Top 11 fun team-building activities for small teams in Chicago

Enjoy these stress-free experiences that won't make you stand in a circle and hold hands.
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If you run a small team, team-building is likely not on your mind. You are already so close to your co-workers. Plus, team-building can be painfully lame.

We selected the top 11 fun team-building activities in Chicago that won't make you stand in a circle and hold hands. These stress-free experiences will help you try something new and actually have fun with your team.

Kayak Adventure in Chicago

We specialize in providing the perfect recreational option for your company outing or corporate event. Therefore, whether your group is looking for a half day of kayaking or an event for a corporate incentive package, Kayak Chicago can arrange it.

In addition, we offer a wide variety of adventure activity options for your group which allows your company the ability to create your own adventure. Just let us know what activities interest you and how much time you have and we’ll help plan a memorable trip that is custom designed to your needs.

Choose from any of our existing tours, or create a custom event specific to your group and your goals. For example, you can join some of our tours, which include a Chicago architecture tour, a fireworks paddle, and a city lights tour after dusk.

You can incorporate team building, games, relay races, obstacle course, scavenger hunt, or an after paddle picnic / BBQ.

A team of people kayaking in Chicago on St Patrick's Day
🏷️ Price: $
90
 per person
👪 Capacity: up to 
100
 people
➡️ See more details and book here

Tufting Workshop Chicago

Learn how to make your own tufted rug in this tufting workshop in Chicago. Tufting is one of the newest social media sensations for a reason! It's fun, creative, and can be a relaxing craft to help you unwind!

Tufting is a modern take on the traditional craft of rug-making, where you use a tufting gun to weave yarn through a cut of monk's cloth. In this class, you will be able to choose from 100 different yarn colors, to create your custom tufted rug. This collection of yarn is one of the most complete tufting yarn collections in the U.S.!

Your instructor will take you through the basics of how to use a tufting gun and within minutes, you'll be able to create rows of stitches on the one end to see fluffy tufts of yarn blossom on the flipside; slowly hand-making your own personalized rug one tuft at a time! Bring an image of what you would like to turn into a tufted rug and your instructor will help you trace the design onto fabric.

A team poses with their tufted rugs in Chicago
🏷️ Price: $
90
 per person
👪 Capacity: up to 
10
 people
➡️ See more details and book here

Latte Art Class Chicago

Master the art of coffee presentation. Learn to pour beautiful designs, turning your lattes into visual delights. Includes an introduction to latte art and its history, the tools needed for latte art at home, an introduction to the science and technique behind steaming milk, practice steaming milk, then a lesson on pouring hearts and practice pouring hearts.

Someone pouring latte in an artistic way
🏷️ Price: $
90
 per person
👪 Capacity: up to 
20
 people
➡️ See more details and book here

Terrarium Workshop Chicago

Build your own terrarium and bring a slice of nature indoors in this DIY class in Chicago!

If you're looking for a fun DIY project, try a terrarium building class in Chicago. Even if you weren't born with a green thumb, you can still succeed with a terrarium!

In this craft class, you will learn how to design your own miniature garden. Your DIY terrarium will include a beautiful concrete-like container, a variety of gorgeous succulents, and adorable decorations that will add a personal touch.

You will all leave with your personal terrariums to add a touch of green to your home decor or office space.

Please Note

  • Private events for up to 20 guests in our studio. Mobile offsite events up to 40 guests.
  • For mobile workshops there is a travel/service fee of $100, which will be added to the booking after the initial payment is received.
  • Teacher can accommodate groups of up to 40 guests via mobile offsite events. Please use the Contact button below to inquire about availability.
Perfect for beginners!

What you'll get

  • 9 inch plant-fiber container (sage green color, oval shape) choice of 3 succulents
  • rocks and soil for proper drainage
  • plant accessories - rocks, marble crystals, moss, and pets handout and demo with plant care tips
Two women hold a terrarium they have built during a Spaciously team building event in Chicago
🏷️ Price: $
60
 per person
👪 Capacity: up to 
40
 people
➡️ See more details and book here

World's Dumplings Chicago

"Dumplings are delightful things, born of thrift and culinary ingenuity, that can easily be eaten in a few bites.” Many cuisines include a variation on dumplings - Empanadas, Spring Rolls, and Potstickers - just to name a few. Join us and you'll learn how to create some of our favorite ""out of this world"" dumplings!



What's on the Menu?

  • Mexico: Chorizo and Cheese Empanadas with Chipotle Dipping Sauce
  • China: Pork and Vegetable Potstickers with Dipping Sauce
  • Greece: Spanakopita Triangles with Tzatziki Sauce
  • Thailand: Thai Crispy Spring Rolls (Chicken)



What to Expect?



The class begins with some prep work followed by our chef leading the group through the recipes while leaving a little room for some laughs and socializing along the way.



What skills will be Covered?



Making, shaping and rolling numerous dough's. Knife skills, working with spices. Working with vegetables. Deep frying, baking and pan frying techniques. Making 3 types of dipping sauces.



When will we Eat?



It takes time to make a great meal and in general it will take 2 to 2.5 hours for the food to be served.



Can we bring something to Drink?



Absolutely, our classes are BYOB!
*Please remember the more you drink, the less you'll learn...

