Life in Austin is thriving, with a considerable population increase from 2020 to 2023, mostly due to the massive growth of its tech sector. But that’s not the only reason people love Austin.
Austin has amazing dining options, fun nightlife, and a long list of outdoor and indoor recreation. This makes ATX a great place to organize team-building activities for work that are both memorable and effective.
If you’re looking for fun activities to help your team build stronger relationships, here are a few places and activities you can try.
High-Energy & Adrenaline
Kickstart your corporate retreat with high-octane Austin team building. Here are the best spots for adrenaline lovers.
1. Axe Escape Austin
Best For: Stress relief and competitive spirits
Vibe: High-energy and satisfyingly loud
Feeling a lot of stress from work? Release all of it by letting your team enjoy an axe-throwing experience at Axe Escape!
It’s not just about throwing axes at a single target; this gamified experience lets you play exciting games like Tic Tac Toe, Duck Hunter, and Line Up Four to make it even more challenging.
2. COTA Karting
Best For: Speed demons and adrenaline junkies
Vibe: Fast-paced and professional
Sometimes, an adrenaline rush is all you need to lift your team’s spirits. A trip down COTA Karting could do the trick, with its F1 track fitted with hair-raising turns that amp up the thrill.
Once the race is done, get the chance to experience how pros do it by having your team picture taken at the podium.
3. Blazer Tag Adventure Center
Best For: Reliving childhood fun with a strategic twist
Vibe: Nostalgic and intense
If there’s an activity that lets you build teamwork, develop strategies, and have some friendly competition, it’s laser tag. A few rounds at the Blazer Tag Adventure Center will give you that adrenaline rush as you run, dodge, and shoot away at opponents at the biggest laser tag arena in Texas. They also offer packages for team-building events, with drinks and pizzas you can feast on.
4. Mylo Obstacle Fitness
Best For: Physically active teams looking for a challenge
Vibe: Gritty, motivational, and supportive
Get your team’s blood pumping by completing obstacle courses at Mylo Obstacle Fitness. The physical and mental challenges are a perfect way to improve communication and team spirit. Plus, owner Mylo Villanueva is a trusted leadership coach who could teach your team a thing or two about accountability, goal setting, and more.
5. iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Best For: Teams that want to conquer fears together
Vibe: Futuristic and exhilarating
Experience the sensation of skydiving without ever stepping onto a plane at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. In this state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel, your team will learn to float on a column of air with the help of professional instructors. It’s a fantastic way to push personal boundaries and cheer each other on through a shared "bucket list" experience in a completely safe environment.
6. K1 Speed
Best For: Groups that prefer indoor racing and modern facilities
Vibe: Clean, sleek, and competitive
Take team competition to the next level at K1 Speed, Austin’s premier indoor karting destination. Featuring high-performance electric karts that reach speeds up to 45 mph, it’s an ideal spot for teams to blow off some steam and engage in a tiered racing tournament to see who takes the top spot on the podium.
7. Austin Paintball
Best For: Large groups that enjoy tactical games
Vibe: Rugged and intensely collaborative
Located just southwest of the city in Dripping Springs, Austin Paintball offers 30 acres of action across six different themed fields. They specialize in corporate outings, offering "low impact" options for teams who want the strategy and adrenaline of paintball without the sting. It’s an excellent way to see who emerges as a natural strategist in the field.
8. Bouldering Project
Best For: Problem-solvers who enjoy physical movement
Vibe: Laid-back but mentally and physically taxing
Bouldering Project offers a massive space for teams to climb without the need for ropes or harnesses. Bouldering is essentially a series of physical puzzles, making it a great way for colleagues to help each other "read" routes and celebrate every successful reach.
9. The Breaking Point
Smash everything from printers to glassware at The Breaking Point! It’s a unique, high-intensity way to release workplace tension and share a few laughs over the sheer absurdity of the experience.
Best For: Teams finishing a high-stress project or quarter
Vibe: Chaotic AND therapeutic
10. Bubble Battles
Imagine yourself playing soccer or "capture the flag" while encased in a giant, inflatable plastic bubble. That's Bubble Battles for you, leveling the playing field and leaving even the most athletic team members hilariously bouncing and rolling around the field.
Best For: Silly, high-movement fun that levels the playing field
Vibe: Hilarious and chaotic
Creative & Skill-Building
Spark innovation with these creative group activities in Austin. From painting to glass blowing, these venues inspire collaboration.
