What happens when the sun is out, spirits are high, and your team is itching for something more than just another Zoom call or boardroom meeting? You’ve got the perfect opportunity to boost morale, encourage connection, and refresh your team’s energy with fun and engaging summer team building activities.
A recent Gallup report found that highly engaged teams show 21% greater profitability. That kind of impact isn’t just built in the office—it’s built through shared experiences, genuine connections, and the occasional splash of summer fun.
This guide will walk you through the best ways to energize your team with summer activities that build trust, collaboration, and a real sense of belonging. Whether your team is remote, hybrid, or in-office, there’s something here for everyone.
Online Summer Team Building Activities
Before we dive into the in-person activities that’ll get your team moving and mingling, let’s not forget the remote team members who also deserve some summer fun.
According to Nectar, 69.5% of employees would love to have deeper connections with their colleagues—something that can get tougher when you’re working remotely.
Whether your team is fully remote or spread across locations, these virtual summer team-building activities will keep connections strong and spirits high, all without anyone having to leave their home office.
1. Virtual Coffee Chats ☕💬
Use platforms like CoffeePals to match teammates for casual conversations outside of regular meetings. These short, unstructured chats help recreate the spontaneous hallway interactions that are often lost in remote work. They’re a great way to build relationships and boost morale, even between people who don’t usually work together.
2. Online Summer Trivia ❓🌴
Host a themed trivia session packed with questions about beach movies, summer snacks, pop hits, and vacation destinations. Use tools like Kahoot! or QuizBreaker to make it interactive and engaging. Throw in a few surprise bonus rounds for extra laughs and friendly competition.
3. Remote Ice Cream Tasting 🍦📦
Send out ice cream kits, gift cards, or coupons and host a virtual tasting party. Let everyone share their favorite flavors, regional ice cream traditions, or homemade recipes. It’s a cool and creative way to bring everyone together, no matter how far apart they are.
4. Virtual Escape Room 🕵️♀️🧩
Gather your team online to solve clues and “escape” from a themed digital room. Whether it’s a beach heist or treasure island adventure, these games challenge teams to communicate, collaborate, and think on their feet. Sign up with providers that host these experiences for groups of any size like The Escape Game, or have the most creative members of your team come up with your own puzzle game!
5. DIY Summer Cocktails or Mocktails Workshop 🍹🎥
Host a virtual drink-making session where an instructor from Cozymeal (or a confident teammate!) guides everyone through refreshing summer recipes. Participants can follow along from home with their own ingredients. End with a group toast and an optional vote for the most creative concoction.
6. Online Scavenger Hunt 🔍💻
Design a fast-paced hunt that has participants racing to find items around their home or complete mini challenges on camera. Add summer-themed clues like “something you’d take to the beach” or “your favorite vacation souvenir.” It’s silly, active, and guaranteed to bring out some hidden talent.
7. Pet Show-and-Tell 🐾📸
Create a dedicated video call for everyone to introduce their pets or share a funny pet story. No pet? No problem—people can showcase plants, favorite hobbies, or quirky collections. It’s a feel-good activity that naturally sparks interesting conversations and smiles.
8. Summer Bingo Challenge 🧺🖥️
Make a Bingo board filled with lighthearted summer-themed challenges like “wear sunglasses to a meeting” or “share your favorite summer song.” Encourage teammates to complete squares throughout the week and award fun prizes. It’s a passive yet playful way to stay engaged.
9. Virtual Volunteer Day 🌎💻
Give your team the option to spend a few hours supporting remote-friendly causes—like writing letters to seniors, transcribing historical documents, or mentoring online. You can even sign up under the UN Volunteers and have a global impact! Then regroup to share experiences and reflections. It fosters empathy and adds meaning to your summer activities.
10. Themed Dress-Up Day 🎭🌞
Choose a fun summer theme—like “vacation vibes,” “Hawaiian shirts,” or “sun hat showdown”—and have everyone show up to your next call in costume. Don’t forget to take screenshots for your company newsletter or social feed. It’s a simple way to boost energy during long video meetings.
11. Virtual Talent Show 🎤🌟
Invite team members to perform short acts—singing, playing an instrument, magic tricks, or even quirky skills like dog training or speed sketching. Keep it light and supportive, and allow people to vote for crowd favorites. It’s a great way to discover hidden talents and have a few laughs.
