The 18 Best Virtual Team Building Activities

Virtual team building offers countless opportunities for bringing far-flung colleagues together, however, it can run the risk of being yet another boring meeting. We know that spending all day in front of a camera and never getting to personally interact can really suck the life out of even the most enthusiastic team. And that’s why we’re here. We’ve put together a very special list of virtual team building experiences based on the simple idea that remote team building should be fun. We know how important problem solving, collaboration and communication are, so we’ve definitely factored it into our selection process. On top of these though, we’ve also made sure to choose activities that are engaging, relaxing, and fun. Whether it’s a wine tasting, an online virtual platform or a pen and paper game, you can be sure that these will re-energise your team through interaction and fun!

Organised events for teams and large groups

Sometimes, it’s just nice to let someone else take the wheel for a while. Organised out of the box events offer remote teams the chance to interact in a productive way over something completely unrelated to their daily business. Designed to inspire good feeling and increase interaction, these activities are suitable for a range of budgets and interests.

1. The Team Quest

The Team Quest is a relaxed activity with just the right amount of rivalry. With a fun mix of games like Emoji Riddles, Karaoke, Face Mashups, Trivia or Guess the Celebrity, it will make your team connect while also having a laugh. The dedicated Event Producer will ensure the event is 100% tailored to your needs and create a custom game scenario just for you and your team.

• Group Size: 6 – 400
• Price: From £16/$22 per person
• Session Length: 60 minutes
• Equipment: You will need your PC or laptop, earphones or headphones, a reliable Internet connection and the latest version of Google Chrome

2. Around the World

Why not take your remote team on a journey Around the World, all from the comfort of their own homes? Engage in a friendly competition, reconnect with one another and learn some fun facts along the way! On your journey, there will be checkpoints and various challenges you’ll need to tick off to score the most points. You’ll play the game in smaller teams, but there are no breakout rooms involved, so you’ll get to interact with everyone at the same time!

• Group Size: 8 – 500
• Price: From £16/$22 per person
• Session Length: 60 minutes
• Equipment: You will need your PC or laptop, earphones or headphones, a reliable Internet connection and the latest version of Google Chrome

3. Mars Conquest

Mars Conquest is an exciting game in which each of your teammates will be able to pick their role: the Captain, the Vet, the Pilot or the Engineer. The mission? Send animals to Mars to create a biodiverse environment! Your group will be split into smaller teams who can either compete against each other to earn the most biodiversity points or cooperate to reach a certain final score and complete the goal of terraforming Mars.

• Group Size: 6 – 200
• Price: From £18/$24 per person
• Session Length: 75 minutes
• Equipment: You will need your PC or laptop, earphones or headphones, a reliable Internet connection, the latest version of Google Chrome and Zoom (app preferred)

4. At the Races

At the Races is horse racing gone virtual, yet all the emotions you’d feel at a real horse track are there! The game is fun and simple and doesn’t require any previous experience. You’ll be divided into small teams. The teams will have time to discuss their strategy and make decisions. Each participant can choose from only three actions, but you’ll have to be careful about how and when you take them and watch closely what other teams are doing. Once the decisions are made, it’s time to watch the race and cheer! The game strengthens teamwork and guarantees lots of fun.

• Group Size: 8 – 150
• Price: From £18/$24 per person
• Session Length: 75 minutes
• Equipment: You will need your PC or laptop with a reliable Internet connection, the latest version of Google Chrome and Zoom (app preferred)

Events for large teams split into small groups

Sometimes, it’s nice to shake things up. Even though you have a large team, you might consider splitting them into smaller groups for your team building event this time. A smaller group will give everyone a chance to shine. Not everyone thrives in a large noisy group environment, and Zoom calls just make everything worse, don’t they? These activities are excellent for large teams that can be broken into small groups between 5 to 10 players.

5. Desert Island

Desert Island is an immersive game with lots of bonding and a hint of competition. Your webcam image will be your avatar as you roam around the island. You have to move closer to somebody to hear them well, which gives the impression of being in the same room. The game is an easy-going variation of an online escape room. You must cooperate in teams to solve puzzles and escape the island! Once you do that, you’ll meet up with the whole group again to find out who won and have a relaxed chat.

