to solve the prompts and be the first team to shout ‘BINGO!’. The louder the better, if you ask us.
The Virtual Team Olympics event is a collection of competitive but brilliantly silly mini-games that will see participants competing against one another to stand atop the podium brandishing gold. It might be competitive but don’t worry, the events are light-hearted, fast-paced and a whole lot of fun. So what to expect? We’re talking things like type-racing (how fast can you go?), Family Feud-style challenges (don’t fall out!), racing to build the tallest marshmallow towers (temptation, temptation…), creating balloon animals (bang!) and playing harmonicas (alright Dylan, calm down). These events are a great way to get your team making memories and swapping stories as they participate in a host of fun (and silly) competitions.
If you ask us, not many team-building events are as good as a classic pub-style trivia night. Mostly because you’re in a pub but that’s by-the-by. And while these events are aimed at those sitting at home, maybe in their pants, the spirit remains. Participants will put to the test their knowledge of esoteric subjects, strange historical facts and well-known pop culture as they attempt to prove who amongst them is the trivia champion OF THE WORLD. Or, you know, who has the best grasp of general knowledge. These virtual events are highly customizable, meaning that you can run a traditional trivia event or you can run specialized shebang across subjects like movies and television, human history, Pride or Black History Month and whatever the hell you like to be perfectly honest with you.
A digital twist on the classic game show, Virtual Feud Frenzy is an excellent game to play with your team to get them into a collaborative mindset – and to think outside the box (always good when you need to be creative to hit that bottom line, amiright?!). Players will be broken up into teams and then they’ll attempt to respond to survey-style questions faster and more accurately than the other teams. It’s a lot of fun. The event consists of multiple rounds, and there are options for prizes to be distributed at the end of the event. What prizes, we hear you ask? That’s totally down to you. Kind or cruel, you decide.
Can’t decide on a single game for your team to play during a group event? With the help of the Virtual Game Night: Battle Royale, you won’t need to! Why? Well, this event combines some of the most popular online games ever invented into a single event, giving everyone the opportunity to find the thing they’re good at. Participants will List It, Link It and Think Fast in this thrilling gaming relay, all led by an experienced host who will keep the energy high and the teams engaged. Love those guys.
Once the end of the year approaches, you might want to reward your employees or team members with a Holiday event where they can enjoy themselves and really get to know each other, whether they like it or not. Look, we’ve all got better things to do but the reality is work’s important so why not make sure the team-building stuff is actually half decent? The events below are just that – and more.
A Holiday gift-swapping classic, the White Elephant Gift Exchange is a great way to bring your team together for some fun Holiday excitement. These events, which can be customized to suit the needs of your team and can come with or without gifts, offer an enjoyable way to experience a Holiday gift exchange in a virtual environment. It’s the perfect way to get your employees in the mood for holiday cheer.
Let's face it, traditional holiday games can get a bit repetitive. It’s the same old song and dance, year after year, with Christmas bingo, Secret Santa, Carol Karaoke, and endless rounds of festive charades. So, why not break the cycle and try out this Virtual Escape Room (The Office Holiday Party edition)? Together with your work pals, you’ll team up to crack puzzles, find clues, and plot your escape from a holiday work shindig that's gone completely off the rails. Trust us, you'll be chatting about this one around the water cooler for a long time.
Christmas and gingerbread houses? It's a match made in holiday heaven. Now, imagine getting your whole office involved in a virtual gingerbread house-making party. Sounds cool, right? Now, you might be thinking, 'How in the world can I pull this off?', but we’ve got you covered with an awesome package. Once you've snagged this deal, all the essentials will be shipped directly to your coworkers, making it ridiculously easy for everyone to craft their gingerbread masterpieces, all while enjoying a super festive Zoom call.
If gingerbread isn't your thing (those dietary restrictions can be a pain in the arse), a virtual wreath-making event offers a great alternative for your team to get creative during the holiday season. In this package, you’ll get everything you’ll need to craft your very own seasonal wreath, perfect for jazzing up your doors, mantles, or even your Zoom backdrop (because why not?). Just like the Gingerbread event, you and your colleagues will gather online to make your wreaths while enjoying some festive tunes and holiday trivia. Talk about decking the halls.
