24 Original Ideas for Team Building in Los Angeles That Your Team Will Love

17 mins read
24 Original Ideas for Team Building in Los Angeles That Your Team Will Love
Written by: Jaya Ramchurn
April 22, 2024
17 mins read

Team building in Los Angeles is as easy as it gets, thanks to its endless possibilities! From the enchanting wonderland of Disneyland to the adrenaline-pumping world of boulder climbing, there’s something to tickle the fancy of every team member.

But we get it—the options here can be overwhelming. That’s where we step in to ease the decision-making process! Our curated selection of 24 team building activities in Los Angeles will be your compass through the options in this vibrant city.

Fun Team Building Activities in LA

Put your team’s problem-solving skills to the test with challenging escape rooms or embark on exciting scavenger hunts to discover the city! Take a look at our fun team bonding ideas that encourage collaboration and exploration in LA!

🕹️ 1. Gear Up for a VR Battle

Suitable for: Groups who love competition and new experiences

Host an unforgettable team building activity at Battleground VR on Hawthorne Boulevard, where the thrill of immersive virtual reality meets the spirit of friendly competition.

Here, your team can actively engage in a cyber sports tournament, offering a unique experience for both VR enthusiasts and those who’ve never tried it before.

Get set to make unforgettable memories and strengthen your team’s bond in an action-packed VR universe!

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Battleground VR provides an extensive array of games, from laser tag to mind-bending puzzles, all designed to bring your team closer together.

🔍 2. Escape the Room

Suitable for: Groups who love collaboration and problem-solving

Escape rooms are known for strengthening team bonds. They bring people together as they work towards a common goal, and it’s even better when you split a big group into smaller teams for some friendly competition. 

Teams solve puzzles and collaborate to escape the room, which boosts communication and teamwork. You can try different escape rooms like ”The Heist,” ”The Depths,” or “Prison Break” hosted by The Escape Game in LA—they can set up the game for any group, ensuring a memorable experience that brings your team closer.

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Escape rooms improve team communication and encourage creative brainstorming.

🥇 3. Go on a Scavenger Hunt

Suitable for: Teams that need some action-packed activity in the city

Organizing a scavenger hunt for a team building activity in LA is a brilliant way to foster camaraderie without breaking the bank.

With its many parks and diverse locations, a DIY scavenger hunt is a low-cost option that allows teams to have fun and take a well-deserved break from the daily grind. If you prefer an office setting, you can transform your workspace into a game zone by strategically placing clues and challenges.

Need assistance with planning? Check out these scavenger hunt options in LA and embark on an adventure that’ll bring your team closer than ever before!

🧘4. Gift a Corporate Retreat

Suitable for: As an employee appreciation gift, teams that need to relax

Retreats aren’t just a break from the daily grind; they’re a way to say thanks and boost team spirit.

Beyond the usual fun stuff,  retreats let employees escape the office and really connect. Imagine your team spending a day riding horses, doing relaxing yoga, and tackling exciting ropes courses–all to bring them closer together. Alternatively, you can rent out a space like the Contemporary Mansion for the day and treat your team to a day of relaxation!

Find a corporate venue for your team building in LA

Skip the reading and head to our top corporate event venues right now. From conferences to galas, we’ve got you covered with unique venues for your next event.

🍻 5. Go Pub Hopping

Suitable for: For teams who love exploring the city particularly if they are an international group.

Pub hopping in Los Angeles is the ultimate team-building adventure, and in a city where pubs are as abundant as palm trees, the possibilities are endless. With a never-ending lineup of pubs to explore, you can make your outing extra special with a theme like a craft beer adventure or retro pubs for added excitement.

For an unforgettable experience, don’t miss The Cat & Fiddle Pub Restaurant, offering a versatile selection of craft, imported, and domestic beers amidst a garden-inspired ambience.

Or make a pit stop at the Brickyard Pub in Hollywood, an upscale pub with over 75 global beers and several games, promising a fantastic evening of bonding and relaxation.

Cheers to memorable team building through pub hopping!

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The Cat & Fiddle Pub Restaurant in Hollywood is perfect for tasting craft beers from all over the world with your crew.

🕵🏼 6. Solve the Murder

Suitable for: The spooky season or anytime of the year to help your team collaborate better using game dynamics

Embrace your inner Columbo with a thrilling murder mystery team-building experience in Los Angeles!
Solve a gripping murder case, brainstorm solutions, decipher puzzles, and enhance communication, problem-solving skills, and trust. Perfect for any time of year, murder mysteries offer an exciting twist to team building.

