26 Fun Team Building Activities in D.C. in 2024
Are you looking for team building activities in D.C.? You're not alone! As America’s capital city, Washington, D.C. attracts a lot of businessmen, government officials and international tourists. According to Washington.org, 25.95 million travelers made a trip to D.C. in 2023.
With so many visitors, it’s hardly a surprise that D.C. boasts numerous activities and events for groups. Whether your team prefers to treat themselves at a Michelin-starred restaurant, uncover historical gems or relax in nature, you’re sure to find team building activities in D.C. that fit the bill.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to team building activities in the D.C. area. Keep reading for 26 unique ideas!
Jump to Section
- 26 Team Building Activities in D.C.
- Does My Team Really Need Team Building?
- Will Team Building Help Grow My Business?
- How Do I Find a Team Building Activity That Works for My Team?
- Additional Benefits to Team Building
- Team Building Is Worth It
- Team Building in More Cities Near You
1. Enjoy Culinary Team Building Activities in D.C.
From chef-led culinary classes to food tours and private chef experiences, team building activities in D.C. offer unique team-bonding opportunities. Centered around a universally loved topic — great food — these memorable experiences put a special twist on the typical team building exercise.
While colleagues work together in the kitchen or bond over a shared meal, they'll get to build stronger relationships, work on their communication skills and brush up on their creative thinking. Plus, this team building activity in D.C. provides a great way to get out of the office and have some fun!
If you'd prefer to bring the excitement to your office and have an expert chef visit your premises, that's possible, too. What could be better than an Office Fiesta Face-Off as a team building activity in D.C., complete with a guacamole competition, DIY taco lunch station, trivia and virgin sangrias?
2. Take Hands-On Cooking Classes
Between government workers and tourists, D.C. is a truly international city. As such, there are copious amounts of delicious, authentic cuisine from all over the world that will make team building activities in D.C. that much better. If you want to get your hands dirty, consider signing the group up for hands-on cooking classes in D.C. that span the culinary gamut.
Whether the group opts for a team building activity in D.C. in which they learn how to roll picture-perfect sushi or a class that teaches them how to whip up homemade pasta on par with the best Italian restaurants, there's something for every palate and skill level.
3. Book Online Culinary Team Building Activities
Include the telecommuters in the fun with interactive online team building activities. These live, totally virtual events can be done from anywhere where there is a computer or smart device available. They’re the perfect option for remote workers or folks who can't make it to enjoy in-person team building activities in D.C. with the rest of your group.
You can learn new culinary skills from top-rated chefs with online cooking classes, or create perfect homemade craft cocktails in online mixology classes. Tastings are another great way for long-distance teams to connect; virtual wine tastings are available to put a fun spin on the traditional version of everyone’s favorite time of day and turn it into a virtual happy hour.
4. Discover the Smithsonian Institution
With team building activities in D.C., you have your pick of world-famous institutions as venues. One of D.C.’s most popular attractions, the Smithsonian Institution, is an impressive collection of dozens of museums, libraries, research centers and a zoo.
Admission is free at all locations, so it's a cost-effective activity. Most of the locations are open daily (times varying by venue), closing only on December 25 and January 20.
If you have a team filled with curious creatives, it’s hard to imagine a better destination for corporate events in D.C. than the Smithsonian Museums. Though they can be packed with tourists, these massive museums feature some of the largest and most eclectic collections in the world, making them a must-see for any teams visiting D.C.
5. Visit the International Spy Museum
D.C. is full of museums, but few are as intriguing — or mysterious — as the International Spy Museum. Dedicated to the art of espionage, this interactive museum features numerous high-tech gadgets, as well as stories and artifacts from the CIA, FBI and even fictional spies.
Do you have die-hard "007" fans in your company? One of the highlights worth seeing during this team building activity in D.C. is James Bond’s 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from the movie “Goldfinger.”
This museum makes a great choice as a location for a team building activity in D.C. if your group loves movies, spy culture or gadgets. Open seven days a week and offering discounted rates for groups of 10 or more, there’s no reason not to enjoy the guided tours and team building activities in D.C. that the International Spy Museum has on offer.
6. Explore Dupont Circle
Although organized team building activities in D.C. can be a thrilling blast, some groups prefer to opt for a relaxed outing with a few drinks or a show. If that sounds like your crew, you won’t want to miss exploring Dupont Circle.