In our opinion, few things say 'holiday spirit' quite like a good old sing-along. And, if you're looking to bring that festive musical experience to your team, this Holiday Music Karaoke Trivia event is perfect. This unique event combines the best of karaoke with a fun twist – you’ll get to belt out your favorite holiday tunes while competing in a friendly musical trivia showdown. Who knows, you might just discover that the next Mariah Carey has been working in finance all along…
Nothing brings people together like food and drinks. They're the first thing people look for at any event, and let's face it, offering some tasty treats is a surefire way to draw a crowd. We've all seen how folks can turn into 'food vultures' at work, with a full spread vanishing into crumbs in no time. So, why not plan an event that revolves around the one thing everyone loves? Opting for a cooking, tasting, or drink-making workshop is a great way to not only engage your team but also secure a top spot on their 'best office party ever' list - you can trust us on that one.
Everyone loves pizza. So why not treat your team to a seriously delicious Pizza from Scratch Virtual Workshop? Each participant will receive a box of essential pizza ingredients, along with a gift card to grab the fresh stuff (because who wants unrefrigerated cheese arriving by mail?). With the guidance of an experienced chef, you'll dive into the basics of pizza-making, from crafting the dough to mastering that perfect bake. The best part? You’ll be left with your very own freshly baked pizza. Bon Appétit!
Skip the traffic and bring happy hour straight to your team with this Private Mixology Workshop. You'll get the chance to become a pro at mixing up some seriously classy cocktails alongside your colleagues, right from the comfort of your home. To make it easy, all the ingredients are delivered to your doorstep, from booze and bitters to syrups and garnishes. And, if anyone prefers to stay on the non-alcoholic side, no problem at all – there are mocktail versions ready to go at no extra cost. Cheers to that.
Wine and cheese tastings aren't just for fancy schmancy events anymore. This Virtual Wine & Cheese Tasting Workshop brings the class right to your team's doorsteps. Each participant will receive a package filled with top-notch wine and cheese to enjoy during an exciting Zoom call, where they'll learn about the history of pairing wine and cheese as the ultimate appetizer. The best part? Not only can the event be completely customized to fit your needs, but all the goodies are sourced from NYC's top vintners and cheesemongers.
Here's another one for the wine lovers out there. In this expert-led workshop, you and your colleagues get your hands on a curated collection of wine bottles to sample together. No more awkwardly swirling and sipping while feeling the watchful eyes of judgmental waiters (we’ve all been there); you'll be a seasoned pro after this course, thanks to an experienced sommelier who'll walk you through each drink, spilling all the secrets of wine tasting. You'll even dive into the history and science of winemaking, learning why different regions create unique wine flavors and how aging and fermenting work their magic into each bottle's taste.
In the mood for something a little lighter? How about getting your team involved in the New York-style pretzels game? In this event, your team will receive all the stuff they need to whip up some seriously delicious pretzels. You'll learn all the tricks of the trade, from mixing and shaping the dough to baking those pretzels to perfection. And, just like all the best cooking events, you'll have a tasty snack to savor, along with a killer recipe to impress your friends and family at your next big shindig.
Get ready for some serious homemade sushi takeovers in the canteen. The Virtual Sushi Making Workshop is all about turning your team into DIY sushi masters. You'll dive into the art of hand-rolling, rice and fish prep, and creating sushi rolls that are so Instagram-worthy, it's almost ridiculous. All the materials will be shipped straight to your door, along with a gift certificate for you to pick your favorite fillings. No more struggling with a salmon Uramaki that turns into a sushi disaster after hours of prep – you'll be a sushi pro by the end of this course.
