Top 12 Team Building Activities for Your Team to Try In Austin
We all know how most employees feel about team building—they dread it! They’d rather spend an extra hour on that spreadsheet than attend your team building session.
Whether you’re in Austin or anywhere in Texas, it’s pretty much the same unless you come up with some brilliant ideas that will have your team asking, “When’s the next team building session?”
We’ve put together a mix of options for teams of all sizes and styles— from fun team experiences to affordable activities and even some unique, awesome options that will get your staff excited to join in.
Fun Corporate Team Building Activities in Austin
Adventure awaits!
Anything is fun when it’s done with your team! Choose an activity they’ll enjoy and make sure to get everyone’s input on the plan. Once they’re on board, it’s time to have fun. Whether it’s a murder mystery in the dining hall, your common area, or a happy hour that doesn’t have to wait until Friday, we’ve got something for everyone—even Mark, who always has something to say! So, keep reading!
🔪 1. Plan a Murder Mystery
It’s murder on the dance floor. But you better not kill the groove. 🎶
Perfect for: Improving problem solving and communication skills. And for fun!
Your murder mystery can take place right at the office or even in a private dining hall, but there are a couple of things you’ll need to sort out.
First, everyone should dress up as a character from the plot, and someone has to volunteer to play the victim!
Maybe Eric, who’s always napping, or Joanne, who deserves a good rest! With plenty of free plots available, you can choose to DIY your murder mystery or bring in experts to help plan the team building event of the year. Will your team figure out whodunit?
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🧘 2. Go on a Retreat at Hill Country Home ATX
Reset and rejuvenate
Perfect for: Small teams. As a reward after a tough quarter or successful year.
Retreats, though rare, are a fantastic way for your employees to unwind and forget about work for hours—or even an entire day if the budget allows.
This is the perfect chance to introduce icebreakers, charades, trivia, and cocktail parties. Venues like the Hill Country Home ATX offer a refreshing change of scenery. Your team will find peace and tranquillity, far from city life and office stress.
Located in a wooded area with breathtaking hill country views, this property has a kitchen for DIY cooking classes and plenty of spots to relax with colleagues. A retreat might just be the escape your team has been craving.
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🖌️3. Try a Paint and Sip
“I dream my painting, and I paint my dream.” — Van Gogh
Perfect for: The creative souls hiding behind the screens.
If your team loves creative challenges and getting their Friday fix on a Wednesday evening, they’ll enjoy a paint and sip. To make it even more fun, choose a theme everyone will love. No artistic skills are required—just a sip of liquid courage, and your team will be channelling their inner da Vinci in no time!
Check out these spots for your next event:
🍻 4. Happy Hour on a Wednesday
Blame it on the alcohol. 🎶
Perfect for: Small, close-knit groups who enjoy discussing things with each other and want to learn more about their colleagues.
Why wait until the weekend to treat your team to a happy hour cocktail party when they could use one mid-week? Happy hour or after-work drinks are ideal for small teams who love chatting about projects, hobbies, and everything.
It’s a chance to connect without the usual office formalities. Just be sure to respect everyone’s choice not to drink and limit the drinks to 1-2 per person—you still want them to show up on Thursday!
Cheap Team Building Activities
Save your money
Start-ups and larger companies looking to bring their teams together without breaking the bank often find it challenging to organize activities. While some investment is necessary for these events, we’ve compiled a list of easy and affordable team building ideas that work for small and large teams.
🥞 5. Have Lunch Together
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” — James Beard.
Perfect for: A casual catch-up with your team, whether during working hours or to celebrate special moments like hitting the quarterly target.
The great thing about Austin is that you can plan an outdoor lunch almost any time of the year. Whether it’s spring, winter, Christmas, the 4th of July, or just celebrating a colleague’s birthday or their last day at work, there are countless reasons to gather your crew around a meal and enjoy each other’s company.
Plus, lunches are easy to plan—everyone just has to show up. All you need to do is ask your company to cover the bill!
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🏛️ 6. Tour the Capitol Building
“There’s a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas.” —Willie Nelson
Perfect for: New joiners who have never visited Austin and enjoy tours.
Austin is not only the capital of Texas but also home to the State Capitol Building, known for its grand design and Renaissance-inspired architecture. Exploring the area can be a fun and educational team building activity in Austin, giving a chance to appreciate the city’s rich history without overspending.
The Texas State Preservation Board provides tours, making this a great option for teams interested in history or architecture or for employees who may not be familiar with Austin’s history.
It’s an especially fun activity if any members of your team have never toured the Capitol before. Plus, with its central location, you can easily pair this team building activity with a meal at one of Austin’s fantastic restaurants.
🚵 7. Explore Austin on a Bike
I want to ride my bicycle🎶
Perfect for: Getting your team to exercise while discovering each other’s interests.
Sitting behind a monitor for more than 8 hours a day can be tough, especially when there’s little connection to nature or your colleagues.
To change things up, why not rent city bikes (electric or traditional—it’s up to you) and explore the outdoors of Austin? This activity allows your team to discover landmarks, share stories about places that matter to them, and get in some exercise along the way.
