25 Fun Team Building Activities in Columbus, Ohio for 2024

Last Updated on June 5, 2024 | 0 Comments
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Finding fun team building activities in Columbus is easy thanks to the vast array of venues and entertainment that make up the city’s culture. Are you looking to foster stronger bonds and enhance collaboration within your team? Experience one of Ohio’s most innovative cities with a vibrant cultural hub. Here, the fusion of food, art and technology offers lots of stimulating ideas for exciting team building activities in Columbus.

In today's workplace, fostering morale and strengthening bonds among colleagues is key. That's why many employers and organizations are turning to organized events that allow teams to let loose and bond. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of 25 team building activities in Columbus, Ohio, designed to inject some fun and excitement into your next corporate gathering. 

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25 Columbus Team Building Activities

1. Culinary Team Building Activities

When it comes to creative team building activities in Columbus, there's one thing that never fails to bring people together – great food! From chef-led cooking competitions to educational food tours and private chef dinners, culinary team building activities in Columbus are an excellent option to strengthen bonds among team members while fostering a sense of camaraderie.

If organizing an off-site event isn't an option, you can bring the fun directly to you. A private chef can create an immersive experience for your team at your workplace, injecting some culinary excitement into the everyday routine. From learning culinary tips to engaging in a friendly cooking competition, this personalized approach ensures that your team enjoys a memorable experience.

Woman serving sauce in homade shrimp tacos
via CozyMeal

2. Cooking Classes

Teams that cook together, stay together! Plus, sitting down to share the meal you just cooked makes these team building activities in Columbus that much more special. Hands-on cooking classes in Columbus are exceptional for bringing creative minds together and generating smiles and laughter.

Led by a five-star chef, your team will don their aprons and grab their spatulas for an immersive culinary adventure. From crafting homemade pasta dough to combining fresh ingredients for maximum flavor, they’ll have a blast while upgrading their technique in the kitchen. Then, relax together as you all enjoy the gourmet meal you prepared. These team building activities in Columbus are as delicious as they are delightful.

3. Online Culinary Team Building Activity

For remote or hybrid teams, why not take the virtual route with online team building activities designed to unite everyone, regardless of location? These live, interactive events can be enjoyed from anywhere with a computer or smart device.

Join world-class chefs for online cooking classes and learn to craft new and unique recipes, or shake up some fancy cocktails with online mixology classes led by an expert sommelier. These team building activities offer a fantastic opportunity for teams to bond outside of the workplace, even when stationed all over the world!

Taking online cooking classes is a great team building activity in Columbus
via Canva

4. Rent a Photo Studio for a Corporate Photo Shoot

Is your team due for a photoshoot? Whether it's updating your website, creating a staff gift for an upcoming holiday, or revamping your social media presence, Goodlife Studios has you covered. Offering an ideal space for video and photo shoots, this studio boasts exceptional lighting and a variety of fun backgrounds.

Rentable by the hour, the studio allows you to choose from an array of props, including clothing and even a fog machine, to enhance your photoshoot experience. These team building activities in Columbus are great to do annually as your team grows and evolves. 

5. Play Human Foosball

Yes, you read that right! If you want to encourage friendly competition among your team, human foosball is one of those corporate team building events in Columbus that can make the magic happen. Find an outdoor space and call Bounce Ohio. They offer a wide selection of life-sized bouncy castle rentals designed in the shape of foosball stadiums. Your team will bounce and kick their way through competitive play with these team building activities in Columbus.

Playing foosball is a fun team building activity in Columbus
via Canva

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6. Tee Off for Teamwork

Rain or shine, TopGolf offers an excellent golfing venue for team building activities in Columbus. Gather the team for friendly competition and enjoy teeing off together in this climate-controlled, state-of-the-art facility. At TopGolf, you can count on not only a fantastic time but also flexibility with their event packages, ensuring that every aspect is tailored to guarantee top-notch fun for your team.

7. Solve Riddles in an Escape Room

Stimulate your team's intellect with the thrill of escape rooms, a fantastic option for engaging team building activities in Columbus. The Escape Game Columbus is the perfect spot for you and your team to uncover the power of collective brainpower with unlimited hints and multiple rooms to explore. 

Escape rooms have soared in popularity for good reason—they offer not just mental stimulation but also foster friendly collaboration among team members. Immerse in these captivating team building activities in Columbus and experience the excitement of problem-solving together.

Team playing on a escape room
via The Escape Columbus

8. Craft Candles

Unleash your team's creativity with a unique experience at Penn & Beech Candle Co. Here, you and your colleagues can dive into the art of candle making, crafting personalized fragrances and creating candles that reflect your team's individuality. If you're seeking innovative and hands-on team building activities in Columbus, Penn & Beech Candle Co. offers the perfect venue to host your event, providing a specialized social experience that's sure to ignite camaraderie and spark inspiration among your team members.