Consider The Houdini Estate, owned by the legendary Harry Houdini, as your murder scene. DIY or go pro, dress up in Edwardian style, and create unforgettable memories while solving  mysteries with your team!

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The Houdini Estate, a secluded property in Hollywood Hills where Houdini perfected his escape and illusion skills, is an ideal backdrop for a murder mystery party

🎲 7. Host a Board Game Tournament 

Suitable for: Monthly team building, teams that love catching up regularly.

You can never get bored of board game tournaments! Gather your team and indulge in timeless favorites like Monopoly, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, or Risk. Check out the best board games of 2023 for some guidance on what to choose.

Break down larger groups into smaller, more intimate teams, and add a competitive twist by offering a prize to the winning group.

Consider The Nostalgia Bar for your board game party, where you can sip drinks while enjoying board games. Its hand-crafted decor, authentic old-school ambience, and capacity for up to 50 guests make it a cozy setting for a laid-back team building event.

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Consider The Nostalgia Bar in Pico Boulevard for your board games night to enjoy drinks in a rustic setting.

Creative Team Building Activities in Los Angeles

Explore your team’s creativity with hands-on experiences in Los Angeles. Consider pottery classes, lively Paintvine sessions with drinks, or fun-filled improv and dance classes for unforgettable team building! Take a look at some of our favorite creative ideas right away!

🕺 8. Dance Class

Suitable for: Teams that spend hours at the desk and need a fun workout

Whether you opt for line dancing, the upbeat rhythms of swing, or freestyle moves, dancing enhances creativity while being an absolute blast.

Dance classes offer a chance to employees to let their guard down, and have fun with coworkers. Moreover dancing boosts wellness, fitness and confidence. So, why wait? Get ready to dance your way to a stronger, happier team!

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By Your Side Dance Studio in Culver City can accommodate up to 90 dancers at a time—ideal for a comfortable team building activity.

📸 9. Take Photography Classes

Suitable for: Teams that want to enhance their creativity and explore LA

Discover the world’s beauty through photography classes in Los Angeles. Seasoned experts can guide you in mastering traditional film development in darkrooms or exploring the art of digital photography using cameras or smartphones.

Such classes not only hone your photography skills but also take you to inspiring locations where your team has never been before.

What’s more, if you have a photography enthusiast on your team, they can share their expertise, and you can even rent a photo studio in LA to elevate your team building experience!

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Rent a spot like Indigo Studio in Northeast LA to turn your team into instant photographers!

🎭10.Take an Improv Class

Suitable for: Improving self-confidence among employees

Embrace the spontaneous world of improvisation as a dynamic team-building activity in Los Angeles. Improv, a live theater form where plot, characters, and dialogue are created on the spot, cultivates creativity, mental flexibility, and quick thinking.

Engaging in improv cultivates adaptability and promotes a collaborative atmosphere filled with laughter and creativity, making it an excellent activity for any team. Take a look at 10 of the best improv classes in LA to get started!

🎨11.Paintvine & Wine

Suitable for: Creatives or wine aficionados

Paintvine is the ultimate team-building event for the creatively inclined. Plus, if you can’t make it to the studio, you can easily find virtual options that ship all the painting essentials to your doorstep.

So, channel your inner Van Gogh and turn that blank canvas into a masterpiece while having a grape time with your team!

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Custom Made Creative in Downtown LA can be rented as a meeting space for your paintvine session where everyone will feel like they’re part of their first art exhibition.

Find a spot in LA to host your team bonding session

We’ve got you covered with meeting venues that can accommodate groups of any size and all types of events!

🏺 12. Get Creative With a Pottery Class

Suitable for: Teams that need to be empowered through creativity

Pottery class isn’t just about crafting funky plant pots and quirky mugs! Working with clay has a magical way of soothing those overworked nerves—think of it as adult playdough therapy. It’s a fantastic combo of relaxation and skill-building and igniting your team’s inner artists.

Pottery isn’t just about crafting ceramics; it’s a hands-on journey to sculpt self-esteem and demonstrate that your team members have  the power to shape their destiny—quite literally! Find your ideal pottery class at Throw Clay Studio!

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Pottery classes: where your team can get their hands dirty and their creative juices flowing!