• Group Size: 4 – 200
• Price: From £16/$22 per person
• Session Length: 20 – 60 minutes
• Equipment: You will need your PC or laptop with a reliable Internet connection and the latest version of Google Chrome

6. Jury Duty

In this game, your team will act as a jury in a remote trial. You’ll have to review the evidence, brainstorm and strategise; then you will question the accused (played by a professional actor) to determine whether he’s guilty or not. Be prepared to dig deep, as there might be more to the case than you think. And keep your phone on hand – you may receive a phone call with additional tips… Jury Duty is all about teamwork: the clock is ticking, so you really have to work together to solve the mystery and come up with your verdict before the time runs out!

• Group Size: 8 – 20
• Price: £425/$599
• Session Length: 105 minutes
• Equipment: You will need a list of all participants with their email addresses and phone numbers, a PC or laptop, earphones or headphones, a reliable Internet connection, the latest version of Google Chrome and Zoom (app preferred)

7. Space Escape

If you’re feeling sick of your home office setup, what better way to detach from your routine than by going into space? Space Escape is an engaging game that provides a great opportunity to reconnect with your remote team, boost morale and work on communication. As a team of astronauts who got stuck on a broken spaceship, you must work together to fix the vessel and find your way back to Earth. Each person will take on a different role and the success of the mission will depend on how efficiently everyone collaborates. Are you up for the challenge?

• Group Size: 3 – 500
• Price: From £25/$37 per person
• Session Length: 70 minutes
• Equipment: You will need your PC or laptop, earphones or headphones, a reliable Internet connection, the latest version of Google Chrome and a communication app of your choice

8. Plymouth Point

How about an online thriller? Plymouth Point throws you into the middle of a corporate conspiracy that you’ll have to work out with your team. Crack codes, hack passwords and solve puzzles to get closer to the answer – what happened to Ivy, a young woman that went missing? This immersive detective game will keep you on the edge of your seat. Will you be able to get to the bottom of the mystery?

• Group Size: 6 – 35
• Price: £30/$42 per person
• Session Length: 75 minutes
• Equipment: You will need your PC or laptop, earphones or headphones, a reliable Internet connection and the latest version of Google Chrome

Events for large groups to do together

Sometimes you just have to go all in. These events are for large teams of 10, 20 or 100 or more to participate in all at the same time. They will benefit from some efficient organisation, of course. With the help of a professional host, you can be sure everyone will soon be enjoying some relaxed and rowdy fun.

9. Seasonal Wine Tasting

Bonding with your remote team over a glass of quality wine is always a good idea, but why not take it a step further? When you book Seasonal Wine Tasting, you can become a sommelier from the comfort of your home! You’ll learn all about wine from professional sommelier and founder of Inflorescence Wines, Jacinta Maddison. With a tasting kit delivered straight to your doorstep, you’ll have a chance to taste carefully selected grapes and learn some facts about the wine itself, as well as the region of its origin.

• Group Size: 6 – 100
• Price: £55/$75 per person
• Session Length: 90 minutes
• Equipment: You will need your PC or laptop with a reliable Internet connection, glassware and something to write with and on

10. Paintvine

And now something for all the artistic souls on your team! Paintvine is an online painting or sculpting workshop. Pour yourself a drink, socialise with your colleagues and get those creative juices flowing! Don’t worry if you think you’re not talented enough – just let yourself have fun and, who knows, you might discover that there is in fact an artist hidden inside you! All necessary materials will be delivered to you, so all you have to do is jump on the call with your team and the dedicated art teacher will guide you through the experience.

• Group Size: 15 – 100
• Price: £30/$40 per person
• Session Length: 60 – 90 minutes
• Equipment: You will need your PC or laptop, a reliable Internet connection and some space to paint or sculpt

11. Italian favourites – cooking class

Another awesome way to bond with your team is to attend a cooking workshop! During this particular class, you will learn how to prepare an aubergine Parmigiana, a fresh salad and a quick and easy tiramisu! You don’t have to be an advanced cook to enjoy this experience – it’s meant to be relaxed and easy to follow. Prior to the event, you’ll get a recipe card and prep sheet. Once you’re all set, join the call where a professional chef from Jamie Oliver’s cookery school will guide you step by step and share their secret tips!