12. Summer Photo Contest 📸🏖️
Ask team members to submit their favorite summer photo—whether it’s a beach selfie, a pet in sunglasses, or a scenic sunset. Share submissions during a live session or on your Slack or Microsoft Teams channel and vote on categories like “Most Relaxing,” “Funniest,” or “Best Travel Vibes.”
13. Virtual Beach Background Contest 🌊🖼️
Have everyone join a video call using their best beach-themed virtual background. Add props like sunglasses or coconut cups for extra flair. It’s a lighthearted way to bring summer vibes into the virtual workspace.
14. Remote Pictionary or Drawing Game ✏️🎨
Use online whiteboards or drawing platforms like Skribbl.io or Drawasaurus to play a few rounds of digital Pictionary. Choose summer-themed prompts to keep it seasonal and light. No drawing skills required—sometimes the worst drawings are the funniest!
15. Online “Would You Rather” Summer Edition 🤔☀️
Pose silly or thought-provoking summer-themed questions like “Would you rather only eat popsicles for a week or wear flip-flops in the snow?” Everyone answers via chat or polls. It’s quick, fun, and reveals personality quirks in a judgment-free setting.
In-Person Team Building Activities
Now that we’ve covered ways to connect from behind the screen, it’s time to head outdoors and turn up the team energy. Scroll down for 25 summer team-building activities that are perfect for in-person fun, fresh air, and some seriously good memories.
1. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt 🔍🌳
Break your team into small groups and send them on a clue-filled adventure through a park or local area. Include photo challenges, riddles, or mini tasks to keep things exciting. It’s a creative way to spark collaboration and friendly competition.
2. Beach Olympics 🏖️🏅
Plan a series of games like sack races, volleyball, and sandcastle building at the beach. Teams can compete for silly prizes, and there’s plenty of downtime for chatting and sunbathing in between. It’s perfect for boosting energy while soaking up some vitamin D.
3. BBQ Cook-Off 🍔🔥
Invite teams to show off their grilling skills and whip up their best summer dishes. Assign fun categories like “Most Creative Burger” or “Best Plant-Based Option.” You can also sign up for one of Cozymeal’s team cooking classes and learn from a culinary expert! It's a delicious way to blend teamwork with a bit of culinary flair.
4. Picnic in the Park 🧺🌞
Sometimes, the best bonding happens over simple pleasures. Check out the best picnic spots near you and bring blankets, picnic baskets, and lawn games for a relaxed, no-pressure afternoon. Encourage people to mix and mingle across departments while enjoying the sunshine.
5. Kayaking or Paddleboarding Trip 🚣♀️🌊
Living near the water? Find some breathtaking places to go kayaking or paddleboarding and take your team out for an energizing and scenic escape from the everyday. It’s a great activity for building trust, especially with tandem kayaks or paddleboard relays. Plus, being surrounded by nature can spark some of the best conversations.
6. DIY Outdoor Movie Night 🎬🌌
Set up a projector and screen in a grassy area, then let the team vote on the movie. Bring popcorn, beanbags, and bug spray, and you’ve got a memorable night under the stars. It’s a chill way to wind down after a busy week.
7. Ice Cream Social or Sundae Bar 🍨😋
Beat the heat with a sweet break featuring a build-your-own sundae station. Offer fun toppings, non-dairy options, and maybe even a vote for “Best Creation.” It’s simple, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser.
8. Group Hiking Trip 🥾🌲
Find the best places to hike near you that suits your group’s fitness level and head out for a team hike. The shared experience of reaching a summit or scenic overlook builds camaraderie naturally. Bring along snacks or a picnic to celebrate at the end.
9. Water Balloon Challenge 🎈💦
Channel your inner kid with a good old-fashioned water balloon toss or obstacle course. Add team-based games like relay races or target challenges to get everyone involved. It’s messy, hilarious, and great for breaking the ice.
10. Volunteer for a Local Cause 🤝❤️
Find volunteering opportunities through services like Volunteer Match and spend a day helping out at a food bank, animal shelter, or community garden. Working toward a shared purpose can strengthen team bonds in meaningful ways. Plus, it shows your company values giving back.