A team posing with dumplings they just learnt how to make at a Spaciously corporate event
🏷️ Price: $
90
 per person
👪 Capacity: up to 
20
 people
➡️ See more details and book here

Leather Working Class Chicago

If you've been itching for a new hobby, learn leather working in this craft class in Chicago. In this leatherworking class, you will receive an introduction to leather work and how to make your own handmade leather goods.

In this class, you will choose from three different projects to kickstart your leather working journey, including a cuff, clutch, or belt. You will use leather and hardware to match your vision to create your custom piece. You'll learn how to set a snap, attach a rivet, and more! If you're feeling ambitious, you can modify and create your own designs as well. This is a fun, easy class and gives you a chance to make a few things out of leather. Your class is led by a knowledgeable instructor so you're in safe hands and can ask as many questions as you please.

By the end of class, you'll have your own custom handmade leather piece that you can give as gifts or just wear and enjoy yourself. If you're looking for fun creative classes in Chicago or gift experiences for a friend or loved one, this is the perfect activity that will let you experiment with a new hobby and leave with something you're proud of!

A team poses with their leather goods in Chicago
🏷️ Price: $
75
 per person
👪 Capacity: up to 
25
 people
➡️ See more details and book here

Pottery Hand Building Class Chicago

If you're hoping to take your first step into the world of pottery, join this ceramics class in Chicago! This workshop will foster creativity in beginners through a hands-on hand-building lesson. You'll learn foundational skills that will enable you to have a personalized and expressive crafting experience!

In this pottery workshop, you will learn the pinch pot technique, which is an essential skill in learning ceramics. Don't worry if you've never touched clay before, this is a guided session with an experienced instructor! You'll use high-quality and non-toxic clay in this workshop. The first 60 minutes is dedicated to pinch pot building, leaving the last hour to decorate your pots with glaze.

What you'll learn Introduction to the basic pinch pot technique. Visual demonstration of creating and shaping pinch pots. Guided hands-on session with step-by-step instructions.

Whether you're looking for creative date ideas or a fun way to spend time with others in Chicago, you can learn pottery basics and take home a special token to remember the event.

A team poses with their pottery in Chicago
🏷️ Price: $
80
 per person
👪 Capacity: up to 
50
 people
➡️ See more details and book here

Painting Class: Shoot and Spin Paint in Chicago

Looking for a fun and unique way to create a masterpiece? If a peaceful painting lesson is not your style, you'll love this unique art class in Chicago!

In this workshop, you will use an airsoft gun to shoot balloons filled with paint! Then, we will spin your paint-splashed canvas to get an amazing abstract work of art. You'll finish with a canvas to share between you and your team, perfect to add some color to a conference room or to hold onto as a special keepsake from your party!

This is a fun way to learn how to paint that requires no skill or experience! Your instructor will guide you in how to use the tools to create your own unique abstract art. Then enjoy a creative and interactive painting session that will allow you to bring out your creative side and let loose!

Each booking includes one canvas designed for two participants to share, enhancing the collaborative and interactive nature of the creative experience.

Two women are covered in paint after a painting team building in Chicago
🏷️ Price: $
140
 per person
👪 Capacity: up to 
10
 people
➡️ See more details and book here

Truffle Making Workshop Chicago

For our Truffle Making Experience we do a workshop style class broken down into smaller group stations. Participants learn about the process of making homemade truffles. They receive an overview of ganache making and tempering chocolate at home -- and then they themselves get to make their own 4 truffle box to take home with them -- they will cut and hand roll their truffles (ganache is prepared the day before as it needs to set overnight), dip into tempered chocolate and roll into various toppings to customize their flavors. We can customize the toppings options for this experience as well as truffle ganache flavor (for instance our port wine truffles are super popular). Participants will take home their truffle box as well as a recipe and tempering guide card.

A group of friends learning how to make chocolate truffle together.
🏷️ Price: $
90
 per person
👪 Capacity: up to 
40
 people
➡️ See more details and book here

Repotting 101 Workshop Chicago

As your plants wake from their winter slumber, spring is the perfect time to repot those ready for a larger pot or a soil refresh!

Students will learn the basics of repotting, like why, when, and how to repot. The class will end with a demonstration of repotting. Students may bring a small to medium plant in need of repotting to repot in our workshop area after class. Potting mix is available for an additional cost.

A pair of hands working on a plant at a team building event in Chicago
🏷️ Price: $
40
 per person
👪 Capacity: up to 
8
 people
➡️ See more details and book here

The Chi-Town Scavenger Hunt in Chicago

Combine your sightseeing with an immersive group game
This private smartphone experience is just for your party
Solve a series of clues and challenges, and compete with other teams
Your live remote guide will be on hand to assist throughout the experience
Don’t just explore Chicago’s best-known landmarks—put your problem-solving skills and competitive side to the test with this private scavenger hunt experience.
The game will be conducted via your smartphone, with a live, remote guide to accompany and assist you. As you go, hunt for clues, discover unusual sights, take part in bonus challenges—and see where you team falls on the national leaderboard.

A team member doing a hand stand during the Chicago scavenger hunt
🏷️ Price: $
35
 per person
👪 Capacity: up to 
100
 people
➡️ See more details and book here

Conclusion

No circles, no hand-holding. If you are ready for fun with your team, you can book all these activities with one click! Share this article with them and let them vote on their favorite option.

Hanna is the co-founder of Spaciously, a team-building event company. A San Francisco resident, Hanna loves hiking, technology and behavioral sciences.