11. Ghost Pepper Glass
Take arts and crafts to the next level by joining a glass-blowing class at Ghost Pepper Glass!
Team members get to take home their unique works of art, so how about letting them create something they can bring to their workstations the next day? These pieces could serve as a memento from the day they played with their creative juices as a team.
Best For: Artistic teams and small groups
Vibe: Focused, mesmerizing, and sophisticated
12. Corporate Rock Stars
You might be rock stars at work, but how well could you perform on a stage with spotlights aimed straight at you? Corporate Rock Stars is a team-building program by Groove Labs where your team works together towards one common goal: producing the performance of a lifetime.
From writing songs and choreographing the performance to playing onstage and winning amazing prizes, it’s definitely going to be an unforgettable bonding experience for the team.
Best For: Extroverts and teams that love to "perform"
Vibe: High-production and confidence-boosting
13. Sweet Tooth ATX
How about combining your artistic side and your sweet tooth? Sweet Tooth ATX offers cookie and cake decorating classes, allowing the team something yummy to look forward to once the class is over. Want to add more team spirit to it? Here’s an idea: create a team logo and put that design on your cookies!
Best For: Detail-oriented teams with a sweet tooth
Vibe: Relaxed and colorful
14. Painting with a Twist
A classic for a reason, Painting with a Twist pairs local artists with your team to guide everyone through a specific painting. It’s a low-pressure environment that's great for teams that need a calm space to get to know each other. With four locations all over Austin, you can find the one most accessible to your team to make it convenient.
Best For: Traditional bonding in a low-pressure environment
Vibe: Classic, social, and accessible
15. Upstairs Circus
Located in the heart of downtown, Upstairs Circus gives a "social bar meets DIY workshop" experience that allows every team member to choose their own project (from leather working to jewelry making) while enjoying a cocktail. It’s a great way to respect individual interests while keeping everyone at the same table.
Best For: DIY lovers who want to choose their own projects
Vibe: Crafty, social, and "Pinterest-worthy"
16. The Art Garage
With two locations in Austin, The Art Garage specializes in hands-on workshops that foster collaboration through group canvas painting, mosaic making, and acrylic pouring. Their corporate events are designed to be "stress-free," allowing teams to focus on the social aspect of creating together. They even offer offsite options where they bring the art studio directly to your office, making it one of the most flexible creative options in the city.
Best For: Teams looking for a relaxed, multi-medium creative outlet
Vibe: Welcoming, communal, and low-pressure
17. Candle Making at Slow North
Slow North offers a beautiful, minimalist space for teams to learn the art of hand-pouring soy candles using essential oils. This mindful activity encourages a slower pace of conversation and, as a bonus, leaves everyone with something they personally made they can bring to the office or take home with them.
Best For: Mindful teams who value wellness and aesthetics
Vibe: Calm, aromatic, and chic
18. The Graffiti Experience
Facilitated by Something Cool Studios, The Graffiti Experience lets your group learn the basics of spray painting before working together on a large-scale mural. It’s a powerful visual representation of individual efforts merging into one cohesive vision.
Best For: Breaking rules (safely) and working on a massive shared canvas
Vibe: Urban, edgy, and collaborative
19. Improv Classes at The Hideout Theatre
The core rule of improv is "Yes, And," which is the very foundation of great teamwork. These improv workshops at The Hideout Theatre teach employees how to listen actively, support their colleagues' ideas, and think on their feet through laughter.
Best For: Improving communication and "Yes, And" thinking
Vibe: Vulnerable but hilarious
20. Archery Training Center
Step back in time, imagine your team in a 16th-century setting, and learn the focus required for archery at the Archery Training Center. This activity requires patience, steady breathing, and a keen eye. It’s a form of quiet, respectful competition where team members can coach one another on form and cheer each other on as they come closer to hitting the bullseye.
Best For: Focus, patience, and precision
Vibe: Quietly competitive and rewarding
Culinary & Spirits
Nothing bonds a crew like great food, making culinary tours a staple of Austin team building. Explore the local flavor together.
21. Freda’s Kitchen
Are you ready to show what you can do in the kitchen? Freda’s Kitchen holds Iron Chef competitions for teams, providing a chef who guides team members through each course.
With 60 minutes on the clock and much room for dessert, it’s the perfect way to bring out each team member’s competitive streak while guaranteeing a full tummy after the activity.
