13 Best Outdoor Team-Building Games & Activities

We know event planning can be a drag, so it’s about time we shared our top outdoor team-building games and activities to inspire your next event. Outdoor team-building is a fantastic way to bring people together, encourage collaboration, and have fun in the great outdoors. 

There’s something for everyone in this list, whether you’re organising a work function, corporate retreat, Christmas party, school group activity or social function. From thrilling races to creative challenges, these engaging activities will transform your next team-building event from meh to magical.

The benefits of team-building activities are wide ranging: 

• Improves trust and communication
  
• Sparks innovation
• Encourages healthy conflict resolution
• Builds company culture
• Boosts morale and motivation
• Breaks down barriers
• Helps people bond 

Read on for the ultimate list of outdoor team-building games and activities as chosen by our experienced event planners and hosts.

Creative Outdoor Activities for Your Next Team Event

Are you a fan of trust falls, awkward icebreakers, and forced small talk? Neither are we, which is exactly why we’ve put together this list of epic outdoor team-building adventures that’ll have your team talking, swapping stories, and laughing for months to come.

1. The Amazing Race

•   Customise checkpoints to match your team's interests.  
•   Include challenges that cater to different strengths.  
•   Provide clear instructions and allow flexibility.  

Try our Amazing Race for a perfectly tailored adventure, or check out our popular modified version – Amazing Race with Bars!

2. Urban Explorer

Take your team on a city-wide scavenger hunt, guiding participants to GPS hotspots where they must complete challenges to proceed. Urban Explorer blends exploration with creative challenges and a live leaderboard for friendly competition, and as participants discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks, they’ll also engage in problem-solving tasks and photo challenges. The activity promotes teamwork and strategy as teams decide how best to maximise their points while exploring. With a mix of discovery and excitement, it’s perfect for city-loving teams.  

Tips for success:  

•   Select a vibrant city location for added thrills.  
•   Plan for photo opportunities to capture memories.  
•   Offer rewards for standout performances. 

Check out our Urban Explorer experience for a fun-filled day organised by an experienced event planner.  

3. Survivor Challenge 
 

Inspired by the popular reality show, this activity pits tribes against each other in creative and physical challenges. From solving puzzles to constructing devices, teams work together to win immunity and, ultimately, victory. As alliances form and break, the excitement builds toward the dramatic final showdown. This activity is ideal for fostering trust and camaraderie while creating memorable moments of teamwork, with dynamic challenges that test communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.  

Tips for success:  

•   Choose a venue with open spaces and natural elements.  
•   Encourage strategic alliances for added fun.  
•   Wrap up with a memorable awards ceremony.  

Our Survivor Challenge is packed with adventure and excitement for your next event!

4. Pub Explorer

Pub Explorer combines a pub crawl with team challenges, trivia, and GPS-guided exploration. For this activity, your team visits local pubs to socialise, tackle creative tasks, and compete in interactive tasks to earn points. This activity encourages bonding in a relaxed, informal setting while still promoting teamwork, and to keep it accessible to non-drinkers, keep the focus on the challenges rather than the drinks. With the right balance of fun and competition, it’s perfect for groups looking for a lighthearted day out. 

Tips for success:

•   Ensure venues are walkable and offer a variety of atmospheres.  
•   Include non-alcoholic options for inclusivity.  
•   Add themes or costumes for extra fun.  

Skip the planning headaches and let us organise your Pub Explorer experience!  

5. Geocaching Adventure 

In this modern treasure hunt, teams work together using GPS to find hidden caches, where they must solve clues and navigate terrain to find their targets. Geocaching is a fun and engaging way to explore outdoor spaces while sharpening problem-solving skills. With a mix of navigation and discovery, it brings out a sense of adventure in everyone. 

Tips for success:

•  Pick a location with varied terrain for an extra challenge.  
•  Ensure all locations and activities are safe for all fitness levels.  
•  Encourage teamwork through shared problem-solving.  