Other cooking classes available: Spanish Classics, Thai Feast, Mexican Street Food, Sichuan Style or Pasta Master.

• Group Size: 10 – 1000
• Price: From £29/$41 per person
• Session Length: 120 minutes
• Equipment: You will need cooking equipment and all necessary ingredients, a reliable Internet connection and Zoom

Super fun games to play with colleagues

Not every team building needs to be a one-off large scale event. Bonds are built even in smaller moments such as sharing a laugh or playing a quick game online. The games below offer any team the chance to improve their interactions without too much fuss.

12. Game Show

Game Show

Instead of the boring “get to know you” questions you might have experienced at the beginning of a typical meeting, Game Show is here to offer a streamlined and fun-packed experience! With Game Show, there’s no need for elaborate instructions or reading through long set up guides—your team will be ready to play within minutes. 

Each activity in Game Show has its own unique qualities that makes it perfect for a fun competition. Phrase Craze combines hilarity and friendly competition as teams decipher phrases and race to win points. Keyword puzzles provide an opportunity for groups to work together while flexibly responding to changes in the game along the way. Puzzle Pyramid makes it easy for teams to expand their problem-solving skills as they move through a series of increasingly challenging puzzles.

• Group Size: 10-200 players
• Cost: £20/$25 per person
• Session Length: 60 mins
• Equipment: You will need a reliable Internet connection, headphones, Zoom, and the latest version of Google Chrome.

13. Skribbl.io

Encourage your team to play this Pictionary adjacent game in a private room. You can load a list of words to play that are particular to your team, or simply play according to the words chosen by the platform. Keep track of winners and you can even turn this into a competition.

• Group Size: 2 to 12
• Cost: Free
• Session Length: 15 – 30 minutes

How to make it happen:

1. Go to www.skribbl.io
2. Create a private room.
3. Use the default terms or load a custom set of terms to your game.
4. Invite your team to play by sending them the link and code.
5. Hop online to play.

14. Speed typing sing-along

Tell your team to hop onto www.typingtest.com and choose a test that everyone must take. To make it more complicated, encourage your team members to also sing along to something as they type. This may sound ridiculous, but that is the point. This is a great game for letting your hair down.

• Group Size: Most suitable for medium-sized groups from 2 to 20.
• Cost: Free
• Session Length: 20 minutes for one game

How to make it happen:

1. Hop on to typingtest.com and choose a game for your team to each play on their own computers.
2. While they take the test, play a song that everyone must sing along with.
3. Compare speed and accuracy after the test is finished.
4. Consider adding elimination rounds and extra points for tunefulness.

Social activities – no app required

While collaborating to solve clues or other break codes can be an important part of team building, it’s also important to foster communication and interaction among your team. These activities are designed to encourage interaction and bring colleagues together in a virtual environment.

15. Online lunch meet-up

Share a meal with your teammates. Meet online and enjoy a friendly chat as you all take a break from your workday. Create a theme or offer vouchers, if you choose, but either way, taking time away from work to communicate with co-workers can bring a tremendous benefit to the work environment.

• Group Size: From 2 to any number of participants
• Cost: Free to organise and schedule. If you decide to offer vouchers, to cover the cost of the lunch, decide on a budget for the event.
• Session Length: 30 – 60 minutes

How to make it happen:

1. Decide if you will contribute to their meal with vouchers or care packages
2. Schedule a time with colleagues for a lunchtime get together
3. Assemble your meal and enjoy time online with team members

16. Blind origami

One person receives origami instructions and they are partnered with another person who has the paper. Via video conferencing the first person guides the other through the process of creating an origami figure. Collaboration is key.

• Group Size: From 2 to 200. This event is suitable for any size team.
• Cost: Free
• Session Length: 30 – 45 minutes

How to make it happen:

1. Go to www.origami-fun.com and find instructions for an origami shape.
2. Set up a call with your team and make sure they have paper.
3. Split your team into pairs.
4. Provide one of the pair with the instructions.
5. If you choose, the person with the paper can close their eyes, however, it will be just as fun if they leave them open.
6. The person with the instructions must guide their partner in folding the paper until they have created the shape.
7. Time the session and switch the teams around to make sure everyone gets a turn.
8. Schedule a short reflection session afterwards to discuss learnings.

