15 Engaging Activities and Experiences for Corporate Events in NYC
In the concrete jungle of New York City, where dreams come to life, an array of exciting options awaits for corporate events. Whether it’s team cooking workshops or fundraising gala, the city boasts diverse venues perfectly suited for any scale of gathering.
Corporate events in NYC not only provide a refreshing break but also foster stronger team dynamics; studies show that teams bonding over activities beyond the office tend to work better together. Whether you’re a seasoned organizer or a first-timer, we’ve curated a selection of captivating experiences to unite your colleagues in fresh and innovative ways.
Fun Corporate Events in NYC
Informal settings often facilitate open communication. Whether it’s whipping up dishes in cooking classes, bonding over private dinners, or tackling challenges like escape rooms and boulder climbing, these off-hours activities offer valuable insights into your team members’ personalities and preferences. Check out our favorite corporate event ideas for food enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike:
1. Improve Team Dynamics with a Cooking Workshop
Cooking workshops are great for small to medium-sized teams that need time to relax and get to know each other in a convivial and delicious atmosphere. Colleagues will get to chop, stir, and plate together while learning about each other’s favorite recipes, tips, tricks, and more!
Bring your team together in the kitchen to cook up creativity, collaboration, and delicious food. Let the sounds and smells of sizzling ingredients spark new ideas as your employees work side-by-side.
💁🏽♀️You might find this useful: 7 Tips for a Stress-Free Corporate Planning
2. Spark Conversations with Private Dinners
Private dinners are ideal for making your team feel special! Whether you are a startup of 10 people or a corporate team of 100 and beyond, dinner parties are great for networking, relaxing and enjoying the company of each other!
In the intimate ambiance of a private dining room, colleagues can unwind, share stories, and forge deeper connections beyond the confines of the office.
3. Craft Pizza with Coco Pazzaria
Pizza making is a delightful team-building exercise where everyone gets to participate and enjoy a slice of the action, along with a delicious Margarita or the iconic New York-style pizza.
Channel your team’s inner pizzaiolos with a pizza-making class at Coco Pazzaria! Knead, toss and top your way together to pizza perfection.
Situated on the fashionable Upper East Side, Coco Pazzeria offers a modern space where guests will learn how to knead the dough into a perfect pizza crust before they’re shown how to put cheese and other fresh toppings on top. Everyone gets to pack their oven pizzas and bring them home!
💁🏽♀️You might find this useful: The Best 23 Team Building Activities in NYC to Build Bridges and Break Barriers
4. Relax with a Central Park Picnic
You don’t have to break the bank for your team to relax and recover from a tough week!
Take your team out and escape the city’s hustle and bustle to bask in Central Park’s serenity.
A picnic or BBQ provides the ideal setting for relaxation, team bonding, and a friendly game of frisbee.
👍Other recommendations:
- Astoria Park, 📍 19th St, Astoria
- Fort Tryon Park, 📍 Riverside Dr To Broadway
- Governors Island, 📍 10 South St, Manhattan
5. Strike Up Some Fun at LIFE The Place To Be
Book a day of bowling, laser tag, and wall climbing for your team at LIFE The Place to Be!
Strike up some friendly competition as colleagues indulge in rounds of mini-golf! Watch colleagues cheer on and support each other while they try to climb a wall or dodge the laser!
Teams will relax, get to know each other, and work with their colleagues to overcome challenges!
💁🏽♀️You might find this useful: 30+ Indoor & Outdoor Team Building Activities That Aren’t Cringeworthy.
6. Mixology & Magic at The Cauldron Magical Pub & Inn
Sometimes, you need some magic to boost your team’s morale! That’s when an immersive experience like a mixology class at The Cauldron comes in!
This activity combines mixology with magic, making it a spellbinding choice for corporate outings.
💁🏽♀️You might find this useful: 21 Company Outing Ideas to Help Your Team Bond in 2024
7. Release Stress with Axe Throwing
Besides yoga and mindfulness practice, there are other ways for your team to unwind and release stress.
Take your team to an axe-throwing session at Kick Axe Throwing in Brooklyn, where employees can let off some steam! Promote focus, precision and a healthy dose of adrenaline fun with this activity!
