When many think of a team-building group retreat, most will think of at least a few days away in a new city or country with the team, but have you ever heard of a one-day retreat? 

It's basically a fun company outing or a teambuilding day where colleagues can escape the office and enjoy some quality time together. Think of it as a mini-vacation designed to boost morale, encourage teamwork, and spark creativity. 

Now, these can be one day taken up by one activity, such as an offsite golfing day, but many companies like to really get a bang for their buck and pack the whole day out with activities. Whichever offsite idea you choose, make sure you plan it correctly!

In this blog, we jump straight into 24 team outing ideas that you could consider for your next one-day retreat! We’ve even snuck in a potential itinerary to help you visualize how to schedule loads of activities in one day.

Let’s get into this!

24 one-day retreat ideas!

1. Morning yoga session

Kick off the day with a calming yoga class to relax and energize. This gentle exercise boosts mental clarity and physical well-being, setting a positive tone for your fun corporate retreat. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to build a sense of community as everyone stretches and breathes together. Expect this session to last about 45 minutes to an hour.

2. Team-building workshops

Dive into interactive team-building workshops focused on communication and collaboration to strengthen team dynamics. These engaging activities are not only fun but also help build better understanding and teamwork. By working through challenges together, team members develop trust and learn new ways to support each other. Plan for these workshops to take around 1.5 to 2 hours.

3. Breakfast buffet

Kickstart the day with a delicious breakfast buffet loaded with options to suit everyone’s tastes. From fresh fruits and pastries to hearty eggs and bacon, there’s something for everyone. It’s a great way to fuel up and offers a relaxed setting for casual conversation and bonding. Allow for about 1 hour to enjoy the breakfast spread.

4. Guided meditation

Take a breather with a guided meditation session, perfect for clearing the mind and reducing stress. This short break helps everyone reset and refocus, making the rest of the day more productive and enjoyable. Meditation promotes mental clarity and a sense of calm. This session should last around 20 to 30 minutes.

5. Mini-golf tournament

Add a splash of fun with a mini-golf tournament. It’s a fantastic way to encourage camaraderie, share some laughs, and inject a bit of friendly competition into the day. Participants can bond over shared experiences and lighthearted rivalry, building a sense of team spirit and mutual support. Set aside about 1.5 to 2 hours for this activity.

6. Nature walk

Take a short, scenic walk to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. It's a great way to stretch your legs, clear your mind, and connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting. The natural environment helps reduce stress and boost creativity. Plan for this refreshing activity to take about 45 minutes to an hour.

7. Cooking class

Learn to make a new dish together with a professional chef. This interactive experience is not only fun but also a great way to bond and collaborate. Everyone gets to enjoy the fruits of their labor with a delicious meal at the end. Expect this activity to last around 1.5 to 2 hours.

8. Art workshop

Get creative with painting, drawing, or crafting activities. An art workshop allows everyone to express themselves in a fun and relaxed environment. It’s a fantastic way to foster creativity and teamwork as participants share ideas and techniques. Plan for this creative session to take about 1.5 to 2 hours.

9. Lunch picnic

Have a relaxing picnic lunch with delicious, pre-packed meals. Enjoying a meal outdoors in a scenic spot is a great way to unwind and chat with colleagues in a casual setting. The fresh air and good food create a perfect break in the day’s activities. Set aside about 1 to 1.5 hours for this enjoyable lunch break.

10. Team sports

Play a game of volleyball, soccer, or any other team sport. This activity is perfect for building camaraderie and encouraging a bit of healthy competition. Team sports are a great way to get everyone moving and having fun together. Plan for this energetic session to last about 1 to 1.5 hours.

11. Board games

Set up a station with a variety of board games for some casual fun. Board games are a fantastic way to relax, laugh, and enjoy some friendly competition. They’re perfect for encouraging interaction and teamwork in a laid-back setting. Allow for about 1 to 1.5 hours of game time.

12. Photography walk

Explore the area while capturing beautiful photos. This activity allows participants to appreciate their surroundings and find inspiration in nature or urban landscapes. It’s a great way to combine creativity and relaxation while bonding with colleagues over shared interests. Plan for this scenic walk to take about 1 to 1.5 hours.

13. Short TED-style talks

Listen to inspiring talks from team members or guest speakers. These short, engaging presentations can cover a variety of topics, sparking new ideas and discussions. It’s a fantastic way to share knowledge and experiences, motivating and energizing the team. Expect this session to last around 1 to 1.5 hours.

14. Karaoke session

Let loose and have fun singing your favorite songs. A karaoke session is perfect for breaking the ice and bringing out everyone’s playful side. It encourages team members to relax and enjoy each other’s company in a lighthearted, entertaining atmosphere. Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours of singing and laughter.

15. Pottery class

Try your hand at pottery and make something unique. This hands-on activity allows everyone to get creative and learn a new skill. It’s a fun and relaxing way to bond with colleagues while creating personalized keepsakes. Expect this artistic session to last around 1.5 to 2 hours.

16. Fishing

If near a body of water, offer a relaxing fishing activity. Fishing provides a peaceful way to unwind and enjoy nature. It’s perfect for encouraging quiet reflection and conversation, helping team members connect in a tranquil setting. Plan for this leisurely activity to take about 1.5 to 2 hours.

