Outdoor team building events will play a critical role in 2022. Many companies have put off team building for the past few years. While that’s understandable, it’s time to bring them back. Your team needs them now more than ever! Due to the unknowns surrounding the pandemic, the safest way to do this is going outside!
We wanted to help you plan a safe team gathering, so we’ve created a list of outdoor team building activities in Seattle and the surrounding areas that any team will enjoy! This list is a mixture of team-building events planned by expert guides, and activities you can do together with minimal planning! Let’s jump in!
Need more team building ideas? Check out our top 19 team building activities in Seattle. Your team is sure to love!
Source: Seattle Ballooning
1. Seattle Ballooning
Take flight with Seattle Ballooning. Your team will enjoy the PNWs scenic views and breathtaking landscapes from the unique perspective from a hot air balloon. It’s a wonderful way to bond as a team with plenty of options to experience such as intimate flights with up to 12 guests or private group flights that carry 21 guests on multiple balloons. Flights take off at sunrise and sunset for the utmost flexibility. We can promise your team will feel inspired after these majestic sights!
Source: Seattle’s Tall Ship
2. Seattle’s Tall Ship
Your team will sail through Elliot Bay in style on this unique outdoor team building experience. Seattle’s Tall Ship charters team members on the beautiful ship, The Bay Lady, an 85-foot traditional gaff-rigged schooner which accommodates up to 87 guests. Once onboard your team will navigate the historic downtown waterfront. We recommend taking sail at dusk and watching the city lights as the sun sets over the city. Open bar and catering packages are available as well to complete this experience!
Source: National Event Pros
3. National Event Pros
National Event Pros offers utmost flexibility when it comes to team building. They offer both options to rent products for a DIY team-building experience, or they will plan your entire event for you. Either way you choose, National Event Pros offers an abundance of team-building options!
Their Mega Obstacle Course Challenge is sure to wow the team. It’s one of the largest inflatable obstacle courses in the world! This 91-foot long obstacle course will keep the team on their toes as the race through hair pin turns and its massive structure. Its bright colors and enormous size will make a statement at your next company picnic or team building event!
Source: Seattle Mariners
4. Game Day Energy
Take your team out to a game! This is a great team-building event for any size team, and it’s easy to make happen! All you need to do is select your game date, select a seating level, and you’re done. You can even DIY this experience if you have a small team. Just buy tickets and go!
Seattle has many great teams to enjoy a day at the game, including the Sounders for soccer fans, Tacoma Rainiers, AquaSox, and Mariners if baseball is more your style. Or get loud at Lumen Field cheering on the Seahawks. No matter which team you choose, your team will love the energy and excitement game day brings!
Of course, there are also options to create an elevated experience. For example, at the Seattle Mariners stadium, you can rent Edgar’s Home Run Porch, where your team can party through the game at Edgar’s Cantina, complete with a private bartender and beverage package.
Source: Emerald Downs
5. Emerald Downs
Conveniently located between Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue, your team will love watching the thrill of the race! The most popular area for team-building events at Emerald Downs is the Trackside Pavilion. The pavilion offers 2,100 square feet of indoor and outdoor space and can accommodate groups of up to 120 people. As you might have guessed, it’s the perfect place to cheer on their favorite horse and jockey on the way to Winner’s Circle with the up-close view of the track!
Source: Harmony Meadows
6. Harmony Meadows
Nestled in Chelan Valley, between the orchards and mountains, Harmony Meadows provides a memorable getaway for your team. Their newly constructed destination tennis facility is perfect for your next team-building event. The facility is complete with eight tennis courts and two pickleball courts that will bring out your team’s competitive side. Additionally, team members can enjoy locally roasted Blue Star espresso, enjoy a healthy lunch at the Love-All Cafe, or sip on an excellent selection of wines (it is Chelan wine country, after all!).
Source: Woodland Park Zoo
7. Woodland Park Zoo
For over 100 years, the Woodland Park Zoo has delighted our community and provided unforgettable memories. Empower your team and boost engagement with a trip to volunteer at the Woodland Park Zoo. Team members can give back by getting involved and learning more about conservation, the magnificent creatures, and the critical landscapes that sustain them. Your team will roll up their sleeves and make a positive and immediate contribution to the animals and leave with a new appreciation for our diverse world.
Source: Argosy Cruises
8. Argosy Cruises – Harbor Cruises
Make it an event to remember and enjoy the Emerald City from the water with a harbor cruise with Argosy Cruises! Their experienced team will create the perfect event for you. Your team will love cruising Seattle’s beautiful waterfront. From the skyline to the shipping ports, everyone can enjoy the views while learning some history along the way.
Source: TeamBonding
9. TeamBonding
Since 1988, TeamBonding has been coordinating team building activities designed for maximum impact on company culture and employee engagement. Their event facilitators will help you plan a memorable event and help you take care of every detail. With over 100 fun-filled team activities, there is something for every team!