6. Graffiti Art 

Unleash creativity with a graffiti art session where your team designs and spray-paints murals with guidance from professional artists. A blend of artistic expression and collaboration, this activity can involve your people working on individual pieces or combining their efforts for a larger, unified artwork. It’s a great way to explore creativity in a hands-on setting while fostering communication and teamwork. At the end, you’ll have a masterpiece to display – a tangible symbol of your team’s efforts! 

Tips for success: 

•   Provide themes that align with your team’s goals or values.  
•   Choose a spacious outdoor area for comfort.  
•   Encourage team reflection on their final masterpiece.  

Check out our Graffiti Art team workshops for an easy and engaging outdoor team-building activity.   

7. Mini Olympics  

Perfect for active groups, a Mini Olympics team-building event features sports challenges like relay races, tug-of-war, and frisbee golf. The variety of activities ensures everyone can contribute, regardless of athletic ability. It’s a great way to build team spirit while promoting healthy competition, and most of all, have plenty of fun!  

Tips for success:  

•   Include activities suitable for different fitness levels.  
•   Provide medals or prizes to celebrate achievements.  
•   Keep hydration and shade in mind for hot days.  

8. Film Fest

Lights, camera, action! Host your very own film fest where teams collaborate to create short films, from scripting to shooting. This creative challenge encourages storytelling and teamwork, with participants taking on a variety of roles from director to actor –ensuring everyone gets involved. The end result is a collection of unique and entertaining films that showcase your team’s creativity and collaboration. 

Tips for success:  

•   Provide props and costumes to spark creativity.  
•   Assign clear roles for efficient collaboration.  
•   Plan a fun screening with awards for the best films.  

Our Film Fest package takes care of all the planning – just bring your best ideas! 

9. Giant Board Games

Turn classic games like chess or snakes and ladders into life-sized versions for outdoor team-building. These activities encourage teams to strategise and compete for the win, and the oversized format adds a fun and interactive twist to familiar games. It’s a lighthearted way to promote strategic thinking and teamwork in a casual setting. 

Tips for success: 

•   Choose games that encourage teamwork and strategy.  
•   Ensure rules are simple and easy to follow.  
•   Include fun twists for extra excitement.  
  

10. The Amazing Chase

In case it isn't obvious, we love Amazing Race-themed activities. In this modified version, take a virtual trip around the world with GPS hotspots and team challenges. This game combines trivia, brain-teasers, and creative tasks to keep teams engaged while exploring iconic global themes. You’lll feel like world travellers as you tackle culturally inspired tasks and explore a variety of locations, with a mix of competitive elements and interactive gameplay to ensure everyone stays engaged.

Tips for success:

•   Use diverse challenges to suit different skill sets.  
•   Add cultural elements for a global feel.  
•   Communicate clearly for smooth gameplay.  

Book an Amazing Chase outdoor team-building day for a seamless team adventure in your city. 

11. Outdoor Volunteering

Why not give back to the community while building teamwork through activities like tree planting, park clean-ups, or wildlife care? These activities combine purpose and collaboration, allowing teams to connect over meaningful work, foster a sense of pride and accomplishment, and make a lasting impact. 

Tips for success:

•   Choose a cause that resonates with your team.  
•   Coordinate with local organisations for support.  
•   Plan a group reflection after the event to celebrate your efforts.  
  

12. Photo Scavenger Hunt

Take your group on a photo scavenger hunt, where teams explore and snap creative photos based on a list of prompts. It’s a fun and visual way to engage with your surroundings while encouraging collaboration, creativity, and a touch of friendly competition. Sharing the photos at the end creates a sense of camaraderie (and plenty of laughs)!

Tips for success:

•   Use a mix of easy and challenging prompts.  
•   Have team members share the fun on socials using an event hashtag.  
•   Put on a slideshow at the end to show off the best snaps.
  

