14 Virtual Team-Building Activities that Actually Work

Let’s face it: working remotely has its perks (hello, pyjama pants), but it can also leave your team feeling disconnected. That’s where virtual team-building activities come in.

We’re not talking about awkward icebreakers. Done well, virtual team events shouldn’t feel forced: they should be fun and engaging experiences that help your team connect, collaborate and blow off steam, no matter where in the world they’re working from.

The best virtual team-building activities are about more than just fun (though that’s definitely a big part of it). They’re about building trust, boosting morale and making your group feel like a team – even when they’re separated by postcodes, time zones or dodgy internet connections.

It’s not a simple matter of getting everyone on a video call and playing a few games. At Team Days, we know the recipe for virtual activities your team will actually enjoy, whether you’re cracking clues in an online escape room, battling it out in a virtual trivia showdown, or learning to whip up cocktails with a mixologist on screen.

In this article, we’ll share 17 virtual team-building ideas that actually work, our best tips for success, and some important things to consider before you send out the calendar invitation.

Why Virtual Team Activities Matter

Remote work isn’t going anywhere, and neither is the need to keep your team connected, motivated and thriving. The right team-building exercises do wonders for team cohesion, bridging the distance between screens and suburbs. They spark connection, create shared memories and help turn a group of individuals into an actual team, even if they’ve never shared a workspace.

A well-run virtual activity can lead to: 

• Stronger communication: Whether your team is tackling an online escape room or trying not to laugh during a virtual improv game, they’re practising how to listen, contribute and think on their feet.
  
  
• Deeper engagement: Team members who feel included and connected are more likely to speak up in meetings, contribute ideas and stick around in the long term.
  
  
• Boosted morale: Sometimes we all need a break from spreadsheets and Slack. A burst of energy from a great virtual session can be just what you need to lift everyone’s spirits.
   
• Office culture, without the office: You don’t need four walls to build a great workplace culture. With the right activities, your values can shine through the screen.
  
  

The bonus, of course, is that virtual team development activities are flexible, budget-friendly and accessible for everyone, even if your team crosses borders.

Virtual Team-Building Ideas to Boost Connection and Morale

Virtual doesn’t mean less real. The bonds you build from behind a screen can be just as powerful as the ones formed around an office snack table. Whether you’ve got a team of five or fifty, these virtual team-building ideas are tried, tested and actually enjoyable. No awkward silences or forced fun here: just pick the right activity for your team’s culture and style. 

1. Virtual Game Show

Lights, camera, competition! This virtual spin on classic game shows brings trivia, brain teasers and buzzer battles into one slick, high-energy session. Perfect for teams who love a little friendly rivalry.

👥 Best for: Large or cross-functional teams
💡 Why it works: It’s fast-paced, inclusive and easy to join with no tech stress.

2. Virtual Murder Mystery

Someone’s committed a virtual crime, and it’s up to your team to crack the case. With actors guiding the story and clues unfolding in real time, this immersive whodunit gets everyone thinking.

👥 Best for: Teams that love storytelling or problem-solving
💡 Why it works: It encourages collaboration, sharpens listening skills and adds a theatrical twist to team bonding.

3. Virtual Escape Room

Can your team break out before time runs out? Choose from different themes like haunted houses, secret agents and ancient temples, then work together to solve puzzles under pressure.

👥 Best for: Problem-solvers and puzzle-lovers
💡 Why it works: Builds teamwork and communication without feeling like a “trust fall” moment.

4. Virtual Wine Tasting

Good wine, guided tasting notes, maybe a cheese board or two – what more could you need? Learn from a sommelier and sip your way through this relaxing, refined team experience.

👥 Best for: Teams who’ve earned a treat
💡 Why it works: It’s a shared sensory experience that feels like a reward, not a requirement.

5. Virtual Paint & Sip

Brushes up, cameras on. With an artist leading the way, your team will paint a masterpiece (or at least something fridge-worthy) while chatting and sipping along the way.

👥 Best for: Creative types and teams who enjoy a chill vibe
💡 Why it works: Encourages creativity, helps people unwind and doesn’t rely on conversation.

6. Virtual Pub Trivia

A high-energy mix of general knowledge, pop culture and customisable questions (yes, you can slip in some inside jokes or fun facts about your company). Hosted live and built for banter!

👥 Best for: Mixed teams of all ages and roles
💡 Why it works: Simple, low-pressure fun with a competitive edge.

7. Virtual Casino Night

Dress up (or don’t), grab your virtual chips and hit the tables. With blackjack, roulette and poker, your team gets the thrill of a Vegas night – minus the airfare.

👥 Best for: Social butterflies and competitive spirits
💡 Why it works: A shared, high-energy activity that’s pure fun.

8. Virtual Cocktail Making Class

Mix, shake and sip together with a pro bartender leading the way in this virtual cocktail making class. Your team can make signature drinks together, alcoholic or not, and share the results on screen.

👥 Best for: End-of-quarter celebrations or casual Fridays
💡 Why it works: It feels social, indulgent and relaxed, with plenty of laughs along the way.

9. Virtual Drag Bingo and Trivia

It’s trivia, it’s bingo, it’s a show, and it’s absolutely fabulous. Hosted by a charismatic drag queen, this experience brings sass, sparkle and a whole lot of laughter to your team’s screen.