11. Outdoor Escape Room 🧩🕵️♂️
Turn your local park into a life-sized puzzle with an outdoor escape room experience. Teams will need to solve clues, find hidden items, and work together to beat the clock. You can hire a service like Escapely or create your own custom version.
12. Garden Party or Rooftop Hangout 🌿🍹
Decorate with string lights, offer light bites and drinks, and set up chill music or acoustic entertainment. These kinds of casual hangouts are perfect for unwinding and connecting outside of the work context. The relaxed setting encourages more organic conversations.
13. Company Sports Day ⚽🏃♂️
Bring everyone together for friendly matches of soccer, kickball, or volleyball. You can keep things light or turn it into a full-blown tournament with brackets and team names. Either way, it gets people moving and laughing.
14. Sunset Yoga or Meditation Session 🧘♀️🌅
Host a guided yoga or meditation class in the early evening for a peaceful close to the day. It’s ideal for reducing stress and promoting mindfulness as a team. Encourage everyone to bring their own mats and enjoy the golden hour.
15. “Amazing Race” Style City Adventure 🗺️🏃♀️
Design a race with checkpoints around your city, each featuring a small challenge or riddle. Teams must strategize, navigate, and cooperate to reach the finish line first. It’s fast-paced, energizing, and full of surprises.
16. Office Field Day 🥇🎽
Set up classic games like three-legged races, egg-and-spoon relays, and tug-of-war in a large outdoor space. Encourage everyone to dress in team colors or themes. It’s silly, nostalgic fun that lightens the mood and builds spirit.
17. Pet Parade 🐶🎉
Invite furry friends to join the fun with a pet-friendly event outdoors. Include treats, water stations, and maybe even a costume contest. It gives everyone something to smile about and sparks conversations across teams.
18. Summer-Themed Trivia Challenge ❓🍍
Divide into teams and quiz each other on all things summer—travel, food, history, music, and more. Add some themed snacks and a prize for the winners to keep things exciting. Trivia is a low-pressure way to include introverts and extroverts alike.
19. Lawn Game Tournament 🏏🎯
Set up stations with cornhole, giant Jenga, ladder toss, and bocce ball. Rotate teams through each game and keep track of scores for a final winner. It’s low-impact but still gets people engaged and interacting.
20. Farm or Vineyard Tour 🍇🚜
Book a visit to a local vineyard, orchard, or farm for a day of learning and relaxing. Include tastings, a picnic, or a workshop like jam-making or wine blending. It’s a unique outing that’s perfect for smaller teams.
21. Boat Cruise or Charter ⛴️🎶
Plan a relaxing afternoon or evening cruise with snacks, music, and great views. It feels like a mini getaway without needing to go far. Ideal for celebrating team wins or simply appreciating your people.
22. Art in the Park 🎨🌳
Bring canvases, paints, or tie-dye kits and let your team create something in a peaceful outdoor setting. You can provide prompts or let everyone freestyle. It’s a calming, screen-free activity that brings out hidden creativity.
23. Carnival Day 🎡🍭
Host a mini carnival with game booths, food trucks, prizes, and festive music. Include everything from ring toss to a dunk tank if you’re feeling bold. It’s an energetic, colorful way to kick off or end the summer season.
24. Summer Potluck with a Twist 🥗✈️
Ask each person to bring a dish inspired by a summer memory or dream vacation. Then share the stories behind each dish during the meal. It’s a delicious and meaningful way to learn more about each other.
25. Sunset Bonfire Gathering 🔥🌅
End the day with a beach or backyard bonfire, complete with s’mores, music, and story sharing. It’s a perfect way to slow things down and reflect after a high-energy activity. Just don’t forget the marshmallows!
Keep the Momentum Going All Summer Long
Summer is the perfect time to recharge, reconnect, and re-energize your team—and the right activities can make all the difference. Whether you're planning a beachside field day, a rooftop hangout, or a virtual trivia night, these summer team-building activities create the kind of shared experiences that build stronger teams and lasting memories.
The key is to choose activities that align with your team’s personalities, interests, and work setup—then let the season’s energy do the rest. Keep the vibes high, the connections strong, and your team engaged long after the sun sets on summer.
Ready to find more activities to strengthen team camaraderie? Read this next: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Team Building Activities