17. Virtual party

Have fun with your colleagues by booking an off-hours social meet. Find some ways to interact as a group and then get some snacks together.

• Group Size: From 2 to 200. If you will have a party for a larger group, make sure to utilise breakout rooms as otherwise it will be too hard to hear anyone speak.
• Cost: Free and paid options exist. If you have the budget, you may consider sending vouchers or gift packages to your teammates.
• Session Length: 60 – 90 minutes

How to make it happen:

1. Choose a date, agree on a time and instruct everyone to get some drinks and food in advance.
2. Plan entertaining activities – any of the team building / online games and exercises described above will do – and think of the optimal way to group employees for playing them.
3. Gather your party-goers in a video conferencing platform, such as Zoom, at the predetermined time (and don’t forget to take a snap).
4. Start playing games by using tools that provide users with space to sit at virtual tables, as well as draw and write stuff on a whiteboard, for instance, Remo or a much cheaper option – Google Meet.
5. Enjoy your time together for as long as you are willing and have the energy to hang around online.

18. Exercise challenges

Encourage a healthy lifestyle among your remote team members and get them moving! There are either paid or free options for creating flexible employee health contests. You can track your employees’ progress in the health campaign and encourage healthy competition within the workforce. Consider buying t-shirts and medals to Incentivise your team.

• Group Size: 2 to 100+
• Cost: It is easy to set up free events, all you need is a communication platform and a way to track results. If you are considering a paid app, there are many virtual competitions on the internet.
• Session Length: 4 – 6 weeks

How to make it happen:

1. Set up some way to track participation or get access to a platform such as vantagefit.io or the conqueror then get your team to enrol and set exercise challenges. They should be achievable for any range of physical fitness.
2. Offer incentives for joining or meeting targets.
3. Set an end date.
4. Add video calls to check on progress as a whole group and encourage teamwork.

Conclusion

We hope you take this list into consideration when you plan your next team building event. Studies have shown that helping co-workers develop a sense of community is a great way to improve performance and work satisfaction. So be sure and try more than one on this list to keep spirits up among your remote team and make sure to have fun!

Check out other interesting reads on our blog that answer some of the most frequently asked questions:

• What are the best games to play online in a large group?
• Which games are the most fun to play on Zoom?
• How to hold a fun birthday party on Zoom?

FAQs

How does virtual team building work?

Virtual team building is all about engaging your team in a shared activity that enables everyone to bond and get to know each other better while having fun together. It can be something super simple, like jumping on a call to have lunch together, or something more elaborate, like a hosted event. There’s a wide variety of activities that enables you to choose an experience best suited to your team. You can go for something laid-back like The Team Quest, get your adrenaline pumping with an online thriller like Plymouth Point or treat your team to a creative workshop.

How do you plan a team building event?

First, pick an activity that best suits your team. Include them in the conversation and pick something everyone is likely to enjoy. Decide whether you want to organise the event yourself or hand it over to a professional host. Once you’re set on what you want to do, pick a date (in case of hosted events, reach out to your chosen vendors to check availability), send the invites and have fun!

Which team building type should I choose?

Start planning your team building by settling on the type of team building you want to have. Is it a large event requiring an online platform? Or an organised activity that may require a larger budget? You can also focus on more sociable types of activities that are low cost but high on interaction.

Who should run the team building session?

These events can benefit from having a host or master of ceremonies – or at least someone able to explain the rules of the games or at least keep things moving along at a proper pace. However, using a professional event coordinator can require a larger budget. So, when sorting out the details, make sure you have the budget, or that whomever you choose is comfortable speaking to others on camera, and able to break the ice among different individuals with ease.

Should I prep my team for the experience?

Yes, it is important to prepare your team before the event. Share the details of the activity and let them know the time and date well before the event so they can make sure they are free. Also, if there are any special requirements or preparations, you will want to make sure they are aware of them with enough time for them to get ready. Also, be prepared to discuss any potential issues such as allergies or other concerns that may need to be addressed when planning the event.