👥 Best for: Teams who love bold energy and big personalities
💡 Why it works: It's high-energy, inclusive and totally unforgettable – perfect for levelling up a midweek slump.

10. The Pitch

Calling all wannabe entrepreneurs. In this fast-paced, Shark Tank-style challenge, your team will brainstorm and pitch a brand-new product using their phones and their wits. You’ll assign roles, complete creative challenges and ultimately record your team’s pitch to present to the group.

👥 Best for: Cross-functional teams and entrepreneurial spirit
💡 Why it works: Blends creativity, leadership and collaboration in a way that feels more fun than work, but still delivers team growth.

11. Virtual Bogan Bingo

All the chaos of a community hall bingo night, now with mullets, air guitars and classic Aussie anthems. Players dress up, play along using a custom bingo app and compete in themed challenges. It's rough around the edges, but that’s the point.

👥 Best for: Teams with a good sense of humour and zero ego
💡 Why it works: It’s pure, hilarious escapism that gets people talking and laughing for weeks.

12. Virtual Spy Network

In this immersive spy experience, your team must crack codes, uncover clues and complete covert missions to solve a top-secret mystery: who killed Agent Number 1? It’s part escape room, part crime thriller,  and all about fast thinking and tighter teamwork.

👥 Best for: Logic lovers and fans of a good mystery
💡 Why it works: High-energy and interactive, it builds serious collaboration while keeping things light and engaging.

13. My Bucket List

Time to swap your to-do list for a want-to list. In this guided session, a coach helps your team uncover their big life goals using a tried-and-tested blueprint. Best of all, you’ll take real action toward one of your goals before the session ends.

👥 Best for: Teams craving deeper connection and long-term motivation
💡 Why it works: It blends purpose with positivity, helping teammates learn more about each other and themselves beyond the day job.

14. Around the World

You might not be in the office together, but that doesn’t mean you can’t travel together! Take your team on a whirlwind tour of some of the world’s most iconic locations in this epic journey packed with creative challenges, puzzling clues and some friendly competition.

👥 Best for: Bringing depth and variety to your team-building event
💡 Why it works: It’s an engaging test of strategy, creativity and ingenuity, and best of all, it has something for everyone. 

Planning guide: What to Consider for Your Virtual Event

By now, you’ve probably got a few ideas buzzing. But before you send out those invites, there are a few things worth keeping in mind to make your virtual team-building event truly sing.

Know your team

What’s going to land best with your crew? A high-energy game show or a laid-back paint-and-sip? Something creative? Competitive? Purpose-driven? The more you tailor the experience to your team’s vibe, the better the results.

Keep it short and sweet

Attention spans don’t last forever, especially online. Aim for sessions between 45 and 90 minutes. Long enough to build momentum, but short enough to leave people wanting more (not eyeing the clock).

Consider time zones

If you have team members in different cities, states or countries, be mindful of scheduling across time zones. Lunchtime for one person might be bedtime for another, and no one wants to build Lego at two in the morning!

Test the tech

Make sure your platform (Zoom, Teams, etc.) works with the format of the activity. A quick tech check can save a lot of awkward muting and accidental screen shares, which can kill the mood before you even get things started. 

Make space for everyone

Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight, and that’s okay. Consider activities that will work for quieter voices, different personality types and various skill levels. Breakout rooms can be a great way to allow for interaction in smaller groups.

Set the tone

A bit of pre-event energy goes a long way. Send out a fun invite, encourage dress-ups or snacks and remind everyone it’s about connection, not perfection. Remote teams deserve some joy, too!

Make It Easy with Team Days

Planning a virtual team-building event shouldn’t feel like… well, work. That’s where Team Days comes in.

We take the stress out of organising your next team-building session by curating unforgettable virtual experiences that are engaging, well-planned and genuinely fun. Whether you’re bringing together a team of ten or treating a national workforce spread across time zones, we’ve got the tech, talent and timing sorted.

From Game Shows to Wine Tastings, Escape Rooms to Brick Master challenges, we’ve designed every activity to spark connection, build rapport and leave your team feeling not just entertained, but energised. We’ll handle the logistics, coordinate the hosts and make sure everything runs smoothly, all you need to do is click the link and show up.

If you need something bespoke, we do that too. Just tell us your goals and we’ll tailor an experience that fits your team and your calendar!

Check out our full range of virtual experiences here or get in touch with our team to plan your next event with your crew.

Virtual team-building activities: Frequently asked questions

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

What are the best virtual team-building exercises?

The best virtual team-building exercises don’t just fill a calendar slot – they actually engage your people. Popular picks include virtual escape rooms, game show-style quizzes, murder mysteries and hands-on sessions like paint-and-sip or cocktail making. Look for activities that suit your team’s personality, offer variety and include professional hosts to keep things running smoothly.

How do I keep my remote team engaged during virtual activities?

Mix it up, keep it short and make it meaningful. Engagement drops fast if the activity drags, feels like forced fun or doesn’t include everyone. The secret is variety. Different formats for different energy levels. Include options for introverts and extroverts, competitive types and creatives. Bonus tip? A good host makes all the difference. 

Can virtual team-building really make a difference?

Absolutely. When done right, virtual team development activities help build trust, improve communication and create shared experiences, all of which translate into better teamwork and a stronger workplace culture. And with more teams working remotely or in hybrid setups, building those connections online isn’t just helpful, but essential.