9. Have a Go-Kart Race

Experience a rush with adrenaline-filled team building activities in Columbus that encourage fair play and bonding. Buckeye Raceway offers the perfect opportunity to satisfy your need for speed with exhilarating go-kart racing. Their indoor racetrack boasts the latest high-performance electric karts and a challenging course, making it the ultimate venue for your next team building event in Columbus.

Having a kart-race is an exciting team building activity in Columbus
via Canva

10. Reach New Heights With a Zipline Tour

Take it to the next level with team building activities in Columbus that reach the ultimate altitude. Zipzone Outdoor Adventures provides an exceptional off-ground immersion for your team to experience the thrill of soaring above the trees and get a rush of adrenaline like never before. Encourage your colleagues to break through limits and complete the obstacle course for a heart-thumping team-building activity in Columbus!

11. Experience a Live Performance

Looking for more laid-back team building activities in Columbus? Don’t miss the Shadowbox Live. This renowned performing arts theater offers an array of spectacular events that are sure to inspire creativity within your team. From live performances to tailored team building events and corporate packages, Shadowbox Live provides the perfect setting for your next corporate outing. With a full bar and menu available, it's an ideal option for unforgettable team building activities in Columbus

Enjoying a live performance is an entertaining team building activity in Columbus
via Shadowbox Live

12. Hunt for Paranormal Activity

Seeking for team building activities in Columbus that are a bit out of the ordinary and maybe even a little spooky? Try a ghost tour! Columbus has its fair share of mysteries and Columbus Ghost Tours is ready to unveil its secrets to you. They offer various types of excursions including bed and breakfast ghost tours and ‘booze and boos’ tours. Check with your team first, as these types of team building activities in Columbus are not for the faint-hearted.

13. Explore Caverns

Olentagy Caverns offers a diverse range of team building activities in Columbus, but for those who love nature, the cavern tour is a must-try. This tour is perfect for beginners as it allows you to experience the natural wonders and rich history that define Ohio's culture. The tour takes about 30 minutes leaving plenty of time to explore their other amenities, ensuring a full day of unforgettable team building activities in Columbus. 

Person exploring big cavern
via Canva

14. Play Classic Arcade Games 

Good old blasts from the past make for some amazing team building activities in Columbus. Pins Mechanical Co. has a unique setup with a diverse selection of team building games, including a full arcade featuring classic favorites that provide the perfect backdrop for bonding. Your team will have fun as they soak in the nostalgia and strategize to conquer bad guys.

15. Go Kayaking

Alum Creek State Park offers a sprawling 300-acre managed lake, setting the stage for thrilling team building activities in Columbus. Take to the water with your team for an adventure-packed kayaking excursion, where strategy and teamwork are key to conquering the length of the lake. Not only will you create lasting bonds, but the camaraderie forged during this outdoor adventure will undoubtedly translate into increased productivity levels later on.

Kayaking is a fun team building activity in Columbus
via Canva

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16. Play Minute to Win It

Venture Up has been helping teams plan fun team building activities in Columbus since 1983. Get ready to challenge your team with their Minute to Win It game, inspired by the popular TV show. This exciting activity promotes friendly competition while testing mental acuity and strategic thinking. Watch as your group comes together, fueled by teamwork and determination, to conquer challenges and achieve a shared goal. 

17. Get Scientific

Immerse your team in a world of scientific exploration at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), where team building activities in Columbus take on an educational yet entertaining twist. Delve into captivating exhibits, enjoy informative tours and engage in interactive shows that promise both fun and learning. With over 50 years of experience in hosting transformative learning experiences for teams, COSI ensures an unforgettable adventure for all. Be sure to reserve your group's spot early, as these sought-after experiences tend to fill up quickly.  

Two people doing a scientific exploration at the Center of Science and Industry
via COSI

18. Go Bowling

A competitive game of bowling is always a good idea for team building activities in Columbus. Ten Pin Alley provides the perfect venue for your team to enjoy some lighthearted competition, craft beers and delicious eats. With their event planning services and party options, you can reserve a section of the alley exclusively for your team, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all. 

19. Throw Some Axes

Axe throwing has become popular for corporate team building activities in Columbus. Gather your group for an unforgettable session of challenging fun at Dueling Axes, where you can enjoy laughter, music, delicious food and refreshing drinks together. With its incredible space and welcoming atmosphere, Dueling Axes sets the stage for an epic team building adventure in Columbus.