🍳 13. Join a Cooking Class

Suitable for: The foodies and as a culture building activity

In a city bursting with diverse dining options, cooking classes are as varied as LA’s food scene itself. Whether your team is in LA or joining virtually, these classes offer a flavorful adventure for both taste buds and teamwork. They’re the ultimate recipe for culture building, where your group discovers new tastes and bonds over your kitchen escapades.

Looking for a venue recommendation? Check out Perfect Production Kitchen, where you can whip up delicious dishes in a professionally equipped space. Bon appétit!

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Spice up your life, grab your apron, and head to the Perfect Production Kitchen in Granada Hills, where the setting is as delicious as the dishes you’ll create.

Team Building Activities for Small or Medium-Sized Groups in LA

Team building activities for small or medium-sized groups provide an intimate setting for colleagues to bond and collaborate more closely. Look at our best picks for a great time in LA!

🎤 14. Host a Karaoke Night

Suitable for: Everyone! Just remember not to force anyone to sing!

Karaoke fosters communication and trust as employees collaborate on song choices, sing together, and support each other in belting out those high notes.

For an iconic karaoke night, consider Break Room 86, a quirky 1980s-themed speakeasy under the Houston Hospitality group.

Get ready to groove to the ’80s beats and make lasting memories with your team!

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With its retro vibes, great cocktails, arcade games, and dedicated karaoke rooms, Break Room 86 in Koreatown is the ultimate destination for an ’80s-themed team-building karaoke party.

🧠15.Trivia All Night

Suitable for: Friendly competition and learning about each other

Trivia night is the perfect recipe for team bonding, combining fun and learning in a single quiz-packed evening! It’s where trivia questions break the ice, allowing everyone to relax and get to know each other.

For a top-notch trivia night, Barney’s Beanery in Santa Monica is the place to be. With its extensive menu, 40 beers on draft, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for your team’s brainy adventure.

So, put on your thinking caps and get ready for a night of laughter, learning, and camaraderie!

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For a fantastic trivia night, head to Barney’s Beanery in Santa Monica, where you’ll find great food, a vast beer selection, and a great atmosphere—all the ingredients for an unforgettable team-bonding experience!

🧗‍16. Boulder Climbing

Suitable for: The adventurous ones who want to try something new or have fun

Beyond the obvious physical gains in muscle strength, bouldering offers a unique way to improve your mental acuity, boost confidence, and alleviate stress. It’s like a workout for both body and mind!

What sets bouldering apart is its low barrier to entry—you can get started and climb in under 15 minutes. For the ultimate bouldering experience, head to LA Boulders, where climbers of all backgrounds, from rookies to fitness enthusiasts, find their home. Get ready to defy gravity!

⛵ 17. Set Sail

Suitable for: End of year celebrations, rewarding your team

Share laughs and stories under the sun on the open waters. Boat parties offer a blend of privacy and fun, creating an environment where your team can truly connect away from the office’s daily hustle and bustle.

You can seamlessly incorporate team-building activities, like trivia or scavenger hunts, into the festivities to keep everyone engaged and entertained. And why not add a playful pirate theme to make the event even more special?

Take a look at our indoor and outdoor team building ideas for more options!

For an intimate gathering, consider the Blue Moon Boat, where the surrounding waters of Marina del Rey offer a chance to spot dolphins, whales, seals, and birds, adding a touch of natural wonder to your celebration.

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With the Blue Moon, your group gets to enjoy an exclusive cruise, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

🤯 18. Rage Ground

Suitable for: The team that had a tough year or needs to let off some steam

Whether it’s road rage or any other frustrations grinding your gears, Rage Ground provides the perfect outlet to release tension.

It’s an ideal choice for small groups of up to 20 people, where you can book a session to smash cars or unleash your inner Pollock in a high-energy paint splatter room.

Whatever brings you to Rage Ground, it’s the mess any team needs to clear their heads and achieve a state of serenity!

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Make a mess, clear your head, and leave with a sense of relief in a rage room!

🥑 19. Guac Off

Suitable for: Avocado lovers and as a quick team building activity

California avocados aren’t just delicious; they’re also packed with good fats and nutrition, making them a local treasure.

This flavorful contest is a fantastic way for small groups to bond, bringing everyone together to create the tastiest guacamole in town. Whether you choose The Great Guac-Off to organize the event or decide to DIY, you’ll have a great time collaborating with peers and experimenting with fresh ingredients in your office’s kitchen or a rented event space.

And after crowning the guac-champions, everyone can chat and enjoy each other’s delicious creations. It’s a team building event that’s as tasty as it is fun—after all, who can resist guacamole?