With so many attractions, it’s the perfect place for your group to enjoy a team building activity in D.C. during which spontaneous decisions are made on the spot. This unique neighborhood has long been one of D.C.’s most vibrant areas, featuring countless restaurants, a lively nightlife scene and a handful of delightful museums.
Some of the neighborhood’s most beloved venues include the D.C. Improv Comedy Club and the colorful Eighteenth Street Lounge. Whether it’s a groovy night out, an educational museum tour or a relaxed picnic, the team building activities in D.C. available at Dupont Circle are endless.
7. Chill Out in Rock Creek Park
You don’t have to travel far from D.C. to unwind in nature — simply head to Rock Creek Park. This 1,754-acre city park gem is one of the area's natural highlights, in which you can also enjoy plenty of team building activities in D.C. Options include hiking, picnicking and horseback riding, amongst others.
While certain activities may have to be paid for, there is no fee required to enter Rock Creek Park. You can also contribute to the preservation of this beloved landmark by opting for a team building in D.C. activity that’s centered around volunteering.
Be it a trash cleanup or trail work, these activities protect the park while also bettering your group’s teamwork abilities. Having finished the volunteering part of this team building activity in D.C., this massive park (which is more than twice the size of New York’s Central Park) is the perfect place to spend the rest of your day relaxing and recharging.
8. Go On a City Scavenger Hunt
One of the most unique team building activities in D.C. is a locally themed scavenger hunt. From historic landmarks to hidden corners, there's always something to discover in America's capital. Plan a landmark-based scavenger hunt as your team building activity in D.C. and set your staff out on a mission to see who can spot the most famous sights first.
Don’t have the time to do the planning yourself? Leave it up to Watson Adventures to organize an unforgettable scavenger hunt.
Expeditions last roughly two hours and are facilitated by on-site hosts. Any games played during this team building activity in D.C. can be customized and group sizes from four to 500 people can be accommodated. Pricing for private hunts begins at $650 during weekends and $715 on weekdays.
9. Stroll Through the National Mall
Easily Washington’s most popular attraction, the National Mall is a fantastic location for team building activities in D.C. as it’s the center point of the city’s massive network of government buildings and museums. Here, your team can admire the Washington Monument, walk the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or visit the Smithsonian Museums.
There is no fee required to enter the National Mall but some sites do have costs associated with them. The National Mall is also the home of the exquisite Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, one of D.C.’s most recognizable landmarks. This makes it a great central point for any team building activities in D.C. that you have planned.
10. Visit the White House
Did you know that it’s completely free for any American citizen to visit the White House? While you can’t just arrive unannounced and expect to be let in, you can reserve a tour for a team building activity in D.C. by submitting a request to your congressional representatives ahead of time.
Not only can you view the seat of the American executive branch for yourself, but you’ll also get to marvel at iconic national art and historical artifacts during this unparalleled team building activity in D.C. Tours are typically available from Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
11. Take a Bike Tour
While there are many great indoor team building activities in D.C., there are also great things to do outdoors. One of the best activities to book is a bike tour with Fat Tire Tours.
This unique and fun team building activity in D.C. features a host of different sightseeing opportunities to soak up the views of the city, both day and night. Your team will pedal together, laugh and marvel at the incredible sights of the Washington Monument, the White House and much more.
Tour prices start at $44, but if you’d prefer to opt for a rental without the tour during your team building activity in D.C., rates start at $20 for two hours. Trips last anywhere from one hour to an entire day, so there’s definitely no rush. Finally, if you’d prefer a completely tailored experience, you can book a private tour with a chosen itinerary, led by a dedicated guide.
12. Explore the Eastern Market
Since opening in the late 1800s, the Eastern Market has been one of D.C.’s premier destinations for fresh food, handmade goods and people-watching. These days, the market is still one of the area’s top commercial destinations, but it’s also become a popular event space for team building activities in D.C. and a bustling tourist attraction.
The market is ready to welcome you and your group from Tuesday to Sunday, generally being open between 8 a.m. and 5 or 6 p.m. Whether you’re buying or just window shopping, a trip to the Eastern Market makes for a delightful and laid-back team building activity in D.C.
