If we know one thing, people don't do well when they're cooped up inside an office all day. Thanks to an increase in remote-first and hybrid workplaces, there’s growing awareness of wellness in the workplace (depression and anxiety cost workplaces an estimated $ 1 trillion per year), and more and more companies now understand the importance of work-life balance.
Incorporating outdoor play into workplace activities has numerous benefits, including:
- Stress reduction
- Increased creativity
- Enhanced team building and communication
- Better physical health
- Improved morale
- Higher job satisfaction
Employers can create a happier and healthier workplace environment by promoting outdoor activities. Whether it's a day playing volleyball with the whole team at the local park or a casual game of Cornhole on your next team retreat, get inspired by these 21 outdoor group games for adults, and let the fun begin!
Outdoor group games to get your heart rate up!
1. Capture the Flag
A classic outdoor game you might remember from summer camp! For big teams, Capture the Flag is perfect for picnics and team-building days in the park.
How to play:
Divide players into two teams and designate a playing area with clearly defined boundaries. Each team should have a flag, which should be visible but not easily accessible, placed at its base or territory. Each team must infiltrate the opposing team's territory, capture its flag, and safely return it to its territory without being tagged by opponents.
Why is this game is great for team-building:
- Problem-solving: Players must think critically and adapt their strategies on the fly.
- Leadership skills: Individuals may take on leadership roles within their team, which can involve delegating tasks, making decisions, and motivating teammates.
Players learn to trust their teammates as they rely on each other for support, making Capture the Flag a great way to encourage team bonding that will translate to the workplace.
2. Disc Golf
A disc golf course is often located in the woods or a park. Depending on the number of players and holes, this outdoor activity requires a whole day to have the opportunity to refine their throwing technique.
How to play:
Players use discs of various sizes to play on a course with metal basket targets. Like traditional golf, the objective is to complete each hole with the fewest throws.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Partnership: Players can collaborate and strategize.
- Healthy Competition: Encourages friendly competition among teammates.
A dynamic outdoor game that requires skill and creativity, Disc Golf promotes teamwork and problem-solving, essential to fostering a positive team dynamic.
3. Ultimate Frisbee
Unlike regular Frisbee, this version functions more like a soccer match. Perfect for medium to large teams, find a local park with designated goalposts or rent space at a recreational center for an afternoon of ultimate fun.
How to play:
Players are divided into two teams, and the boundaries of the playing field are marked, with end zones at each end, where points are scored. Players cannot run with the disc and must pass it to teammates to advance toward the end zone. The scoring team then takes possession of the Frisbee and attacks in the opposite direction.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Strategy: Players develop strategic thinking skills by analyzing the opposing team's defense.
- Social Bonding: Fosters camaraderie and friendships among teammates.
This outdoor activity will appeal to the athletes in the office, helping employees blow off steam and engage in some friendly competition.
4. Volleyball
Most people in your office are likely familiar with the game of volleyball. Easy to learn and energizing, schedule a game (or two) on your next team-building retreat by the beach.
How to play:
Two teams aim to score points by hitting the ball over the net to the opposing team's court. Each team can make up to three hits per possession. Points are scored when the opposing team fails to return the ball or commits a fault. The first team to reach a predetermined total and be ahead by at least two points wins the set.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Confidence: Players must rely on their teammates to make accurate passes, sets, and hits.
- Physical Fitness: Promotes physical fitness by incorporating elements of cardio, strength, agility, and coordination into gameplay.
Volleyball promotes teamwork, communication, trust, problem-solving, and physical fitness.
5. Obstacle course
Shake up the routine with an adventurous activity that challenges participants mentally and physically.
How to play:
Set up an obstacle course with ropes, tires, walls, balance beams, and tunnels. Divide participants into teams and have each team start at a specific point. The goal is for each team to navigate the course as fast as possible.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Problem-Solving: Participants face challenges that require quick thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Trust: Players rely on their teammates for support and assistance, fostering trust and camaraderie.
Figuring out challenges together is a great icebreaker activity for large groups and will encourage teamwork and bonding.
6. Kickball
You might remember this game from childhood when you ran around the schoolyard with classmates. Kickball requires minimal equipment and can be played in places like a park near the office or group games on a team retreat.
How to play:
Set up a diamond-shaped playing field with bases and assign positions to the players. One team kicks the ball and runs counterclockwise around the bases while the other team fields.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Inclusivity: Everyone can participate, regardless of age or athletic ability.
- Sportsmanship: Encourages friendly competition and fosters a positive team environment.
A classic outdoor game that's not just for the kids! Adults benefit significantly from teamwork, communication, inclusivity, and friendly competition.
7. Three-Legged Race
Often part of team-building events that include field day games that challenge participants, the three-legged race is the ultimate teamwork game, requiring players to work together to cross the finish line.
How to play:
Pair participants into teams of two, tie their inside legs together to create a "three-legged" team and have them race to the finish line. Teams must work together to maintain balance, synchronize their steps, and overcome obstacles.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Collaboration: Requires participants to cooperate closely with their teammates to achieve a common goal.
