Discover the Best Corporate Outings and Team Building Activities in Boston
Here at Corporate Outings Boston, we’re passionate about inspiring better company events with team building activities that are anything but boring. We believe the right events do more than just get your team out of the office for the day – they’ll leave you feeling more inspired, more connected, and better prepared to tackle challenges together.
But finding the right outing for your team is easier said than done. After all, there are a lot of generic, less-than-memorable options out there these days, and traditional, uninspired activities can quickly lead to disengagement, defeating the purpose of the event. No one wants to endure another dull conference room exercise or monotonous team lunch.
That’s why we vetted dozens of Boston team building activities to bring you a list of only the best. We’ve planned our fair share of company events, both for ourselves and others. We know which activities tend to resonate with teams and which tend to fall flat. We also know not all outings are a good choice for all teams! A team of creatives may have a completely different appetite for activities than a team of technical experts, for example.
So we’re here to make your search easier, take the pressure off, and ensure your next event really makes an impact. Let’s get into it.
Team Building Activities: Table of Contents
Factors to consider when planning a corporate outing
Before we get into our list of recommendations, let’s first review the factors that will help you narrow down your options.
Personalities and interests
Are you planning an event for your whole company, spanning roles from operations to marketing to sales? Or are you planning an outing for one specific department, like a team of developers? In our experience, employees in more analytical roles typically enjoy more in-depth games and thought-provoking activities, where they can work together to achieve an end goal. Employees in more creative roles, on the other hand, are more likely to enjoy activities that allow them to flex their artistic muscles. We’re all for pushing teams to branch out during corporate outings, but knowing and catering to your audience will also go a long way in planning an activity that everyone loves.
Time of year
Planning a company event in Boston during the summer months? Give your team a break from feeling trapped inside the office or at their desks! Consider outdoor team building activities that allow you to enjoy the sunshine and explore your city together. Looking for a holiday party activity or planning an event simply to break up the bleak winter months? Indoor corporate events can be fun, too! Consider expanding your team’s horizons with fun, unique venues across the city.
Event timing and logistics
Are you looking for one single activity to act as your entire corporate event or outing, or are you planning a whole day or evening with multiple elements? Longer activities can be a great choice for an afternoon team outing with a hard stop, while you may opt for a shorter activity if you’re planning an evening company party followed or preceded by dinner. Also consider whether you want to stay in one place or have transportation to get employees from one location to another.
Adventure Team Building Ideas
Adventure-based corporate outings are a great way to foster collaboration, communication, and camaraderie while having fun. They’re a versatile option that are typically a great fit for diverse groups but are often popular among tech teams, startups, healthcare groups, and more.
1. Putt Shack
This mini golf game is high tech, the ball does all the scoring for you! Their tech-infused mini golf 9-hole game is unique and has a twist: unlike old school courses where the lowest score wins, this game is all about scoring the highest points. Aim for the green Supertube for extra points and watch out for Hazard Traps. Your group can enjoy the vibes and great food while you play! Private rooms are available for your group event.
Time: Varies
Google Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
2. Watson Adventures Murder Mystery Games
Want to unmask a killer and explore some of the most fascinating places around Boston? Watson Adventures offers the perfect mashup of murder mystery and scavenger hunt on these truly one-of-a-kind team building games. Your team will explore your chosen location and piece together clues to find the killer and reveal their motive. Best of all, you choose the crime scene, from neighborhoods to museums to zoos and aquariums! The Watson Adventures team takes care of the rest, from planning to day-of hosting.
Time: ~2 hours
Google Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Indoors or Outdoors? Either
3. Paddle Boston
Get out of the office and on the water with Paddle Boston. They can customize the perfect paddle for your group. Group events contain pre and post paddle briefings designed to foster teamwork using communication, leadership and problem solving. You can pick a simple scenic tour, a guided tour, or try their Charles River Poker Challenge! Teams in groups of 2-5 work together to collect 5 poker cards using well-marked maps at five stations. Teams use strategy, planning and paddling to win! Teams will also have a chance to earn a wild card with a mystery challenge too…. prizes are awarded for speed, team spirit and the best poker hand!
Time: ~2 hours
Google Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Indoors or Outdoors? Outdoor
4. Archery Games Boston
If your office is itching to burn energy, bring out your inner Katniss with archery combat. This action-packed game is played similarly to dodgeball with bows and foam tipped arrows. No archery experience is necessary; there is built in time for training and practice before you play. Private groups can book with a minimum of 12 to 20 people. If you were a Dodgeball master in middle school, having a work group of 8 create a team and join their seasonal leagues for Monday night games would be a fun ongoing team building event.
Time: 75 minutes
Google Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Indoors or Outdoors? Indoor
5. Boda Borg
Conquer a quest at Boda Borg. Questing is a whole different experience than an escape room or obstacle course. It is a real-life experience where you need teamwork to succeed in order to move onto the next challenge in any one quest. The challenges are for teams of 3-5 people and are a mash up different elements: video games (but in real life), physical challenges, and mental challenges. Your team can try as many as you like within the booked time of either 2 or 4 hours.
Plan a full day of professional development with a private room and facilitator, incorporating themes like Failing the Right Way, conflict resolution, and communication.