13. Attend a Concert at The Anthem
Over the years, D.C. has established itself as a music capital thanks to its numerous esteemed concert halls. One of the city’s top auditoriums, The Anthem, regularly attracts A-list artists and plays host to top-rated shows. If you have colleagues who are musos in their spare time, this team building activity in D.C. will instantly grab their attention.
The Anthem sits right on the banks of the Potomac River’s basin, just a few minutes from the National Mall. Attending a concert is the perfect way to end a day of all-encompassing team building activities in D.C.
Treating your team to a show is notably a great way to convey your appreciation and spend some quality time together. There’s no need to worry about catering as The Anthem has a wide selection of food and drinks available.
14. Try an Escape Room Experience
To challenge your team and get them thinking creatively, host your team building activity in D.C. at an escape room location. Instead of picking options from a hat, head to The Escape Game — an award-winning escape room with two locations in Washington, D.C.
Complete with multiple rooms per game and unlimited hints to work through Hollywood-style sets, fun group activities in Washington, D.C. like this improve morale and problem-solving skills. Both locations are conveniently open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
One spot can accommodate 40 players simultaneously and the other, 44. Between the two locations, there are nine escape rooms to choose from, for all skill levels — what more could you ask for in a team building activity in D.C.?
15. Catch a Capitals Game
Attending a sporting event is undoubtedly one of the most fun team building activities in D.C. Washington takes its sports seriously, and few teams have as devoted of a following as their NHL team, the Washington Capitals.
If you’re in town between October and April, it’s always worth trying to catch a home game at Capital One Arena. Ticket prices vary based on seats chosen; however, group (10 or more) ticket purchases for this team activity in Washington, D.C. qualify for discounts and free merch.
This arena is also home to the city’s beloved professional basketball team, the Washington Wizards. Both make great options as team building activities in D.C. for sports lovers.
16. Take a River Cruise
One of the defining features of D.C.’s topography is the Potomac River. If you’d like to explore this historic body of water for yourself, consider taking a riverboat cruise as part of your team building activities in D.C.
For a choice of sightseeing tours with expert narration and private charters, book with Capitol River Cruises. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and the boats have a wide selection of drinks and snacks on board. If you’d prefer to self-cater for your team building activity in D.C., you can do so; however, outside alcohol is not permitted.
While enjoying refreshing drinks and tasty foods, you’ll get to see many of D.C.’s monuments from new angles, in addition to having plenty of chances to socialize with your group. If this team building activity in D.C. sounds like the ideal way to kick back and relax, Capitol River Cruises begins operations at 12 p.m. daily, from mid-March to October.
17. Play Topgolf
Topgolf is an interactive golfing experience that’s growing rapidly in popularity — and you can experience it for yourself with this team building activity in D.C.! It provides a fun way to work on your swing while playing exciting games, experimenting with technology and socializing with colleagues in a lively environment.
Plus, there’s a variety of delicious foods and refreshing drinks available for purchase in between swings. Best of all, little to no planning is needed when heading to Topgolf for your team building activity in D.C. Starting at $15 per person, there are three all-inclusive packages available, each with different games and challenges.
Groups of 12 to 204 can be led by dedicated hosts during team building activities in D.C. that cater to competitive groups, brainiacs and strategy lovers. Topgolf is conveniently open seven days a week from 9 a.m. until late at night.
18. Admire Artworks at the National Portrait Gallery
If your team appreciates art and culture, visiting the famous National Portrait Gallery is one of the best team building activities in D.C. You could explore in separate groups with an audio guide or opt for an informative tour with a docent leading the way.
If you’re planning a more extensive team building activity in D.C., you can even book corporate events at this celebrated patriotic establishment. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, there’s plenty of time to organize an enriching and educational team building activity in D.C. at the National Portrait Gallery.
19. Try Your Hand at Axe Throwing
Play lumberjack for the day with your team at Kick Axe Throwing. This activity is anything but your typical corporate team building activity in D.C.; it’s a fun and daring way to learn a new skill.
With the capacity to host 225 people in a venue with 12 ranges (24 targets), a cozy lodge and den, and a full bar and kitchen — with various catering packages available — it’s the perfect spot to host a team building activity in D.C.