- Fun and Laughter: Lighthearted and entertaining activity that promotes laughter, bonding, and shared experiences.
Playful and engaging, this activity helps teams strengthen relationships by working together.
8. Tug-of-War
Like the Three-legged race, tug-of-war is a popular team game perfect for an outdoor team-building event or large group games.
How to play:
Divide participants into two teams of equal strength with an even number of players on each side. Mark a centerline on the ground and place a sturdy rope across it. Have each team grasp one end of the rope and, on the signal, start pulling with all their strength to drag the opposing team across the centerline.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Partnership: Requires teams to work together cohesively, coordinating their efforts to overcome the opposing team.
- Resilience: Challenges participants both physically and mentally.
Teams can build stronger relationships and muscles by participating in this spirited and challenging activity!
9. Bubble Soccer
Bubble Soccer, also known as bubble football or bubble bump, is a unique outdoor game that combines soccer with inflatable bubble suits. It promotes laughter, teamwork, and physical activity, making it great for team-building games.
How to play:
In this game, participants wear inflatable bubble suits that cover the upper body, allowing the legs to remain free. The objective is to score goals by kicking the soccer ball into the opposing team's goal while wearing the bubble suits. Players can bump into each other and knock opponents over while following typical soccer rules, including fouls, penalties, and offsides.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Laughter: Hilarious and entertaining activity that promotes lighthearted fun.
- Adaptability: Participants adapt to unique settings, like playing soccer while wearing inflatable bubble suits.
It will be hard to keep a straight face while playing Bubble Soccer, reminding teams not to take things too seriously, and keeping stress levels down and energy up.
10. Relay races
The quintessential team-building activity for large groups, relay races are versatile, can involve various activities, and can be done wherever there is outdoor space.
How to play:
Divide participants into equal teams, set up a relay course with designated lines and exchange zones, select relay activities, and have each team member complete one leg before passing the baton.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Strategy: Teams develop strategies to optimize performance, such as assigning roles based on individual strengths and abilities.
- Trust: Teammates rely on each other to perform their roles competently, support one another, and contribute to the team's success.
Participating in a relay race is an engaging activity that encourages physical activity and creates memorable team-building experiences.
Relaxed outdoor games perfect for the park or team-building retreats
11. Cornhole
This popular outdoor game is often found in public gathering spaces. It is great for all ages (yes, that means you, hardworking adults!) and skill levels, making it an excellent option for team-building activities.
How to play:
Players stand at opposite ends and take turns tossing bean bags at cornhole boards, earning points by landing bags on the board or through the hole: 3 points for the hole and 1 point for the board.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Communication: Effective communication is essential for coordinating throws and strategic gameplay
- Problem-Solving: Players must adjust their throwing technique and adapt to changing conditions.
Cornhole is a relaxed game that doesn’t require much planning but will have a positive outcome on team bonding regardless.
12. Scavenger Hunt
An interactive and engaging game that encourages teamwork and creativity, scavenger hunts are ideal for group team-building events.
How to play:
Create a list of items or tasks for a scavenger hunt. Divide participants into teams, each with a list copy, set a time limit, and designate a starting point. Teams will work together to find items or complete tasks within the time frame.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Problem-Solving: Critical thinking skills and creativity are needed to solve clues, decipher riddles, and overcome obstacles.
- Fun and Adventure: Exciting and adventurous outdoor activity that encourages exploration, discovery, and enjoyment.
Going on an adventure together is a wonderful way to enjoy a beautiful day outside with teammates.
13. Giant Jenga
A larger-than-life version of the classic Jenga game, this version can be played outdoors when the weather is nice.
How to play:
Build a tower using oversized wooden blocks stacked in layers of three blocks each. Divide players into two teams. Players take turns removing one block at a time from any tower level, using only one hand.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Collaboration: Encourages teamwork and cooperation as players strategize, share tips, and support each other.
- Trust: Players must rely on each other to make careful and deliberate moves.
Getting fresh air doesn't mean you have to break a sweat. Enjoy a sunny day in the park on a rooftop terrace playing Jenga at your next team-building retreat.
14. Outdoor Connect Four
A strategic and engaging outdoor game that encourages critical thinking, planning, and friendly competition, making it an excellent addition to team-building events.
How to play:
Prepare a 6x7 grid. Divide players into two teams and assign each a color. The objective is to be the first to get four colored discs in a row, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, while blocking opponents.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Strategy: Players must anticipate their opponent's moves to win.
- Friendly Competition: Provides a fun and competitive environment where participants can enjoy a friendly rivalry.
A big take on a classic game, Connect Four promotes strategic thinking, collaboration, and communication while being easy on the body.
15. Lawn bowling
Also known as bowls, lawn bowling is a leisurely yet strategic outdoor game that combines precision, strategy, and social interaction. It is an excellent choice for team-building activities.