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💪 20. Go Ziplining

Suitable for: The risk-takers, ideal for small groups of 10 for better coordination

Zip-lining offers numerous benefits, including stress reduction as you soar through the open sky, an adrenaline rush, and the opportunity to breathe in fresh air while improving your eyesight.

Additionally, these heart-pounding experiences can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories among participants.

Check out the best ziplining spots in LA!

🐐 21. Yoga Class with Goats

Suitable for: Boosting your team’s morale and happy moments with goats
Unlike your typical Hatha or Vinyasa yoga, Goat Yoga takes stretching to a new level of cuteness by incorporating adorable goats into the practice.

Laughing Frog Yoga is the go-to studio for this morale-boosting experience, offering both public goat yoga classes and private goat yoga events for your team.

The class includes an hour of Goat Yoga followed by 30 minutes of hangout and you could then head to a photo studio for some selfie time, ensuring you capture some unforgettable Instagram-worthy moments!

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Add an abundance of adorable goats to your team event with a Goat Yoga session!

For some other ideas to boost your team’s morale, hop on over to our fun team building ideas post!

🍣 23. Food Tour 

The city’s food culture is a mix of many cultures, and it’s what makes it so great. There are neighborhoods like Koreatown, Venice, and Little Ethiopia where you can taste foods from all over the world.

Trying these tasty dishes not only makes your taste buds happy but also helps your team learn about other cultures. When you explore new foods with your team, everyone gets to discover something about their colleagues.

So why not go on a delicious adventure that brings everyone closer together?

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Check out Tokki in Koreatown, crafted through the lens of first-generation Asian Americans living in the U.S!

🐭 24. Disneyland

Whether you’re wandering through the enchanting Disneyland Park or experiencing the magic of Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion, Disneyland has something for everyone.

This iconic destination transforms team building into a magical journey where childhood dreams come true, making it the ultimate venue for a memorable and joyful team outing.

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Gather your team for a magic carpet ride to Disneyland where childhood dreams turn true!

Final Thoughts

In Los Angeles, the possibilities for team building are as diverse as the city itself. From thrilling outdoor adventures to creative workshops and culinary explorations, there’s an activity to suit every team’s personality and goals.

Whether you’re rock climbing or exploring the cultural melting pot through food tours, team building in Los Angeles promises not only personal and professional growth but also unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!

For more inspiration, read our 21 Company Outing Ideas to Help Your Team Bond in 2023 and head to our 6 Crucial Tips to Help Your Team Have a Successful Team Building!

Find your ideal corporate venue right away

Looking for a bar to host a happy hour for your team or maybe you would like to treat them to a retreat in LA? Whatever you fancy, we’ve got you covered with top venues!

FAQ

What are some great team building ideas in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles offers an array of team building opportunities. Consider activities like a food tour through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, a beachside volleyball tournament, or a creative workshop such as pottery or painting classes. Outdoor adventures like hiking in Griffith Park or team kayaking in Marina del Rey can also foster collaboration. For a unique experience, try escape rooms with themes that challenge problem-solving skills. The key is to tailor the activity to your team’s interests and objectives while taking advantage of LA’s diverse offerings.

How do I choose a team building event for my team?

When choosing a team building event, consider your team’s needs and goals and analyze areas where improvement is needed, such as communication, problem-solving, or trust-building. Take into account your team’s interests and preferences, as well as the size of your group. Los Angeles offers diverse options, from outdoor activities like hiking or beach games to indoor activities like escape rooms or cooking classes. Be sure to align the chosen event with your team’s unique dynamics and the outcomes you hope to achieve.

When should I host a team building event?

The timing of your team building event is crucial. Consider hosting it during a period when workloads are manageable, and employees can fully engage without added stress. Common times include the beginning of a new project, after a particularly busy period, or as part of annual planning sessions. In Los Angeles, the favorable climate makes outdoor activities feasible year-round, but indoor events can be scheduled anytime. Choose a date that allows your team to participate wholeheartedly.

How do I measure the success of my team building event?

Measuring the success of a team building event can be done through various ways. Look at factors like improved team communication, increased collaboration, and enhanced morale. Collect feedback from participants through short surveys or team discussions and assess the event’s impact on their work relationships and productivity. Additionally, observe if there is a noticeable positive change in team dynamics!

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24 Original Ideas for Team Building in Los Angeles That Your Team Will Love