If you want to jazz up your team's kitchen skills with something super easy, check out this Virtual Pasta Making Workshop. In this class, a pro chef will walk you through the whole pasta-making journey, from preparing the dough and cutting it into your favorite shapes to cooking it up just right. The real win? Making your own pasta is a sure way to score some major brownie points in the kitchen. Picture your next date night – you casually drop, 'Oh yeah, I made this entire meal from scratch.' That's a green flag right there.
Got a team with a major sweet tooth? This Virtual Truffle Making Workshop is just the ticket. Whip up delicious treats to enjoy right away or save for later (though let's be real, hiding them from sneaky family members might be a challenge). You'll get all the ingredients for three truffle flavors: Honey Fig Truffles, Oreo Coconut Truffles, and Cinnamon Coconut Truffles (honestly, our mouths are watering at the thought). By the end of the workshop, you'll have some seriously drool-worthy goodies to enjoy. Trust us, this one's a winner.
Remember those lockdown days when everyone turned into bread-making pros? Yeah, that was an odd time, but turns out they were onto something. Making your own bread is actually quite easy and pretty fun. If you're looking up your baking skills, look no further than this Virtual Bread Making Workshop. You’ll dive headfirst into the world of Focaccia bread, which is basically edible art. Just like with previous workshops, all the ingredients are delivered to your doorstep meaning it’s never been easier to whip up a tasty evening snack while bonding with your colleagues.
Dough-nut even think about missing this workshop (see what we did there?). In this virtual doughnut-making experience, you'll be guided by an experienced chef to fry, glaze, and stuff your doughy delights. If you're feeling classic, stick with the ingredients provided to whip up a sugary jelly-filled doughnut. Or, bring your own ingredients to craft a personalized doughnut masterpiece. Warning: a serious food coma might follow this one.
Looking for a workshop that's a little bit different? How about this virtual bubble tea-making event? It's bound to leave your colleagues wondering, 'Why haven't I tried this drink sooner?' You’ll learn how to make three different bubble teas and even master the art of cooking Tapioca pearls. During the Zoom call, your host will spill the tea (we’re on a roll with these puns) on the history of this Taiwanese creation and why it's taken the States by storm. Imagine casually whipping up a bubble tea the next time your pals swing by for a drink. That’s pretty epic.
Mochi. A dough and ice cream match made in heaven, this classic Japanese dessert always goes down well. Plus, it doesn’t require a ton of technique, so you’ll master this sticky treat in no time. Think of it like a yummy ball of ice cream in a blanket. Headed up by a pro chef who will take you and your team through step-by-step, it’s no doubt a fun way to bond or indeed chef it out to see who has the best balls. The best part? Whipping them out of the freezer when they’re ready to serve. The Zoom course lasts for up to 90 mins and you’ll receive everything you need including an e-giftcard to select your choice of ice cream.
Could there be a Picasso among you, lurking beyond those killer spreadsheet skills? Quit wondering and try your hand at one of these virtual arts and crafts activities instead. A different vibe from your usual after-work drinks banter, these courses are a great way to de-stress, get creative, and a little messy with the help of expert artist-instructors.
Get in the zone as you build your very own fishbowl of serenity and balance with this virtual Terrarium Workshop. Whether it’s time for a little desktop makeover - the half-chewed stress ball won’t be missed - or you’re in desperate need of a little Feng Shui after those hectic deadlines, finding your inner greenfingers couldn’t hurt. To get you started, you’ll receive a kit including a glass container, some soil, a succulent and some decorative bits too. You’ll have an expert on hand to guide you and your team throughout assembly, and hey presto before you know it, you’ll have a new plant baby on your hands. For such an underrated art form, it’s a pretty cool way to kick back with your co-workers, no?
A lot more laid back and boozy, this Virtual Paint and Sip Party is sure to be in popular demand for your next team builder. Sip as you dip into your paintbrush palette and enjoy a casual painting session directed by an instructor who will help you go from stickman to your best still-life apple yet. Receive a painting kit along with your chosen bottle, and off you paint.
How about a little art and meditation to help you and your team take five? Grab a chia, some snacks, and your duvet - okay, maybe not the duvet - and have a team huddle with a coloring pen in hand. Let your instructor guide you through some breathwork before you let your inner child loose with some meditative coloring.