Focus on the bullseye and aim at the target with an axe! Colleagues must trust each other during the session as they maneuver the weapon!
8. Explore the City with a Scavenger Hunt
Gather your team, get on an urban adventure, and explore NYC’s hidden gems with a city scavenger hunt.
Plan it in Central Park, Grand Central Station, or the Brooklyn Public Library. Unless you plan on having your crew take the subway, focusing on a concentrated area is easier.
Arm your colleagues with clues and maps to navigate the city and solve puzzles. Employees will collaborate and brainstorm ideas as they uncover clues, solve puzzles, and discover new hidden spots in this beautiful city.
9. Reach New Heights with Boulder Climbing
Trust is often built when the timings get rough or in unexpected places which is why we recommend challenging your team to wall climbing at Brooklyn Boulders in Queensbridge!
Forget about a boring lunch or trivia games, and take your party to the next level with a boulder climbing activity! Employees will get to move a little, have fun and feel like they’re children again!
This energetic activity is not only fun but also helps promote team communication and a sense of accomplishment.
10. Vent Frustrations at a Rage Room
Sometimes, a little destruction can be therapeutic. Enter the Rage or Anger Room at Rage Cage in Brooklyn and release pent-up frustrations in a safe and controlled environment.
As surprising as it may be, smashing stuff is a surefire way to bond with colleagues.
As everyone wears protective gear and unleashes their fury on breakable objects such as plates, tensions will melt away.
It’s a memorable experience that leaves them feeling lighter and with plenty to talk about back at the office!
👍Other recommendations:
- Break Bar, 📍 458 9th Ave., Manhattan
- Raze Up Smash Therapy in Brooklyn, 📍 133 Lincoln Ave.,Brooklyn
11. Celebrate Your Team’s Success at a Rooftop Party
Rooftop venues are ideal for cocktails, dinners, and bonding with colleagues. Raise a glass to your team’s achievements at a rooftop venue! It’s the perfect way to make them feel like they’re on cloud nine.
Take advantage of good weather by organizing team-building activities, photo sessions, corporate events, or casual get-togethers on the rooftop. Your team will love being in such a fantastic setting where they can enjoy the views!
👍Other recommendations:
- Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop, 📍310 West 40th Street, Manhattan
- Randolph Beer DUMBO, 📍 82 Prospect Street, Brooklyn
- Cubico Offices, 📍 433 Broadway, SOHO
💁🏽♀️You might find this useful: 12 Rooms with a View in NYC for Corporate Events
12. Crack the Code with an Escape Room
Ready to tackle the ultimate mission: ensuring your corporate team has a blast? If you’re wondering whether an escape room is the right choice, the answer is a resounding YES!
Escape rooms are always a hit among teams looking for a collaborative activity that helps them brainstorm ideas and solve problems.
It’s a fun and interactive activity for teams and helps them improve their performance on cognitive tasks as they unravel clues, decode mysteries and race against the clock!
If you’re looking for an escape room, check out Mission Escape Games in Manhattan—everyone will get to shine as they contribute to finding the way out!
Other recommendations:
- Exit Escape Room, 📍 247 W 36th Street, Suite 101, Manhattan
- Brooklyn Escape Room, 📍 594 Pacific St, Brooklyn
Meaningful Company Events in NYC
From rejuvenating yoga sessions to celebratory awards nights and impactful fundraising events, the options for meaningful gatherings are endless. Whether it’s giving back to your employees and the community or fostering a sense of well-being within your team, these events play a crucial role in shaping office culture.
When activities and experiences are filled with purpose, they leave a lasting impact. While the definition of meaningful company events may differ for each organization, here are some of our top picks to inspire you:
13. Corporate Retreat at Bogart House
This year, why not treat your team to something truly special? Escape the busy city streets and immerse yourselves in a rejuvenating corporate retreat at Bogart House.
Corporate retreats offer a unique opportunity for teams to bond outside of the office. Incorporate activities like yoga, mindfulness sessions, wellness workshops, or even arts and crafts to create a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. Away days are excellent for teams to get to know each other outside of the formal office environment. Include activities such as yoga, mindfulness, well-being workshops, arts and crafts workshops, or allow your team to enjoy a day full of relaxation at a relaxing venue.