How to play:
Set up a flat, grassy area with a mat at one end, and a small white jack placed a predetermined distance away. Divide players into teams or have individuals play against each other. Players roll their bowls towards the jack, aiming to get as close as possible. The closest bowl earns points.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Focus: Demands focus, concentration, and attention to detail as players aim to roll their bowls toward the jack accurately.
- Social Interaction: Provides a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere where participants can engage in friendly conversation, build connections, and enjoy shared experiences.
By playing Lawn Bowling together, teams can strengthen relationships and enhance teamwork skills in a serene and enjoyable setting.
16. Horseshoes
While Horseshoes may be leisurely, it is a surprisingly competitive game that requires precision, technique, and strategy.
How to play:
To set up a game of horseshoes, place two stakes 40 feet apart. Players throw two horseshoes at the opposing stake to land them close to or encircle it. Points are earned based on proximity to the stake.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Precision: Players refine their throwing technique to release and achieve accurate and consistent throws.
- Sportsmanship: Promotes fair play, encouraging players to respect opponents and celebrate successes.
Horseshoes is the perfect game for creating memorable team-building experiences in a casual, laid-back setting.
17. Giant Chess
Chess is one of the world's oldest strategy games, offering the perfect combination of strategic thinking, planning, and concentration.
How to play:
Set up a giant chessboard on a flat outdoor surface with large squares. Divide players into two teams and take turns moving oversized chess pieces. Players must strategize and anticipate opponent moves, following standard chess rules until one player reaches a checkmate or a stalemate.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Communication: Demands coordination, discussing potential threats and opportunities, and strategizing game plans with teammates.
- Problem-Solving: Challenges players to analyze complex game situations, identify patterns and trends, and adapt their strategy to changing conditions.
Playing Chess in the park is the best of both worlds, as it brings a challenging and engaging task to a relaxed setting.
18. Bocce Ball
A leisurely yet strategic outdoor game originating in Italy requires skill and strategy, making it an excellent choice for team-building activities.
How to play:
Place two poles to mark the boundaries and a smaller target ball, the pallino, at a set distance. Players can be divided into teams or play individually. Teams roll their bocce balls towards the pallino, aiming to get as close as possible while knocking away opponents' balls. Points are awarded based on proximity to the pallino.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Collaboration: Players collaborate with their teammates, discussing tactics, sharing insights, and supporting each other to execute their strategy effectively and achieve the team's goals.
- Communication: Players discuss strategy and provide feedback and encouragement to teammates during gameplay.
Bocce Ball is a great excuse to get outside and sharpen your strategy skills alongside your teammates.
19. Twister
Twister is a universal classic game! It is lively and entertaining and promotes physical activity, making it a fantastic choice for team-building activities.
How to play:
Place and secure the Twister mat on a flat surface and divide players into teams or individuals. Choose a spinner to call out body parts and color combinations, making participants contort their bodies to match the called-out combinations. The game continues until a player or team falls.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Physical activity: Encourages physical activity and movement.
- Accessibility: Promotes inclusivity and fosters a sense of belonging among players.
Twister helps stretch out stiff muscles from sitting all day and is a fun group activity regardless of skill level.
20. Pictionary in the park
Take the whole team to the park to test their artistic skills and have some laughs by getting creative with this classic drawing game.
How to play:
Divide players into equal-sized teams with a designated artist. Create a list of words for drawing. Teams take turns choosing a word, and their artist draws it within a time limit. Team members guess the word based on the drawing. The team earns points if they think it correctly before time runs out.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Imaginative: Encourages players to use their imagination as they interpret concepts through drawings.
- Inclusivity: Outdoor Pictionary is a game where everyone can participate, regardless of artistic ability or background.
Pictionary is a great team-building activity for the workplace as it can be played anywhere and encourages creative expression.
21. Limbo
Great for a picnic day or a quick team-building game, Limbo can be played virtually anywhere.
How to play:
Players take turns trying to limbo under the pole without touching it or falling over. After each round, lower the limbo pole slightly to increase the difficulty level. Players are eliminated if they touch the pole, fall over, or fail to clear the limbo pole without breaking form.
Why is this game great for team-building:
- Flexibility and Coordination: Participants must demonstrate flexibility, balance, and coordination while maintaining balance and composure.
- Adaptability: Accommodates players of different skill levels and physical abilities.
All you need is a stick and your whole team, making this low-material activity a quick and easy way to bond with your team.
Make outdoor games part of your next team-building retreat
Off-site team-building retreats are essential for achieving work-life balance as they offer a refreshing change of environment, allowing team members to disconnect from their daily routines. Retreats that include outdoor activities promote physical activity and mental well-being, contributing to a healthier work-life balance.
At the Surf Office, we specialize in organizing retreats to meet your team's specific needs, handling all logistics seamlessly. With our expertise, we can help you plan a team-building retreat that focuses on outdoor activities, enabling teams to rejuvenate while building stronger connections amidst the beauty of nature.