13. The Ultimate

Can’t decide on an outdoor team-building game? Say no more. The Ultimate rolls all the best features of our most popular games and activities into one epic event featuring brain teasers, photo and video tasks, GPS hotspots and more. It’s the royal flush of outdoor team-building events!

Tips for success: 

• Award prizes at the end for memorable moments and funny fails.
• Try mixing up your teams to encourage new connections. 
• Tailor the event to your group for a more unique experience. 

Ask our expert team-building planners about organising The Ultimate for your next outdoor team-building event.

Benefits of Outdoor Team-Building Activities 

At Team Days, we help people just like you plan all kinds of events, from indoor team-building activities to virtual team games – even hybrid team events. No matter which you choose, you can still find great ways to build meaningful connections, establish trust, improve communication, boost morale and simply have some fun.

That said, there are a number of advantages specific to outdoor team-building activities: 

1. Location Flexibility: Many of these outdoor team-building activities can be hosted in just about any local park or other free public venues, where cost and availability isn’t a factor.  

2. Natural Energy Boost: Nothing uplifts a team’s mood like some sunshine, movement and fresh air – especially if you normally spend all day in the office.

3. Breaking Routine: Step out of the workplace and into an environment that sparks new conversations, connections, perspectives and experiences.

4. Physical Movement: Get those endorphins flowing and break down barriers through shared physical activities that aren’t possible indoors or virtually.

5. Unique Experiences: Create memories through more unique experiences that get your team out of typical meetings and into the big, wide world.

6. Holistic Team Development: Challenge different skills in a fun, pressure-free environment.

Best Locations For Outdoor Team-Building Events 

You’ve got the itinerary, you’ve got the gear, and most importantly, you’ve got the people – but where to host your outdoor team-building event? Thankfully, there are plenty of suitable spaces to choose from across Australia. Your best local parks and other public outdoor spaces are ideal for most of the ideas in this list, while some make use of the best local pubs and bars in your area. If in doubt, here are a few of our favourites from around Australia. 

Sydney

Sydney's mix of iconic landmarks and green spaces makes it an ideal location for outdoor team-building events. With its vibrant atmosphere, waterfront parks, and easy access to public transport, Sydney offers venues that cater to diverse group sizes and activities.

1. Hyde Park: An urban oasis with open spaces, perfect for outdoor games and centrally located for convenience.

2. Observatory Hill: Stunning city views provide a scenic backdrop for creative and collaborative activities.

3. Pirrama Park: A waterfront location with excellent facilities and plenty of space for dynamic team challenges.

Melbourne

Known for its creative vibe and diverse landscapes, Melbourne offers a mix of urban charm and lush green spaces for outdoor events. Team building in Melbourne is easy thanks to its variety of accessible venues, scenic backdrops, and cultural and recreational options.

1. Botanic Gardens (Peppercorn Lawn): A lush, serene setting that’s ideal for relaxed team-building activities.

2. Docklands: A modern urban playground with wide-open spaces and waterfront views for group challenges.

3. Albert Park: Versatile and spacious, it’s perfect for large-scale team events or sporty activities.

Perth

With a sunny climate and stunning natural beauty, it’s easy to host team-building events in Perth. With its parks, riverside spaces, and relaxed vibe, Perth has plenty of locations that encourage creativity and collaboration.

1. Supreme Court Gardens: Centrally located and picturesque, ideal for team picnics or brainstorming sessions.

2. Kings Park and Botanic Garden: Expansive and iconic, offering breathtaking views and plenty of room for interactive games.

3. Langley Park: A spacious riverside venue, great for sports-based team-building activities.

Brisbane

A subtropical climate and mix of urban and green spaces – what more could you ask for? Brisbane team-building events are a guaranteed hit when hosted outdoors: its vibrant parks and waterfronts provide scenic and versatile options for any group activity.