Kick Axe Throwing caters to every skill level, even true beginners, and provides trained professionals and coaches to walk your team through every detail. Open from Wednesday to Sunday until late at night, there’s ample opportunity to enjoy team building activities in D.C. such as axe throwing and Nerf games at this popular destination.
20. Step Onto a Boomerang Pirate Ship
One of the most fun and unique team building activities in D.C. is a boat tour quest atop a vast body of water. While you could step onto a regular boat, why not make the experience even more exhilarating with a pirate ship cruise? Both of these fun group activities in D.C. are offered by Boomerang Boat Tours.
You and your team will hop aboard one of the magnificent vessels to sail down the Potomac River. As you take in the spectacular surrounding sights, you can enjoy drinks and snacks while listening to music and playing team building games.
Tour costs start at $20 per person and each cruise lasts between one and two hours. It’s the ideal laid-back team building activity in D.C. that everyone will remember fondly when back at the office.
21. Ride Roller Coasters at Six Flags America
If you’d like to get your adrenaline pumping, consider taking a day trip to Six Flags America for a super-thrilling team building activity in D.C. This massive theme park features some of the country’s top thrill rides, such as The Joker’s, Jinx and Superman: Ride of Steel. If you’re up for the gripping experience, discounted ticket prices are offered to groups of 15 or more.
You could even go so far as to plan a comprehensive team building activity in D.C. with event hire and customized catering. Need some help doing it? Six Flags has event specialists ready to help you plan the perfect event. Finally, you’ll also find plenty of kid-friendly attractions, making it a smart choice if your team wants to bring their families along.
22. Get a Hole in One at Swingers
At first glance, this team building activity in D.C. might sound a little unorthodox, but when stepping into Swingers, you’ll realize there’s no better place to play adventure golf. As you can expect, there’ll be plenty of healthy competition amongst colleagues, combined with endless laughter and chatter.
Group packages start at $45 per person and there are five options to choose from based on your group’s size. If you’re planning a private team building activity in D.C., Swingers has multiple event spaces that can be booked for groups of 12 to 450 people.
When you’re ready to play, take your pick from (or try both) two nine-hole crazy golf courses that feature eclectic décor and lush greenery. Don’t forget to fill up on delicious food and drinks in between holes; or better yet, order drinks and have them brought to you on the course. Swingers is conveniently open seven days a week.
23. Bet On Yourself at The Board Room
Games night is certainly turned up a few notches at The Board Room — and we aren’t referring to the one in your company’s office building. Trade in laptops and notepads for all the board games your competitive nature could desire — from the likes of Monopoly and Scrabble to the heart-stopping Jenga.
If you’d like to turn your team building activity in D.C. into a private affair, The Board Room accommodates private groups of 10 to 190 people. Additionally, if your group’s capacity is on the higher end of the scale, don’t worry, there are literally 100s of games to rent for a flat fee of three dollars. Plus, you’re more than welcome to take your own games along.
The Board Room is open seven days a week, most days until the early hours of the morning, so there’s more than enough time to keep the dice rolling and ensure your team building activities in D.C. culminate in someone reaching the finish line.
24. Solve a Murder Mystery
Collaboration is always the name of the game during team building activities in D.C., but even more so when there’s a murder mystery that needs to be solved. Put your group’s thinking and interpretation skills to the test as they crack the case organized expertly by The Murder Mystery Company.
Don’t worry, it’s not all gloom and doom — there’ll be plenty of comedy dished out by the actors. If you're eager to get involved in the dramatics, there will be plenty of opportunities for you and your team to do so.
Organizing this team building activity in D.C. can be done in three simple steps! Pick a theme, dress up and get the team at The Murder Mystery Company to meet you at your chosen location — be it an office building, a house or a hired venue.
25. Explore the Waters of The Wharf
This team building activity in D.C. is one for all the water babies out there. If kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and hydrobiking sound good to you and your group, The Wharf has got you covered. While days of operation are limited — Friday to Sunday — the stunning views and pure enjoyment more than make up for it.
Prices start at $21 per hour, depending on your chosen activity. Once the water activities have reached an end, your team building activity in D.C. doesn’t need to follow suit — there are dozens of restaurants that will do the trick to satisfy built-up appetites.