Throwing axes is a popular team building activity in Columbus
via Canva

20. Go to the Zoo 

Immerse into nature with a visit to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a fantastic choice for team building activities in Columbus. Your team will relish the opportunity to explore the park's diverse array of wildlife, from majestic elephants and tigers to exotic sea creatures. You can plan your day around one of the various events they host throughout the year, or schedule a group tour with a tour guide.

21. Go Horseback Riding

Indulge the horse lovers on your team with a thrilling horseback riding adventure, an exciting team building activity in Columbus. At Marmon Valley Farm, you can tailor your experience with options ranging from retreats and day trips to overnight stays, ensuring a truly unforgettable outing. With a vast herd of over 150 horses and ponies, everyone on your team will have the chance to experience the exhilaration of horseback riding firsthand. 

Horseback riding is a fun and thrilling team building activity in Columbus
via Canva

22. Visit a Distillery

For a more laid-back approach to team building activities in Columbus, why not explore a distillery? Watershed Distillery offers a relaxed yet enjoyable experience for your team. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility and delve into the rich history and intriguing mysteries of distillation. Your team will love the "try before you buy" tastings, where they can sample a variety of spirits and the on-site kitchen offers delicious food options to complement your visit. 

23. Explore on a Segway Tour

Embark on a journey filled with laughter and adventure with these team building activities in Columbus. Glide through the city's streets on a thrilling segway tour and discover Columbus in a whole new light. SegAway Tours offers an affordable 2-hour excursion, allowing you to explore miles of serene parkland with a knowledgeable and humorous tour guide leading the way. It's a fantastic idea for a playful team building activity.

People enjoying a segway tour
via Canva

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24. Get Fit Together - Group Wellness Class

Come together and break a sweat with your colleagues. If your workplace is jumping on board the wellness train like many, then team building activities in Columbus such as group fitness classes will be appreciated by your colleagues. Fitness Loft is focused on community and inspiring people to live healthier. They boast state-of-the-art equipment and inclusive, judgment-free group classes so that everyone can enjoy getting fit. 

25. Take a Mystery Bus Tour

For a thrilling and spontaneous team building adventure in Columbus, why not hop aboard a mystery bus tour? This unique experience promises to transport your team to some of the region's most intriguing, coolest and beautiful destinations. With no one knowing where they're headed until they get there, the journey is filled with anticipation, interesting conversations and excitement. Teambonding can help customize this unforgettable excursion, ensuring it's tailored to your team's preferences and goals. 

Enjoying a mystery bus tour on Columbus is a great team building activity
via Canva

Does Your Team Need Team Building?

Team building is a fantastic way to increase employee happiness, as it becomes invaluable for fostering camaraderie, improving communication and boosting overall morale within a company. When teams feel connected and supported, it can lead to increased productivity and better performance across the board. Plus, it's a fantastic opportunity for employees from different departments to interact and get to know each other, which can strengthen collaboration and teamwork. 

Companies that schedule regular team building activities thrive with increased productivity and improved overall performance. If you feel like your team could benefit from more bonding and stronger relationships, then it’s a great idea to work this into your corporate structure.

Worker asking question at office team building
via Canva

Enhance Team Performance With Team Building Activities

Making these team building activities in Columbus a non-negotiable part of your monthly or quarterly routine will reap numerous benefits of teamwork, including increased productivity and overall, better business. Think of team building activities as an investment, because that’s truly what it is. Investing in the culture of your company is paramount.

A team that plays together, stays together. Scheduling regular corporate team building activities in Columbus will ensure that you won’t spend crucial time on human resources. Instead, you can focus your efforts on important investments, enhancing company culture and processes. 

Benefits of Team Building for Business Growth

Team building activities offer numerous benefits for business growth and success:

  • Improved Communication: Engaging in team building activities helps team members communicate more effectively, fostering clearer communication and active listening skills essential for problem-solving and task completion.
  • Increased Confidence: Team building encourages talent from all levels and departments to share ideas, fostering an environment where junior staff feel more comfortable raising concerns or discussing important issues with senior-level staff.
  • Better Collaboration: Through team building exercises, team members develop trust and cooperation, leading to better support and collaboration among team members.
  • Increased Morale: Team building activities provide an opportunity for team members to relax and enjoy each other's company, resulting in a more positive work environment and higher morale.
  • Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Team building activities highlight individual strengths and weaknesses, allowing companies and organizations to leverage strengths and address areas needing improvement effectively.
Diverse employees engaged in team building activity
via Canva

With so many options for team building activities in Columbus, it’s easy to plan a fun-filled event for your group or team. From outdoor adventures to creative workshops, there's something to suit every team's interests and preferences. For even more team building activities in Columbus and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.