The Ultimate Guide to Team Building in Washington, DC: 17 Experiences That You Can’t Miss

16 mins read
The Ultimate Guide to Team Building in Washington, DC: 17 Experiences That You Can’t Miss
Written by: Jaya Ramchurn
October 21, 2024
16 mins read

Washington, DC offers a boundless landscape for learning, exploration, and growth. It’s no wonder it ranks among the top cities for team building events. 

For those fortunate enough to call this city home and the ones just visiting, the options are limitless. Whether you seek the adrenaline rush of epic escape rooms, the intrigue of murder mysteries, or the serenity of cooking and mindfulness classes, DC caters to the needs of every group. 

Join us as we explore the thriving world of team building activities in DC and discover the key to enhancing group dynamics while having an epic and fun experience!

Team Building Activities in DC for The Brave

Prepare for a thrilling journey that requires your team’s courage and resilience. From mastering the art of axe throwing to unraveling intricate murder mysteries, there’s a world of exhilarating challenges poised to ignite their collaborative and brainstorming skills.

The only prerequisite for your team? To embrace the unknown, conquer their fears, and let the adventure begin!

Find the perfect event space

Before investigating  our handpicked team building activities, why not secure the perfect venue for your upcoming event? Dive into our array of meeting spaces today!

1.Axe Throwing Fun

Type: Energetic & active

Pricing: $30 per person 

Group size: 32 people

Location: Indoor

Unleash your team’s inner Viking and embark on an epic journey of axe throwing! But fear not; it’s less scary than it sounds. 

All your team needs is a bit of stamina and a fierce determination to outshine their colleagues.

At Kraken Axes in Penn Quarter, you’ll discover the high-octane experience your group has been craving. Axe throwing is akin to target sports like darts. You stand about 10-12 feet from the target, testing your focus and precision with each throw.

Does your team yearn to unleash their inner beasts and relieve work-related stress? Kraken Axes has everything you need in  their rage room. Fulfill your fantasies of office-space destruction as you wield a sledgehammer and wreak havoc. 

The best part? They’ll tidy up the mess when you’re through. Get ready for a fun and collaborative team bonding adventure like no other!

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Discover the art of axe-throwing with your team!

2.Be an Escape Artist for a Day

Type: Challenging, competitive and fun

Pricing: $640 rental fee

Group size: 32 people

Location: Indoor

Escape rooms are an excellent way to foster teamwork and enhance group dynamics. At Escape Artist in Street Southeast, your team will have the chance to indulge in a unique and immersive team building experience.

Their breakout game rooms are designed around captivating premises, and are filled with clues to crack the case, solve the problem, or unravel the mystery. Just like characters in an unscripted play, your team gets to chart its own course right from the start. It’s time to test your teamwork and team spirit at one of the best escape rooms in the city before the clock runs out!

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Unlock the secrets of a mysterious room with your colleagues at Escape Artist!

3.Solve the Murder Mystery

Type: Brainstorming, collaboration, competition 

Pricing: From $125

Group size: 6-12 people per group

Location: Indoor

Murder mysteries are an absolute blast—especially when you’re not the one on the chopping block! Whether your team’s channeling their inner Columbo or Sherlock Holmes, a murder mystery offers the perfect stage to put their detective skills to the test.

These enigmatic adventures improve teamwork, brainstorming, and collaboration. Teams also engage in friendly competition, learning to cooperate efficiently under tight deadlines and intense pressure.

True to their name, murder mysteries challenge you to unmask the culprit. You can even craft your DIY mystery and host it in a private room at a restaurant.

Alternatively, for a professionally executed event, you can turn to The Murder Mystery Company.

Get ready to unlock a mystery, crack a  case, and host a party your team will be “dying” to talk about for years!

4.Climb the Boulder Wall 

Type: Confidence booster, physical and mental strength 

Pricing: $35 for a /day pass

Group size: 4-25 people

Location: Indoor

Rock climbing, particularly bouldering, is an ideal indoor team building activity that not only builds a strong team but also provides a hearty dose of fun.

In boulder climbing, participants must harmonize their mental and physical prowess to conquer their fear of falling. With harnesses and trusty mattresses ensuring their safety, they’ll swiftly overcome their fears as they reach the top of the wall. 

This challenge enhances cardio fitness, strengthens muscles, sharpens problem-solving skills, and boosts confidence

Boulder climbing allows employees to bond, collaborate, and increase team spirit. This indoor adventure is also a great morale booster. 

