When the sun is out and the days are long, summer is the perfect time to get your team out from behind their desks and into something fresh, exciting, and unforgettable. Traditional team-building activities like trust falls or conference room icebreakers can only go so far.
This year, why not give your employees an experience that blends laughter, energy, and genuine connection?
Why Summer Is the Best Time for Team Building
Summer is the ideal season for teams to come together. With longer days and a more relaxed atmosphere, it’s a natural opportunity to break the routine and recharge with summer group activities for adults.
When your team is coming off a busy quarter or preparing for fall goals, summer activities can help reduce burnout, boost morale, and make space for authentic connection.
Stepping outside the usual work environment encourages people to collaborate in new ways, communicate more freely, and build trust organically without pressure from formal team exercises.
Outdoor Summer Team Building Activities
Summer offers endless opportunities to take your team outside and get them moving, laughing, and bonding in ways that aren’t possible in a boardroom.
From old-school games to memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences, here are a few crowd-pleasing ideas:
Classic Outdoor Games with a Twist
These nostalgic, low-pressure activities are great for all ages and help spark lighthearted competition and teamwork.
- Organize a company field day with relay races, cornhole, and sack races
- Plan a kickball game or a high-energy round of capture the flag
- Host an ice cream social with lawn game stations like giant Jenga, ladder toss, or ring toss
💡 Tip: Add custom team shirts or themed team names to dial up the fun.
Unique Experiences That Leave a Lasting Impression
Want to surprise your team with something completely different? A foam party is an unexpected, wildly fun activity that’s perfect for summer team building.
- It’s fun, refreshing, and instantly gets people out of “work mode”
- Great for breaking the ice across departments or new hires
- Pair it with a picnic lunch, music, or a tropical theme for a full experience
Foam parties aren’t just for birthdays; they’re a unique way to create a shared memory that your team will talk about long after the bubbles clear.
Water-Themed Activities to Beat the Heat
Keep your cool while building camaraderie with these splash-worthy ideas:
- Plan a kayaking or paddleboarding outing in small groups to encourage collaboration
- Set up an inflatable obstacle course or slip-n-slide for a high-energy relay challenge
- Host a casual beach or lake day with volleyball, a sandcastle contest, and popsicles or cold drinks
These water-based activities help your team unwind, stay cool, and enjoy the best part of summer together.
Keep the Fun Going Indoors (or Remotely)
Not every team can step outside for the day but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. These indoor or hybrid-friendly summer activities are easy to pull off and great for teams working in-office, remotely, or on flexible schedules. They focus on creativity, connection, and just the right amount of healthy competition.
In-Office Team Games That Don’t Feel Lame
Bring the energy into the office with games that are fast, funny, and surprisingly effective at boosting team morale:
- Office Olympics — build a mini tournament with rubber band archery, chair races, or blindfold snack guessing
- Summer-themed trivia — include fun categories like “Worst Summer Songs” or “Strangest Ice Cream Flavors”
- Office supply tower challenge — teams compete to build the tallest structure using only tape, paper, and sticky notes
These activities are quick to set up, easy to join, and perfect for end-of-day team bonding.
Creative Workshops and DIY Days
If your team leans more creative, these hands-on experiences offer a refreshing change of pace:
- Paint and sip or pottery sessions create a relaxed, social vibe
- Cooking competitions, inspired by shows like Chopped, encourage teamwork under pressure (and maybe some laughs)
- DIY lemonade or mocktail bars let teams craft and judge drinks
💡 These kinds of workshops work just as well in person as they do virtually with a little pre-planning, such as sending kits, ingredients, or mini supply packs beforehand.
Offsite & Social Summer Group Activities
Getting out of the office, even just for an afternoon, can be a game-changer for team connection. These summer work activities offer casual fun and shared adventure, helping coworkers bond in a relaxed setting that feels nothing like work.
Low-Key Bonding Experiences
Perfect for teams who want to unwind without the pressure of intense competition:
- Winery or brewery tours offer a laid-back atmosphere with built-in conversation starters
- Mini golf or bowling nights bring just enough competition to keep things interesting
- Outdoor movie nights with food trucks or picnic blankets create an easy, nostalgic way to hang out
These events are great for mixed teams and ideal as “opt-in” socials with wide appeal.
Shared Adventures That Encourage Team Trust
For teams looking to push outside their comfort zone and build stronger collaboration:
- Ropes courses or escape rooms are classic for a reason — they test communication, teamwork, and quick thinking
- Murder mystery dinners combine storytelling and roleplay for an interactive, hilarious evening
- Improv comedy workshops build confidence, creativity, and real-time collaboration skills (plus plenty of laughs)
💡 These summer office games help strengthen trust and connection in a way that carries over into real workplace dynamics.
How to Choose the Right Summer Team Building Idea
Choosing the right team-building activity can feel overwhelming with so many ways to bring people together in the summer. The key is finding something that balances fun, engagement, and inclusivity, so everyone feels welcome to participate.
✔️ Start with your team size and vibe
Pick an activity that fits your group size and how active or social your team wants to be.
✔️ Know your goal
Are you celebrating, de-stressing, or building trust? Let that guide the type of event you choose.
✔️ Keep it optional, but welcoming
Choose activities that are low-pressure and offer different ways to join in.
✔️ Offer a mix
One big event is great, but smaller, varied activities throughout the summer keep the momentum going.
💡 Bonus tip: Ask your team for input. People are more likely to show up when they helped shape the plan.
Foam Parties: A Summer Hit for Work Teams
Looking for something your team hasn’t done a dozen times before? A foam party is a unique, high-energy option that breaks the mold — and the ice.
It’s fun, low-pressure, and perfect for all ages and departments. Whether your team is brand new or knows each other well, the foam brings out everyone’s playful side and gets people laughing in minutes.
- Great for mixing teams who don’t normally interact
- No special skills needed — just show up and enjoy
- Easy to pair with a BBQ, music, or lawn games for a full summer celebration
💡 Foam parties are simple to plan and unforgettable in execution, the kind of shared memory that builds culture, not just calendars.
Ready to Plan Your Summer Team Win?
Even a single well-planned event can go a long way in boosting morale, building trust, and energizing your workplace. Whether it’s outdoor games, creative workshops, or a one-of-a-kind foam party hosted by GraniteState Foam Frenzy, summer is the perfect time to create lasting connections and unforgettable memories.
FAQs
What are the fun activities for team building?
Fun team-building activities range from outdoor adventures and sports tournaments to creative workshops, scavenger hunts, and even unique experiences like foam parties. The best activities encourage interaction, laughter, and collaboration, helping your team bond while breaking away from daily routines.
What are the big five teamwork activities?
The “big five” typically refers to popular categories of team-building exercises: communication activities, problem-solving challenges, adaptability exercises, trust-building tasks, and decision-making games. Choosing a mix from these categories ensures your team develops multiple skills while having fun.
What is the perfect square team building activity?
The perfect square activity involves blindfolding participants, giving them a rope, and challenging them to form a perfect square without sight. It’s designed to strengthen communication, listening, and leadership skills in a collaborative setting.
What is the ice breaker teambuilding method?
Ice breakers are short, lighthearted activities designed to help participants relax, get to know each other, and build rapport before starting a meeting or event. Examples include “Two Truths and a Lie,” quick group challenges, or fun Q&A games.