🔍 8. Visit the Inner Space Cavern
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” – Joseph Campbell
Perfect for: Curious minds and those who love a mix of history and science.
Yes, you read that right! One of the most unique corporate activities for your team is exploring the stunning underground rock formations just north of Austin.
If your team is feeling particularly adventurous, consider venturing into the undeveloped parts of the cave. It’s a great opportunity for your colleagues to learn something new, share their knowledge, and bond over a shared adventure.
Tickets for the Adventure Tour can be purchased upon arrival at the cave. All you need is a date, time, and some sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction—after all, you wouldn’t want to end up lost in the cave!
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Unusual Team Building Activities in Austin
Unique like you
What can possibly be unusual about team building activities, you ask? How about out-of-the-box ideas that let your squad’s personalities shine? Check out our favorite team bonding activities that are anything but ordinary.
🪓 9. Axe Throwing
Axe Axe Baby🎶
Perfect for: Teams that need to relax after work. As an icebreaker for new joiners.
Top Notch Axe Throwing in Round Rock has what you need for those who crave an adrenaline rush and would rather throw an axe at a board than at their CEO. Zero lumberjack skills? No problem!
Expert instructors will guide you through the activity and ensure everyone gets involved. The venue also offers food and drink packages, so you won’t have to worry about where to eat after all the fun.
Just wear your comfiest outfit and shoes, and head to the venue. To make things even more exciting, add a prize—cash or vouchers will definitely motivate your colleagues to join in (let’s skip the company mugs this time!).
🍟10. Take Your Crew on a Food Truck Adventure
“Food should be fun.” – Thomas Keller
Perfect for: Those who love to try new flavors and anyone hungry.
Austin’s food trucks are perfect for a casual team outing. Head to one of the city’s popular food truck pods and let everyone pick what they’re in the mood for—whether it’s BBQ from Micklethwait Craft Meats, tacos from Veracruz All Natural, or churros from Churro Co. There’s something for everyone. It’s a fun way to try a little bit of everything while supporting local foodies. Perfect for any team looking for great food and fun!
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🐉11. Dragon’s Den
“As you take more risk, you accept more risk.” – Dragon’s Den.
Perfect for: Teams who like problem solving and need to work on their creative and communication skills as a group.
As you’ve probably guessed, this one’s inspired by the British show where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to the investors, aka the dragons. But in our office version, the stakes are lower, and the wins come more often!
The premise is simple: split your team into small groups and have them step into the Dragon’s Den. Each group will present their business idea and pitch it to the ‘dragons’—hopefully, a non-biased panel.
Ready to see if you’re investment-worthy? The time is now!
🪂12. Indoor Skydiving
I want to get away. I want to fly away🎶
Perfect for: Staff who rarely see each other and need to let loose after a tough quarter. Also makes for a thrilling Christmas activity.
There are always a few thrill-seekers on every team, and what better way to make your squad feel as cool as Tom Cruise on a mission than an indoor skydiving session? It is safer than outdoor skydiving but just as exciting—at least you won’t have to worry about being carried away by a vulture.
Indoor skydiving is a great way for your team to unwind after a tough quarter. You could even consider gifting your employees this adventure as a Christmas treat.
Choose a company like iFLY, which offers expert guidance and pre-flight safety briefings and provides corporate packages for your team to enjoy the sensation of weightlessness. Is your company bold enough for indoor skydiving?
🤼 Team Up
There are a million things to do in Austin when it comes to team building. And the best part? You don’t have to settle on just one for the whole year. Studies show that the happiest teams are the ones that regularly connect outside of the office. So, pick your favorites and tailor them to fit your company budget and employee needs.
You can even host regular post-event surveys to get feedback on how your team felt about the bonding session and what they’d like to try next.
Good luck with your planning, and remember—the most important thing is for your team to relax and enjoy themselves. After all, they’re the ones who make your company shine!
FAQ
What are some team building activities for small groups in Austin?
Organize a casual lunch at a local favorite, grab drinks at a happy hour to unwind, or even plan a mini-retreat to recharge. If you are looking for something more engaging, trivia nights can spark friendly competition, or you could try icebreakers in a cozy venue to help everyone connect. Consult your team before finalizing the activities, whether you’re after a casual get-together or some lighthearted activities.
Are there any indoor team building activities in Austin?
Definitely! Austin has plenty of indoor options to keep your group engaged, even when the weather isn’t that great. While the city generally enjoys great weather, the rainy months of May and October are perfect for indoor activities. You can try indoor skydiving for a thrilling experience, get creative with a paint-and-sip event, or host a stylish cocktail reception. If you are looking for something that is easy to plan, a team lunch at one of Austin’s many indoor-friendly venues can do the trick.
What are some adventurous team-building options in Austin?
If you’re looking to add some adventure to your team-building activities, Austin has you covered. You can go on scenic hiking trails or take bike tours to explore the city’s outdoor beauty. For something out-of-the-box, why not try a flash mob or organize a murder mystery game for a fun twist? Choose activities that are comfortable for everyone, as some employees may not participate if they feel uncomfortable.
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