DC Bouldering Project offers day passes and monthly rates, making it an ideal choice for employee team building!

Boulder Climbing as a team building activity in DC
Boulder climbing fosters teamwork, trust, and resilience, strengthening your team’s connection. Give it a try for your next team bonding session.

Fun Team Building Activities For Any Group

Spice up your team building event with activities like laser tag, happy hour or a discovery party! Check out our top fun activities for an event full of fun!

5. Laser Tag Party 

Type: Carefree, physical, competitive  

Pricing:  $35 for a day pass

Group size: 4-6 people per team

Location: Indoor/outdoor 

Laser tag, whether indoors or outdoors, is an excellent choice for team bonding in Washington. This adventure will take your colleagues back to their carefree childhood days with an added competitive twist, where the goal is to avoid being hit. 

Split participants into groups of 3 to 4 so they can compete against each other!

In this recreational shooting sport, participants use infrared light guns to tag designated targets, earning points by hitting sensors and strategizing to eliminate opponents. Laser tag is an entertaining and effective team building activity. 

Plus, you have plenty of \options like Doyle’s Outpost, Shadowland Laser Adventures, Ultrazone Bailey Crossroads, and Tom’s Laser Tag to host your event!

6. Go on a Scavenger Hunt

Type: Carefree, physical, competitive  

Pricing: Free (if hosted at a park/office)

Group size: 3-5 people per team

Location: Indoor/outdoor 

Who could resist the excitement of a scavenger hunt against the backdrop of Washington, DC’s iconic locations like Rock Creek Park, the National Mall, and the serene U.S. Botanic Garden?

Picture your team navigating these urban spots, solving riddles in Dupont Circle, collecting treasures in Georgetown, or uncovering secrets in Capitol Hill.

Check out these garden-themed scavenger hunt lists for an unforgettable treasure hunt, and rent an outdoor space for a special team bonding in the heart of Washington, where your team can also relax and dine right after the activity.

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Enhance your scavenger hunt with the charming backdrop of the President Woodrow Wilson House and witness your crew having an incredibly fun time!

Are you looking for the perfect spot to host an outdoor team event for your colleagues?

Our list of curated venues has got you covered!

7. Happy Hour 

Type: Weekly, catch-up, happy hour

Pricing:  $50 per person

Group size: up to 200 people

Location: Indoor/outdoor 

Gathering at a local pub or sports bar after work is a fantastic way for your team to unwind and bond after a challenging week. This regular get-together can be especially valuable if your team is dispersed across the city, offering a chance to socialize with colleagues.

Encourage everyone to join for free drinks and engaging conversations. Building these bonds outside of regular work hours not only fosters creativity when discussing work-related matters but also uncovers shared interests among team members. Check out The Game Sports Pub, located in Adams Morgan, for its welcoming atmosphere, affordable prices, and various drinks.

It’s the ideal place to catch up and watch your favorite sports events on multiple screens. Plus, don’t miss their fun karaoke nights, where you can enjoy delicious cocktails for just $7—the perfect way to end a successful week!

the games sports bar for happy hour in DC
Experience team building at The Game Sports Pub in Adams Morgan, and enjoy affordable drinks, sports, and lively karaoke nights.

8. Cultural Discovery Party

Type: Culture building, educational, engaging 

Pricing: From $40 per person (varies by venue)

Group size: 6-100 people

Location: Indoor/outdoor 

Why limit cultural discovery to just one night? With DC’s various restaurants and venues, you can host a cultural bash every quarter in a respectful, engaging setting.

Impress your team by heading to El Techo if you are feeling a Mexican vibe. It’s a rooftop oasis described as “Instagram gold” above Rito Loco.

Get ready for Latin-inspired dishes, vacation vibes, and a jungle-like rooftop— a perfect recipe for culture building with a side of laughter.

El techo restaurant
Infuse some zest into team bonding by hosting culture-themed dinner parties at venues like El Techo where the decor will make your team say ¡Vaya, vaya!

Need extra help planning your team building event? Start with our team building planning tips to get things right the first time!


9. Pizza Party 

Type: Foodies, casual, quick to plan

Pricing:  $50 per person

Group size: up to 63 people

Location: Indoor

Turn your work day into a pizza party! With an impressive 41.5 pizza shops per 100,000 people, DC is the prime spot for regular pizza gatherings. 