1. Botanic Gardens: A natural retreat in the city, perfect for team-building workshops or mindfulness sessions.

2. South Bank Parklands: Vibrant and versatile, this space is ideal for scavenger hunts and group challenges.

3. Roma Street Parkland: Expansive and beautifully landscaped, perfect for large group activities or outdoor games.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is famous for its beaches, parks, and relaxed coastal vibe, making it perfect for outdoor team-building. Its sunny weather and picturesque settings create opportunities for dynamic and memorable group activities.

1. Burleigh Heads National Park: Combines beachside fun with nature trails, ideal for team hikes and outdoor challenges.

2. Broadwater Parklands: A waterfront park with open spaces and great facilities for interactive games.

3. Kurrawa Park: Adjacent to the beach, it’s perfect for casual team activities or beach games.

Adelaide

Adelaide’s blend of historic charm and modern facilities makes it an attractive choice for outdoor team events. Its parks and cultural precincts offer unique venues for fostering collaboration and creativity.

1. Elder Park: Central and iconic, ideal for picnics and group challenges with riverside views.

2. Rymill Park: A tranquil space with a lake, perfect for problem-solving games or relaxing activities.

3. Victoria Square: A versatile urban space, great for hosting large-scale team-building events.

Cairns

With its tropical climate and stunning natural landscapes, Cairns offers an adventurous setting for team activities. From rainforests to beaches, the city provides venues that inspire teamwork and connection with nature.

1. Cairns Esplanade: A scenic waterfront location ideal for dynamic games and fitness challenges.

2. Centenary Lakes: A lush tropical setting, perfect for team-building workshops or scavenger hunts.

3. Botanic Gardens: A peaceful venue for mindfulness exercises or creative team activities.

Canberra

Canberra features a variety of spacious parks and well-designed outdoor areas for team events. Its quiet charm and clean environment provide a relaxed atmosphere for fostering collaboration.

1. Commonwealth Park: Home to scenic lake views and wide-open spaces, great for group activities.

2. Glebe Park: A charming inner-city space, ideal for small team workshops or relaxed outdoor games.

3. National Arboretum: Unique and inspiring, perfect for team-building activities with a focus on growth and connection.

Outdoor Team-Building Games & Activities: FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about outdoor team-building games and activities. 

What are outdoor team-building activities?

Outdoor team building activities include games and challenges designed to encourage teamwork in an open environment. Examples include treasure hunts, outdoor obstacle courses, themed games, and survival skills workshops. Activities that incorporate nature or adventure, like hiking or physical challenges, can also help boost morale and camaraderie.

What are fun activities for team building?

Fun team-building activities include scavenger hunts, graffiti art workshops, Amazing Race competitions, and picnics with team games like frisbee golf or giant board games. These activities aren't just a good time: they encourage teamwork and communication, and can be tailored with themes to make them even more engaging.

What are the 4 main types of team-building activities?

The four main types of team-building activities focus on communication, problem solving, trust building and decision making. Team-building activities that feature or combine these elements help people build new skills and boost collaboration, strategy, cooperation, confidence and reliability. 

What is the best group party game without equipment?

The best group party game without equipment is a trivia night, where people split into teams to answer a series of themed questions, earning points for each correct answer. Other great options include geocaching, word association games and story building activities. These games are simple, engaging, and perfect for spontaneous fun.

Planning Your Next Event

Remember, the magic of team building and social events isn't about perfection – it's about connecting with each other, having fun, and creating moments that bring your team closer together. The best team-building experiences are those where everyone feels welcome and valued. Here are a few tips from our experienced event planners: 

• Stay flexible
• Embrace the unexpected
• Laugh often
• Celebrate each other
• Prioritise safety, inclusion and fun

Get a fast quote for your next outdoor team-building activity

Fill out the form below to get in touch with one of our experienced event planners. Whether you have specific team-building games in mind or just want us to take care of the details, we're ready to help you and your team create some incredible memories!