Get a little abstract with this Watercolor Workshop, where you’ll learn a thing or two about the wet-on-wet technique while bonding with your team, which is obviously code word for screen-grabbing each other’s concentration faces while everyone blends away. Your instructor will teach you all the foundational skills you need to create your watercolor masterpiece. Once it’s dry, you’ll have a fun decor piece to add to your home and a nifty new paint set you can whip out whenever you need to shake up your evenings. So let loose and let the colors run.
Clay’s been all the rage lately and it’s not hard to see why – It’s so incredibly satisfying. Hit that out of office, and enjoy socializing and comparing your creations with your work pals over vid in this virtual clay workshop for beginners. Along with some eco-friendly clay, your kit comes with all sorts of fun stuff including paints, tools, a base coat and gloss varnish. Get molding and you never know, you might have a little potter side hustle in the making – just don’t quit your day job as that might defeat the team-building part.
Another great low-key team-building activity is this Candle Making Workshop. Who doesn’t love or at least own one candle, are we right? Now you can make your own scented soy-wax candle with the help of an aromatherapy expert to help you customize yours to perfection. Share a team meets toast to no more burning the candle at both ends, unless of course, it’s the DIY kind.
Sometimes you need to just take a load off, and for that, you can’t go wrong with a little creative energy and some DIY soap. Especially when you have a soap-making expert on your side. It’s low effort, so you can give your brain a rest and get ready to have fun mixing different scents, botanicals and essential oils for the dreamiest-smelling bar of soap you’ve ever come across.
There’s no time like the present to get a little herb garden going. Pop some gloves on and join your team on this Virtual Grow Your Home Garden Workshop, where you’ll learn the key to homegrown success. You’ll receive an herb starter kit with pots and Peat discs to get you growing. In a couple of months or so you can invite your co-workers over for a homemade chili (featuring your parsley, of course).
How about an hour-long group sketching sesh? Nothing elaborate, just you, a sketchpad, a graphite pencil and some good old team bonding. The class instructor will help you level up your drawing techniques and composition, to have you well on your way to producing a one-of-a-kind still-life masterpiece.
While you might have the title of ‘dream team’, it’s time you got trendy in the bag too. And what could be more hip than making your own earrings? Rally your work fam for a virtual polymer clay jewelry – you won’t regret it. You’ll go from rolling out slabs and slicing and sculpting away to a unique finished accessory that will no doubt get you a tonne of compliments at the office come Monday.
If fun is on the brief, then you can’t go wrong with a tote. This super relaxed Tote Bag Painting workshop fits the bill on all accounts when it comes to finding an activity that’s social and allows you and the team to be a little free-spirited. Brownie points for being wearable too. Whip out the fabric paint and go tote-ally wild.
Sometimes, you’ve got to go off-script and draw your team in with a unique, uncommon or esoteric kind of event. They often do the trick when it comes to getting group participation levels to an all-time high. These unique workshops are a great way to break the ice and bring people together. Before you know it, fist bumping will be the formal greeting around the office.
How well do you really know your co-workers? Pretty well, huh? This virtual team bonding workshop invites the team to dig a little deeper and discover some surprising facts about each other – there may be a fair few hidden talents or cool achievements under your radar. Uncover them through a series of mini-games that will no doubt leave everyone feeling more connected and engaged. Don’t worry, no hot seating or elevator pitches here.
Has your team lost its productivity spark? A little magic might be in order to help get things back on track. If so, treat them to a virtual magician-led workshop, where they’ll use their magic kits to master the art of misdirection and illusion. Now might be a good time to add a ban on pulling rabbits out of hats to your office policy though.
“And, scene”. There’s nothing like improv to get people out of their shells. Put your creative genius to the test with this virtual improv course that will have everyone on the call thinking on their feet and channeling their best Broadway performance. Get silly, while you build better communication and problem-solving skills with each exercise. Spoiler alert: You’ll all probably end up in fits of laughter.
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