Best For: Aspiring chefs and "Iron Chef" fans
Vibe: Busy, flavorful, and instructional
22. Secret Food Tours
If there’s one place where you shouldn’t miss a food tour, it’s Austin. Known for its fantastic food scene, taking a trip around some of the local favorite dining spots is the best way to experience the culture unique to this place.
You can also get a taste of Austin’s history by signing up for the Cultural/Historical Tour by Secret Food Tours, which has specialty dishes that will bring you back to the city’s Aztec roots.
Best For: New hires or out-of-town visitors
Vibe: Educational and delicious
23. Central Machine Brewery
Sometimes, a round of drinks and a bonfire is all it takes to get your team out of a rut. You can do this at Central Machine Brewery, where you can hang out at their Beer Garden. Their menu offers everything from pizzas to charcuterie, giving you a lot of options if your team members have diverse palates.
Best For: Low-key socializing and casual mixers
Vibe: Industrial, airy, and very "Austin"
24. Kinfolk Lounge & Library
There was a time when alcoholic drinks were considered illegal, giving rise to the numerous speakeasies around Austin where people could gather and drink in secret.
Experience what that era felt like at Kinfolk Lounge & Library, an intimate space built into a historic cellar from the 1850s. Not only are the drinks legal, but you can also pair them with a wide variety of locally sourced chocolates, cheeses, and charcuteries.
Best For: Intimate teams and high-end client entertainment
Vibe: Sophisticated, historical, and speakeasy-style
25. Blue Owl Brewing
If your team is tired of the standard IPA, Blue Owl offers a refreshing twist with their specialized sour beers. Their tasting room in East Austin is quirky and welcoming, providing a great backdrop for a casual Friday.
Best For: Beer lovers who want to try something unique
Vibe: Quirky and cozy
26. Silver Whisk Cooking
Silver Whisk specializes in professional-grade cooking challenges for corporate groups. From "Mystery Basket" challenges to themed Mediterranean feasts, your team will learn how to manage time and delegate tasks to get dinner on the table.
Best For: Hands-on collaboration over a shared meal
Vibe: Polished and professional
27. Deep Eddy Vodka
Head just outside the city to the home of a famous Austin brand. Deep Eddy Vodka's tasting room offers a retro, 1950s-inspired vibe with plenty of outdoor space. It’s a fantastic spot for a company picnic feel or a laidback afternoon hangout with the gang.
Best For: A classic Texas afternoon outside the city
Vibe: Retro, sunny, and relaxed
28. Interstellar BBQ
Arrange a group tasting at Interstellar, known for high-quality ingredients and creative sides. Sharing a communal platter of some of the best brisket in the state is a quintessential Austin bonding experience.
Best For: Die-hard foodies who don't mind a wait
Vibe: Unpretentious and highly satisfying
29. Let's Eat Austin
Specializing specifically in corporate events, Let’s Eat Austin creates culinary experiences tailored to your company’s goals. Whether it’s salsa-making or pasta-rolling, the focus is on the social dynamics of the kitchen.
Best For: Interactive classes specifically engineered for teamwork
Vibe: Educational and warm
30. Desert Door Distillery
Take a short drive to Driftwood to taste Sotol, a spirit made from a wild-harvested desert plant. The Desert Door distillery is a masterpiece of modern-rustic design, offering a calm atmosphere for a team to discuss strategy by the fire pit.
Best For: Teams looking for a "Texas Hill Country" getaway
Vibe: Modern, rustic, and unique
Outdoor & Exploration
Take advantage of the sunny weather with these outdoor Austin team-building activities. Fresh air is perfect for team morale.
31. Lone Star Ranch
Enjoy the beautiful outdoors at the Lone Star Ranch, where the entire team can enjoy fishing, trap shooting, dove hunting, and more! You can go on ATV-guided tours or learn a rodeo trick or two. Do your team members have a competitive streak? There’s armadillo racing, too!
Best For: A full-day "Texas" experience
Vibe: Rustic, expansive, and adventurous
32. Zip Lost Pines
Another great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors around Austin, Zip Lost Pines offers team-building packages that include taking a short hike, crossing three sky bridges, and climbing spiral staircases. You can also have a competitive element to the activity by racing across the Big Zipper Ride.