26. Climb to New Heights at Bouldering Project
Team building activities in D.C. and beyond do well to reveal people’s hidden talents, and that’s exactly what happens at Bouldering Project. Daredevils and thrill-seekers are unearthed when there’s a 55-foot-long overhang wall nicknamed The Beast towering over them.
As you can expect, there’ll be a qualified instructor to guide you and your group through a thrilling team building activity in D.C. that’s also safe. If you’re ready to take on the challenge, special rates are given to groups of 10 or more with an advanced reservation.
Bouldering Project is available to host team building activities in D.C. seven days a week. The venue opens and closes later on weekends if you find yourself wanting to "hang out" for longer.
Does My Team Really Need Team Building?
In our opinion, every team can benefit from team building activities, whether they’ve been working together for years or they’re all rookies. Team building exercises not only deepen the social bonds between people but also improve communication. These important skills translate back into the office and help to make teams more efficient.
Of course, not everything is about work — the team building activities in D.C. listed above are also a great excuse to have a bit of fun, boost morale and let your hair down. Your group will appreciate the chance to hang out with coworkers who aren’t in their immediate team, as well as socialize with executives and leaders in a stress-free environment.
Will Team Building Help Grow My Business?
The most important component of growing any business, regardless of the industry, is a solid team. However, as many hiring managers have found, it’s not enough to simply onboard as many talented people as possible.
You also need to facilitate a company-wide culture that inspires and motivates your employees. The best teams are filled with people who are eager to be there and earnestly believe in the company’s goals.
There are many ways to build a strong company culture and ensure employee happiness, but few are as effective as team building activities. Besides acquiring key collaboration skills, team building activities also make employees feel valued and important. This increases long-term employee retention, creating a strong foundation on which to grow your company.
How Do I Find a Team Building Activity That Works for My Team?
Not all teams are created equally, and that’s a good thing! It’s important to celebrate the things that make your team unique. When planning a team building activity in D.C. or any other area, it’s important to consider employee engagement around inclusivity.
In some ways, this should be pretty obvious: A team filled with vegans isn’t going to be a great fit for an evening of barbecue. However, inclusivity goes a bit further than that.
Try to consider your team’s schedules and lives outside of work, and how the team building activity might impact that. Don’t be surprised if employees with kids or other jobs have limited availability — in fact, it might even make sense to plan the team building event during work hours, or go the online route with virtual team building activities.
Finally, try to choose a team building game or activity that gets people talking to each other. Sure, it might be fun to take everyone to see a movie, but it’s not likely to do much as far as strengthening your team’s relationships. Competitive activities, like sports or cooking classes, or activities that require group participation, are a great way to involve everyone.
Additional Benefits to Team Building
Team building can be helpful in a variety of ways, including:
- Encourages creative thinking: Many team building activities challenge participants to think outside of the box if they want to succeed. This not only makes the event more enjoyable but also teaches valuable skills that translate back to the office.
- Improves organization and efficiency: Whether you’re competing against others or the clock, chances are you’ll do better in your team building event with a bit of organization. Learning to use your time and resources efficiently is a valuable skill no matter who you are.
- Builds friendships: Your team might not stay together for the entirety of their careers, but they can maintain relationships in the future. Giving your team the opportunity to transition from coworkers to friends can be hugely beneficial.
- Boosts happiness: Happier teams not only have better work-life balance but are also more productive. The University of Oxford reports that happy employees are as much as 13% more productive than unhappy employees.
Team Building Is Worth It
From improving relationships to learning communication skills, and let’s not forget the heaps of fun to be had, there are a number of reasons why you might want to sign your team up for a fun team building activity in D.C. It’s not only rewarding for your staff but also helps to improve your team’s efficiency back in the office. Bottom line: Team building is worth it.
Washington, D.C. has no shortage of exciting, engaging and downright fun team building events. By making the most of the opportunities to bond with your team, you'll leave them reinvigorated with a boost in morale, productivity and creative thinking. Which team building activity in D.C. will your team try?
Are you looking for more fun things to do in D.C.? Check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
Team Building in More Cities Near You
For even more great team building inspiration in cities near you and around the U.S., check out our comprehensive guides:
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in Boston
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in Philadelphia
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in Detroit
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in NYC
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in New Jersey
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