Whether it’s classic flavors, stuffed crust, thin crust, or unconventional toppings like rhubarb, red peanut curry, or nacho pizza, there’s a slice for everyone. Colleagues will discover each other’s preferences, fostering connections and uncovering shared interests. 

Better yet, bake your own! CozyMeal offers in-person and online pizza-making classes. For those just looking to eat, visit We, The Pizza, an Italian-American gem in DC known for its delightful pies, wings, salads, and homemade sodas.

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Thin crust? Stuffed crust? You can have them all at We,The Pizza! Head to this spot for a quick and successful team building session with your hungry colleagues!

10. Wine Tasting Class

Type: Interactive, tasting, conversation-starter

Pricing:  $50 per person

Group size: up to 91 people

Location: Indoor/outdoor 

Embrace the charm of wine tasting, a surefire way to bond with your fellow team members in Washington. Whether it’s the crispness of winter or the warmth of summer, this group activity is always a winner.

You have the choice of savoring local classics like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, or exploring flavors from around the globe. Looking for the ideal venue? Look no further than the Barkada Wine Bar, an oasis of natural wines, craft cocktails, and delectable shared snacks featuring both local and imported delights.

It’s your friendly neighborhood bar, offering not only exquisite wines but also an array of entertaining activities like trivia and karaoke. So, are you ready to uncork the fun and savor an unforgettable bonding experience with your team?

Barkada Wine Bar DC
Gather your dream team at Barkada Wine Bar to enjoy some fine wine and tasteful conversations!

11. Pumpkin Carving (a Halloween Must-Try)

Type: Creative, fall-inspired

Pricing: From $25 per person

Group size: 4-50 people

Location: Indoor/outdoor 

Indulge in the cozy vibes of autumn with the timeless tradition of pumpkin carving. While it’s a Halloween classic, there’s no need to limit the fun to just one spooky night. 

Pumpkin carving is the ultimate bonding experience, perfect for both the young and young at heart. To spice things up, some places even mix pumpkin carving with delicious bites and sips, taking your gathering to the next level.

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Check out this list of pumpkin carving events and kick off your fall fiesta with your crew!

Are you tired of the usual team building activities? So, why don’t you try something new with our Halloween Party Themes this year?


12. Head to a Pumpkin Patch (Fall Special)

Type: Creative, fall-inspired

Pricing: From $3 per person

Group size: 4-50 people

Location: Outdoor 

Explore an array of pumpkin patches around the capital, from the charming Butler’s Orchard in Germantown to the delightful Cox Farms in Centreville. These patches offer a delightful twist on traditional team building activities, making them perfect for the fall season.

Are you wondering why you should opt for a pumpkin patch for your team building outing? Well, these patches aren’t just about pumpkins—they’re bustling with activities like milking cows, tending to farm chores, and even showcasing live music performances, including blues, country bands, and family-friendly acts!

Indulge your team’s fall cravings with treats like caramel apples, kettle corn, and apple cider doughnuts, not to mention the opportunity to savor apples and cider from local orchards. It’s the ideal family-friendly team building experience!

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Wrap up your day by gifting each employee a cozy fall pack, complete with marshmallows and a snug blanket for those chilly, autumn nights.

13. Go-Karting 

Type: Competitive, fast-paced 

Pricing: From $9 per person

Group size: 4-50 people

Location: Indoor/outdoor 

Go-karting is the ultimate team activity. It’s a chance to let loose, embrace your competitive side, and unleash your inner road warrior. 

Go-karting isn’t just fun; it’s also a brain-boosting adventure that makes your team happy and energized. The excitement of racing in a go-kart triggers a rush of feel-good chemicals like dopamine. If you want to try it, check out places like Autobahn Indoor Speedway in Dulles and Crofton Go Kart Raceway in DC Get ready to have a blast on the track!

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Make Go-karting your go-to team building activity for some high speed fun and competition!

Need a private spot to dine and wine after your team building activity?

Discover the top restaurants in DC to treat your team to a rewarding experience!

Relaxing Team Building Activities

Teams benefit from morale-boosting activities that provide relaxation and rejuvenation. Regular sessions, whether held quarterly or more frequently if possible, serve as essential check-ins for both mental and physical well-being. 

These activities, such as dance classes, yoga sessions, or spa days, aid in stress management, fostering resilience in demanding work environments. Let’s dive into our top four activities to help your team unwind!