Best For: Overcoming heights and enjoying nature
Vibe: Natural and exhilarating
33. Austin’s Boat Tours
Explore Austin from a different perspective by going on a boat tour. Austin’s Boat Tours usually take 2 to 3 hours, taking your team around Lake Austin and Lake Travis. Perfect for those hot Texas days, let your team members come in their swimsuits and jump into the water for a refreshing dip.
Best For: Summer team celebrations and cooling off
Vibe: Relaxed and social
34. Barton Creek Greenbelt
Here’s another excellent option for teams that love rugged activities like biking, rock climbing, hiking, and more. Barton Creek Greenbelt covers over 12 miles of trails, with access points all over the city.
Depending on the difficulty level your team is willing to take on, you can choose how to conquer these trails. End the day with a quick dip at Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls to make the trip more enjoyable.
Best For: Active teams on a budget
Vibe: Healthy, rugged, and refreshing
35. Rowing Dock
Get the best view of the Austin skyline while working in unison at the Rowing Dock. Whether you choose individual kayaks or a giant team paddleboard, navigating the water is a refreshing way to get out of the office.
Best For: A balanced mix of exercise and sightseeing
Vibe: Serene and active
36. Hipside Peddler
They say biking is good exercise. But nobody ever said you couldn’t party while you’re pedaling away! Hipside Peddler allows you to explore the best of both on their sightseeing bikes, where your team members can give their legs a good workout while sipping on some wine. You can stop at different bars and restaurants around the city, making the trip even more enjoyable.
Best For: Loud groups who want to see the city in a "party" way
Vibe: Energetic and highly visible
37. Zilker Park Scavenger Hunt
As the jewel of Austin, Zilker Park is the perfect playground for a custom scavenger hunt. Teams race between botanical gardens and rock formations in a classic Amazing Race energy.
Best For: Large groups and office-wide competitions
Vibe: Classic "Amazing Race" energy
38. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Home to the longest zipline in Texas, this Lake Travis experience includes a boat ride across the lake and five different lines. The final line allows team members to race each other side-by-side.
Best For: The ultimate thrill-seekers
Vibe: Intense and scenic
39. The Expedition School
The Expedition School offers guided outdoor team-building focused on water safety, canoeing, and environmental stewardship. It's a great choice for companies that value sustainability.
Best For: Structured outdoor learning and trust-building
Vibe: Professional and nature-focused
40. Horse + Bow
Located just outside Austin, Horse + Bow offers a blend of equine-assisted learning and archery. Working with horses requires high emotional intelligence, leading to profound moments for leadership teams.
Best For: Leadership development and non-verbal communication
Vibe: Reflective and grounded
Brainy, Weird & Social
For something unique, look no further than these eclectic team-building activities in Austin. They are perfect for testing wits and having fun.
41. Game On! ATX
Everybody loves a good game show. Imagine how fun it would be to have the entire team experience what it’s like to join one! Game On gives a complete game show experience, with survey games, word puzzles, and more happening on a custom-built stage.
Best For: High-energy groups who love trivia and game shows
Vibe: Loud, retro, and fun
42. Urban Adventure Quest
Although scavenger hunts have been around for ages, their appeal as an effective team-building activity never wanes. Especially in a city like Austin, where there are endless nooks and crannies to explore, going on an Amazing-Race style of hunt with Urban Adventure Quest is the thing that could help your team become closer and stronger as they solve clues and complete challenges together.
Best For: History buffs and explorers
Vibe: Strategic and mobile
43. Museum of the Weird
Weird is a lifestyle in Austin, as proven by the city’s tagline, “Keep Austin Weird.” Stay true to this ideal by bringing the whole team to the Museum of the Weird, where you can see everything from shrunken heads to freaks of nature. Though the museum is smaller than usual, it’s definitely gonna give your team a lot of things to talk about around the water cooler.
Best For: "Keeping Austin Weird" and starting conversations
Vibe: Quirky, cramped, and memorable
44. The Escape Game Austin
Located right on 4th Street, The Escape Game locks your team in a themed room with 60 minutes to solve puzzles. It’s the ultimate test of how your team communicates under a ticking clock and handles high-pressure scenarios.
Best For: Critical thinkers and deadline-driven teams
Vibe: Immersive and high-pressure
45. Bull and Bowl
Bowling, billiards, arcade games, and mechanical bulls: this combination never disappoints, especially if you have the entire team with you! Hang out at Bull and Bowl and enjoy those activities while enjoying your favorite cocktails and quick bites.