Time: 2 hour minimum
Google Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Indoors or Outdoors? Indoor
Office Outings for Foodies
Looking for a more laid-back activity? Cooking and mixology classes are excellent choices for fostering communication in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. This also makes them a popular choice for high-stress industries like tech, healthcare, and finance, as they provide a fun way to unwind while working together.
6. Mei-Mei Dumplings
Your team can try their hands at making Mei Mei’s delicious dumplings from scratch together. You start with learning folding techniques and filling, then you get to enjoy and eat your work. Groups also get recipes and dumplings to take home. Enjoy great team bonding and social time in this two-hour class.
Time: 2 hours
Google Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Indoors or Outdoors? Indoor
7. Cambridge Culinary Arts
If your office enjoys eating and talking food, plan an event with the Cambridge School of the Culinary Arts, which has been cooking for 50 years. Food always brings people together! Groups typically split into two teams and work side by side with a chef instructor. Choose from a variety of delicious cuisines: Regional, Seasonal or Specialty.
Time: 3-4 hours
Google Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Indoors or Outdoors? Indoor
8. Selfup
Try Selfup’s Culinary Battle: Mystery Basket Team Clash Boston! This is a fun-filled cooking battle with guidance by expert chefs with a clock count down. Have fun joining forces with your colleagues to make a delicious meal. You also get secret ingredients for a creative challenge.
Time: 3 hours
Google Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Indoors or Outdoors? Indoor
9. Mixology Classes Boston
Have a fun happy hour event with Mixology. Host a Mixology master class with one of their professional mixologists. During this interactive class, your group will be mastering three cocktails, with three different techniques…shaken, mixed and stirred.
Time: Varies
Indoors or Outdoors? Indoor
Activities for Exploring the City Together
For team events gathering remote employees from around the country or welcoming newbees, tours can be an excellent way to see Boston together. They encourage exploration, conversation, and shared experiences in a structured yet laid-back setting. They’re also a great choice for teams looking for cultural enrichment.
10. Watson Adventures Scavenger Hunts
Add a bit of competition, laughter, and adventure to your next team-building outing with a scavenger hunt from Watson Adventures. From museums to parks and neighborhoods, this family-run business has more than 25 years of experience helping teams explore some of the best locations all over the U.S. Choose from classic scavenger hunts, photo and food hunts, trivia and more to fit your team’s personalities. The Watson Adventures team takes care of the rest, from planning to day-of hosting.
Time: ~2 hours
Google Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Indoors or Outdoors? Either
11. Fenway Park private tours
Book an historic tour of Fenway Park, a 1912 landmark and special place to all Bostonians. Enjoy a private 1-hour tour with an experienced tour guide, complete with team, park and player history. Tours available include their Pregame Tour, Day Game Premium Tour (complete with Wally the Green Monster), and Take Me to Fenway (you get to pick from a list of exclusive locations to customize your tour.)
Time: 1 hour
Indoors or Outdoors? Outdoor
12. Boston by Foot
Get your steps in while learning about Boston’s fantastic history with Boston by Foot tours. Some fun themes to choose from are Road to Revolution, Heart of the Freedom Trail and The Dark Side of Boston. Check their tab of new tours too, like Boston Common: Past Lives and Hidden Stories.
Time: 60-90 minutes
Google Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Indoors or Outdoors? Outdoor
Creative Team Building Activities
For teams in creative fields, artistic-focused events like paint nights can be a fantastic chance for them to flex their skills in a fun, low-pressure setting.
13. Plant Nite at Paint Nite
Reduce stress and anxiety in your team by hosting a plant night. You don’t even need a green thumb—just be ready to get your hands dirty and enjoy making a beautiful terrarium. Get tips and tricks from your instructor, and enjoy drinks while you work. These beauties will look great on your staff’s desks after the event!
Time: ~2 hours
Google Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Indoors or Outdoors? Indoor
14. Muse Paint Bar
Painting together is a great way to create memories and a memorable event. Simply pick the painting that works for your group from their catalog ahead of time when reserving your date. Then have fun foll
Time: ~2 hours
Google Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Indoors or Outdoors? Indoor
15. Lego Discovery Center
Bring out your inner kid with a fun company casual meet up at the Lego Discovery Center. They host adult play nights with Lego build challenges and prizes!
Time: 2.5 hours
Google Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Indoors or Outdoors? Indoor
Corporate Outings for Social Good
Volunteering together is an excellent team-building activity as it fosters a sense of purpose, unity, and social responsibility while giving back to Boston in the process!
16. Boston Greater Food Bank
Group volunteering feeds the soul and helps do good. Teams will be packing and sorting food that will offer great team building and community impact by helping to end hunger. This is a very popular activity and shifts often fill up, so plan ahead when thinking about your event. They offer morning, afternoon and Saturday shifts.
Time: 3 hours
Indoors or Outdoors? Indoor
17. Cradles to Crayons
When you volunteer at their Giving Factory in Newton, your group will be taking part in hands-on processing of children’s clothes by inspecting, sorting and packaging donated clothes to transform what is donated into orders for specific children. Shift leaders help guide and answer questions at various work stations throughout your 2-hour shift. These volunteer events are also very popular, so plan ahead when booking.
Time: 2 hours
Indoors or Outdoors? Indoor
We have these corporate outing ideas help your team relax, grow closer, and make your next event your best ever!