14. Yoga Session 

Type: Relaxing, well-being

Pricing: From $16 per person

Group size: From 4 people

Location: Indoor

Yoga is not only beneficial for the body, it also helps reduce stress and anxiety, leading to improved sleep quality and increased energy levels.

Organizations that recognize the importance of employee wellness often choose to host yoga classes in their office space to foster a supportive and nurturing environment. 

Still not convinced? Just ask your team about their experience after one class! For a great team activity, check out Yoga Heights on Georgia Avenue Northwest. They offer options for everybody, skill level, and budget, and they’re all about celebrating diversity and inclusivity in their community.

Yoga Heights is the ideal place for hosting your fitness classes as they cater to all different budgets!

15. Dance Away

Type: Groovy, mental and physical health

Pricing:  From $14 per person

Group size: From 4 people

Location: Indoor

Enrolling your employees in a dance class, whether freestyle or something specific, can be a transformative experience, helping them connect with their bodies and minds on a deeper level. 

Dancing empowers individuals to express themselves in ways they might not typically do, fostering creativity and self-awareness.

This connection between body and mind keeps their energy, inspiration, and productivity at peak levels, ultimately leading to higher-quality work.

If you need help finding the ideal dance class for your team, check out these top ten dance classes in DC!

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Host a dance class for your team to encourage self-awareness and self-care among your peers through the power of movement. 

16. Labyrinth Walking 

Type: Wellbeing, mindfulness

Pricing: Free

Group size: Any

Location: Indoor

Embrace the zen of labyrinth walking in DC for a unique team building adventure. These winding paths are perfect for small groups seeking inner peace and togetherness. Unlike confusing mazes, labyrinths have one clear route, letting you focus on your thoughts and aspirations. 

Head to Barton Park, Georgetown Waterfront Park, or St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for a quick escape from the daily grind. It’s a refreshing way to bond with your team in the heart of the city!

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Discover serene labyrinths in Barton Park, Georgetown Waterfront Park, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where you and your employees can escape the hustle and bustle of daily work life.

Check out this article that even has tips on how to walk a labyrinth to find inner peace!

17. Must do: Regular Catch-Ups

In the wild world of work, whether you’re navigating a hybrid or remote landscape, regular catch-ups are a must. They keep the team connected. 

Try games like Gartic Phone, quick trivia showdowns, or guess-the-song challenges for at least 15 minutes weekly. It’s like sprinkling a little laughter into your work routine!

And for those lucky office-dwellers, transform your coffee breaks into crucial bonding moments where you can chat, sip, and discover all about your co-workers. So, make sure to make every moment count!


Hosting regular outings for your team can be a real morale booster. Take a quick look at our 21 company outing ideas to make your activities a success and bring your team closer together!


Conclusion

Team bonding in Washington, DC, is a guaranteed success with so many fuss-free activities and venues to choose from. From the extraordinary, like boulder climbing and labyrinth walking, to the more traditional, such as happy hours, there’s something to suit every team’s taste. 

Team building not only boosts morale but also enhances employee performance. Regular team building is crucial because it strengthens communication, trust, and collaboration, ultimately creating a harmonious work environment that fosters creativity and productivity.

So what are you waiting for? Pick an activity and start planning!

Ready to kickstart your team bonding session?

Discover our exclusive team building venues! Leave a lasting impression on your employees so they are eager for more

FAQ

What is the average budget per person for a team building event in Washington, DC?

The average budget per person for team building activities in Washington, DC, is around $40. However, if you’re on a budget, you can consider hosting your own events and activities, such as a trivia round or virtual coffee breaks, which can be cost-effective or even free.

How frequently should I organize team bonding activities for my team?

The frequency of team bonding activities depends on your team’s needs and goals. It is recommended to have regular team building sessions, such as once a month or quarterly, to maintain team cohesion and morale. However, the exact frequency can vary based on your team’s dynamics and availability.

How can team building help my team?

Team building can help your team in several ways. It enhances communication, builds trust, and fosters better collaboration among team members. It can also improve problem-solving skills, boost morale, and increase overall productivity. Ultimately, team building contributes to a positive and cohesive work environment.

What are some top team building activities for my group in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC, offers a variety of exciting team building activities. You can consider options like axe throwing, bouldering, pub quizzes, yoga classes, labyrinth walking, and mindfulness sessions. These activities cater to different interests and preferences within your group, ensuring an engaging and memorable team bonding experience.

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The Ultimate Guide to Team Building in Washington, DC: 17 Experiences That You Can’t Miss