Best For: A "one-stop shop" for varied interests
Vibe: Upscale sports bar
46. Vintage Villas
Sometimes, staying at a beautiful villa with amazing views is the only thing you need to strengthen your bond as a team. Vintage Villas offers this, with its villa-style hotel overlooking Lake Travis.
Once checked in, you can enjoy the grounds and hire a facilitator like teambuilding.com to guide you through some team-building activities, or you can check out the nearby attractions, like the floating obstacle course at Waterloo Adventures.
Best For: Multi-day retreats and strategy sessions
Vibe: Calm and scenic
47. Comedy Sportz Austin
Laughter isn’t just the best medicine; it’s also one of the best ways to bring a team closer. So why not get your entire team to Comedy Sportz?
Every show is different because it’s up to the audience how they want each skit to turn out. It’s the perfect way to end a stressful week or perk up the spirits of a team on the edge of burnout.
Best For: Teams that need a "reset" with laughter
Vibe: Lighthearted and interactive
48. Double or Nothing Two Step
When you think about it, a regular work day is like a dance routine, with each step team members make contributing to the entire performance. So why not join one of Double or Nothing’s dance classes as a team and take that coordination straight to the dance floor?
In true Texas style, you can explore your line dancing and two-step skills and show the world what you can do in the office and on the dance floor.
Best For: Building coordination and embracing Texas culture
Vibe: Social, rhythmic, and quintessentially Austin
49. Scubaland Adventures
If your team can make it underwater, you can make it anywhere. Get scuba courses at Scubaland Adventures and learn some diving fundamentals, like communicating using hand signals and more. It’s a surreal, memorable experience that builds a unique level of trust.
Best For: Teams looking for a truly "out of the box" experience
Vibe: Educational, quiet, and adventurous
50. Zero Latency VR
Zero Latency VR delivers an out-of-this-world experience. You aren’t just sitting in a chair; you are physically walking around a virtual world together in a massive warehouse. The level of immersion requires genuine teamwork to survive, making it a favorite for tech-forward companies.
Best For: Tech teams and gamers
Vibe: Immersive and collaborative
Bonus: Remote Team Building Ideas
In addition to these in-person group activities in Austin, remote team-building activities for work can be just as engaging. You can enjoy online games and bonding sessions that bring distributed teams closer together.
Let’s Roam, for example, hosts virtual games, which are an excellent way for everyone to have a great time while bonding online.
Not interested in hiring someone to facilitate an activity for you? That’s okay. You can jump into a Zoom or Microsoft Teams meeting and get a team member to host a trivia night for you.
You can also use CoffeePals' Coffee Maker feature and answer thought-provoking questions in the team channel. It’s a great way to hear different perspectives from your teammates.
Virtual coffee chats, on the other hand, are perfect for building trust among team members. CoffeePals matches team members and schedules them for casual conversations over coffee, serving as a virtual version of the usual water cooler chats.
Ready to learn more about creating more team connections? Read this next: How to Create Thriving Teams by Building Camaraderie in the Workplace
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should companies organize team-building activities for work?
Ideally, companies should aim for at least one team-building activity per quarter. This keeps engagement high and relationships strong without interrupting workflow. However, frequency can depend on team size, work dynamics, and whether your team is remote or in-person.
Can team-building activities for work be customized to fit different personality types?
Absolutely. Introverts might prefer smaller group activities like glass-blowing or creative workshops, while extroverts may enjoy more active or competitive events like laser tag or karaoke. The key is offering a mix of activities that allow everyone to engage in a way that suits them.
How does CoffeePals help teams that are too busy for full team-building activities for work?
CoffeePals makes team bonding easier by automating quick, casual coffee chats through tools like Microsoft Teams. These small touchpoints help build relationships over time, even if schedules are packed and full-scale activities aren’t possible.
Can CoffeePals be used alongside in-person team-building programs?
Yes! CoffeePals works great as a supplemental tool. Even if your team does quarterly outings or retreats in Austin, CoffeePals keeps the connection strong between events by encouraging regular, informal conversations.
What makes CoffeePals different from traditional virtual games or icebreakers?
Unlike one-time virtual games, CoffeePals builds ongoing relationships through recurring chats, curated questions, and thoughtful features like the Coffee Maker and CEO Lottery. It’s designed for long-term team cohesion, not just one-off fun.