💡Tip: Ensure your team knows the purpose of the retreat, whether it’s for team building or a celebration. Clear communication beforehand will ensure everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect.
14. Roll Out the Red Carpet for an Awards Night
Honor the outstanding efforts of your exceptional team with an Awards Night! Show your appreciation and gratitude for their contributions to the company, whether it’s recognizing the Employee of the Month or the Best Team of the Quarter.
Keep the atmosphere light-hearted and inject some humor by including fun awards like “Best Singer” or “Most Creative” in the lineup.
💡Tip: Improve the recognition experience by including tangible gifts or memorable experiences for your staff, such as personalized gifts or a relaxing massage at their favorite spa. This reinforces their hard work and demonstrates the company’s appreciation for their dedication.
15. Give Back to the Community
Support a cause close to your team’s heart by donating or organizing a corporate charity event or volunteer day.
Serve meals at a soup kitchen or participate in a charity run, giving back cultivates a sense of unity and purpose among team members.
As colleagues join forces to make a positive impact, they not only help the community but also strengthen their connections through shared acts of kindness and compassion.
Here are some charities/foundations to consider:
- Children’s Scholarship Fund
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- Coalition for the Homeless
- Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen
- New York City Mammas Give Back
💁🏽♀️You might find this useful: 9 Unique Ideas That Will Make Your Fundraising Gala a Success.
Conclusion
We’re with Billy Joel on this one: there’s just something about being in a New York state of mind! You don’t need to jet off to Hollywood or Miami for an unforgettable company celebration. Among the world’s glamorous capitals, New York stands out as the ultimate city of dreamers.
Whether you’re a budding startup or a well-established corporation, give your team the chance to dream big at one of the city’s many spectacular venues.
Make the most of the inspiring experiences the city has to offer and foster connections and empowerment among your team. From enjoying culinary delights to embarking on thrilling adventures, New York provides endless opportunities to strengthen professional relationships and create lasting memories.
FAQ
What are some of the best venues for corporate events in New York City?
When arranging a brainstorming session for your team, it’s essential to secure a private meeting space that balances comfort and productivity while offering the necessary audiovisual equipment. Here are our top recommendations:
Workhouse NYC in Midtown: This well-lit space can accommodate up to 30 participants, making it perfect for team sessions or client meetings.
Cre8ive NYC: Located steps away from Penn Station and easily accessible via all subway lines. Cr8tive NYC consists of 13 individual studios, allowing for multiple room bookings and various uses.
For corporate holiday party venues, NYC offers a plethora of options, including private restaurants and unique party venues guaranteed to impress your team.
Pil Pil: Treat your team to an array of wines, delicious tapas, and festive decor at Pil Pil, exuding holiday vibes.
Pera in Soho: With a capacity of over 200 guests, Pera is an excellent choice for a company-wide holiday celebration.
For more intimate gatherings, consider The Raines Law Room at The William, a stylish cocktail bar with a retro library vibe, or The RPM Underground for a chic and laid-back holiday karaoke night.
Additionally, explore other venue options such as small party venues, conference spaces, and corporate event venues to ensure your event suits your specific needs!
What are the best bars for corporate events in NYC?
When planning a corporate event in NYC, consider hosting it at Hotel Chantelle, accommodating up to 250 people. This venue is ideal for rooftop cocktail dinner parties, gala nights, fundraising events, and summer soirees.
For a more intimate setting, opt for the Whiskey Cellar, where guests can enjoy a wide range of craft cocktails in a cozy atmosphere. Looking for a versatile venue that allows for creative themes and customization? Check out the Wandering Barman, a 5,000 sq. ft. space with a tasting room, perfect for a lively corporate event.
Feel free to explore our curated collection of bars and venues in NYC to find the perfect fit for your event!
How far in advance should I start planning a corporate event in NYC?
The timeline for planning a corporate event depends on its goal. For a casual pizza party, two weeks’ notice may be enough. However, for a conference involving multiple stakeholders and venue considerations, we recommend starting the planning process as early as a year in advance.
If you’re organizing a conference, our conference planning guide can offer some help. Similarly, if it’s your first time planning a team-building event, check out our top 7 tips to ensure a successful event!
Related articles
See all