17. Team trivia

Test your knowledge with a fun trivia game. This engaging activity promotes teamwork and friendly competition, encouraging everyone to contribute their unique knowledge. It’s a fantastic way to build camaraderie and stimulate lively discussions. Set aside about 1 to 1.5 hours for this entertaining game.

18. Massage and spa treatments

Treat yourself to short massages or spa treatments for ultimate relaxation. This pampering break helps melt away stress and leaves everyone feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It’s a lovely way to show some appreciation and promote well-being. Each session lasts about 30 minutes to an hour – perfect for a quick recharge.

19. Fitness class

Get your groove on with a fun group fitness class like Zumba or Pilates. This energetic activity gets everyone moving and boosts those happy endorphins. It’s a fantastic way to blend exercise and fun, helping the team bond over a shared sweat session. Plan for this fitness fun to last around an hour.

20. Cultural workshop

Dive into a new culture through hands-on activities or delicious food. This immersive workshop is all about broadening horizons and appreciating different traditions. It’s an engaging way to learn and bond with colleagues over shared experiences. Expect this cultural adventure to take about 1.5 to 2 hours.

21.Dance class

Shake things up with a dance class where everyone can learn a new style. This lively activity encourages the team to step out of their comfort zones and have a blast moving to the beat. It’s a great way to build confidence and teamwork. Plan for this dance-off to last around 1 to 1.5 hours.

22. Barbecue

Savor a barbecue lunch or dinner with all your grilled favorites. This relaxed meal setting is perfect for casual chats and bonding over tasty food. The laid-back atmosphere helps everyone unwind and enjoy the moment. Set aside about 1.5 to 2 hours for this delicious gathering.

23. Water sports

If you’re near water, why not try kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing? These exciting activities offer a refreshing break and promote teamwork and fitness. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors and have some fun together. Plan for this water adventure to last about 1.5 to 2 hours.

24. Journaling session

Take some time to write and reflect on personal or professional goals. This quiet activity encourages introspection and helps everyone focus on what matters most. It’s a peaceful way to foster personal growth and clarity. Allow for about 30 minutes to an hour for this reflective break.

Example itinerary!

Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of activities? Don’t worry! We’ve chosen some of our favorite activities from above and thrown them into a well-designed schedule. This will help with finding the right structure for your one-day retreat:

Note: Keep an eye on the times in between activities! We’ve set around 15-30 mins, depending on the activity, as this gives your employees time to freshen up and prepare for the next activity. Feel free to extend or shorten this time- it’s up to you!

8:00 am - 8:45 am: Morning yoga session (optional)
Start the day with a calming yoga class to relax and energize everyone. This gentle exercise boosts mental clarity and physical well-being, setting a positive tone for the retreat.

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9:00 am - 9:45 am: Breakfast buffet
Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet loaded with options to suit everyone’s tastes. This hearty meal will give you the energy needed for the morning activities. It’s also a great time to casually chat and get to know colleagues better.

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10:00 am - 10:15 am: Company update
Gather for a brief company update or all-hands meeting. This session will keep everyone informed about the latest developments and create a sense of unity and purpose.

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10:30 am - 12:00 pm: Team-building workshops
Engage in interactive workshops focused on communication and collaboration. These activities help build better understanding and teamwork.

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12:15 pm - 1:15 pm: Lunch picnic
Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch with delicious, pre-packed meals. Eating outdoors in a scenic spot offers a perfect opportunity to unwind and chat with colleagues.

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1:30 pm - 2:30 pm: Mini-golf tournament
Add some fun with a mini-golf tournament. This activity encourages camaraderie and lighthearted rivalry, energizing everyone for the rest of the day.

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3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Cooking class
Learn to make a new dish together with a professional chef. This interactive experience is fun and a great way to bond and collaborate.

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4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Optional nature walk or relaxation
Team members can either join forces for a scenic nature walk to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings or take it easy relaxing indoors. Perhaps catching up on some emails is in order? This break helps everyone unwind and connect in their preferred way.

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6:00 pm - 7:20 pm: Barbecue dinner and team reflection
Savor a barbecue dinner with all your grilled favorites. This relaxed meal setting is perfect for casual chats and bonding over tasty food. During dinner, take time for team reflection chats on the day's activities and experiences.

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7:30 pm: Departure
Wrap up the day and head back home, feeling refreshed, bonded, and motivated after a well-balanced day of activities and relaxation.

Are one-day retreats effective?

Absolutely, one-day retreats can be effective, but we strongly recommend organizing retreats for at least 2 days. The costs are not much higher, and it makes much more sense to allow your team ample time to unwind, connect, and rejuvenate. And Surf Office is here to help with the logistics!

• Stress-free transfers? We got you! ✅
• Quality-assured accommodations? Check! ✅
• Engaging team-building activities? Our speciality ✅
• Restaurant reservations? That's on us! ✅
• Expert retreat planning assistance? Of course, we have this covered! ✅
• Onsite support, tailored to your needs? Absolutely ✅

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Not only this but we also have access to 160+ locations around Europe, APAC and the US, meaning the sky is your limit when it comes to choosing the right location for you and your team.

‍Book now, spaces are limited!