One of our favorite outdoor team-building activities they offer is Game of Drones. During this activity, team members will become drone pilots and learn how to collaborate efficiently while soaring through 8 ‘man-made’ obstacles!
10. Puget Sound Express
Enjoy the experience of a lifetime by going whale watching through the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea. And you will see whales! In fact, they guarantee whale sightings or your next trip is free. Teams could also see porpoises, dolphins, seals, sea lions, otters, and many other species of marine life. There are many ways to enjoy the Puget Sound Express, but for team building, the extraordinary half-day tour makes for a great way for the team to get away and enjoy the wonders of the PNW.
Source: Compass Outdoor
11. Compass Outdoor
Compass Outdoor Adventures will help you create unique corporate team building activities that get the whole team outdoors and working together. The summer adventures include the Snoqualmie Tunnel Electric Bike Tour, Pub Olympics, PNW Waterfalls Hike and Tour, and classic field days. Tug of war, anyone?
If it makes more sense for your team to do a winter activity, they have you covered with activities like Snowshoe and Brew where the group will snowshoe around Gold Creek Pond followed by a trip to Dru Bru Brewery to celebrate your adventure and bond!
Source: Merril Images Via Global Family Travel
12. Global Family Travel
Global Family Travels allows your team the unique opportunity to explore the Pacific Northwest and broaden their perspectives by learning about and working on societal challenges within the community. Teams will have a chance to explore cultural landmarks and experience the region’s unique heritage. In addition, Global Family Travel will work to customize your experience and find issues that resonate with your team, including education, homelessness, environmental stewardship, and preservation of indigenous cultures.
Source: Canopy Tours Northwest
13. Canopy Tours Northwest
Zipline through the Northwest at this family-owned adventure. At Kristoferson Farm on Camano Island, your team will experience a breathtaking forest adventure just one hour from Seattle. Teams can zip-line like Tarzan through the forest, ride in a historic Unimog forest vehicle, and walk log bridges and trails. Their experience course will promote trust, strengthen communication and create long-lasting bonds. Your team will leave this outdoor team building event feeling invigorated!
Source: Seattle Great Wheel
14. Seattle Waterfront
Spend a day at the Seattle waterfront at Miner’s Landing at Pier 57, exploring and enjoying panoramic views. Teams will love checking out the Great Wheel. Standing at 60 meters tall, it’s the largest observation wheel on the west coast. Be sure to stop by Ivar’s for some fresh fish and chips. If you have time for more, check out Salish Sea Tours, a one-hour cruise complete with a comprehensive audio tour of Seattle. Or check out Wings Over Washington, where your team can take a ride in the “flying theater,” transporting them through the beautiful state of Washington.
Source: Outback Team Building
15. Outback Team Building
Outback Team Building is the #1 corporate team building company in North America. With over 60+ experiences, there is truly something for every group. One outdoor team building activity that stands out is The Amazing Chase. Your team will explore the city in an interactive race based on the popular TV show, the Amazing Race. Each team will split into groups and use the app to follow clues around the city and take on exciting challenges. Finally, teams will work together to complete the obstacles then race to the finish line! It’s a perfect experience for competitive, energetic, and creative teams.
Source: Capture The Atlas
16. Bill Speidel Underground Tours
Explore the world-famous Seattle Underground with Bill Speidel Underground Tours. Known as Seattle’s most unusual attraction, your team will enjoy exploring the curious subterranean storefronts and sidewalks, listening to their tour guides share stories from long ago of pioneers and the Emerald City’s spirited history in this 75-minute guided walking tour.
Source: Unsplash
17. Pike Place Market
Spend a day exploring Seattle’s original farmers market. But it’s not just a farmer’s market. There is much more to see, do, and eat inside this massive wonderland. Teams can relax at the Secret Garden, a thriving community-led garden and a great place to rejuvenate. Try to dodge a flying fish as the fishmongers throw fish through the air. Hungry? Enjoy classic clam chowder, local shops, and so much more!
Source: Wild Waves
18. Wild Waves
Do you have a team full of thrill-seekers? Then this might be the perfect outdoor team building event for you! Wild Waves encourages you to “be the office hero” and reward your employees with a fun-filled day at the theme park. First, enjoy the rides like the classic Lumberjack Falls and their Antique Carousel. Then, host a picnic at one of the many private picnic areas with custom catering to fit everyone on the team’s needs. You’ll work with a dedicated event coordinator who will make sure everything is covered from set up to tear down so you can enjoy bonding with your team!
Source: Bellevue Teambuilding
19. Bellevue Teambuilding
Trust the talented team at Bellevue Team Building to design a fantastic experience for you and your team. It doesn’t matter how big or small your group is or what activities they like. They’ll help find the perfect thing to do! Their colossal catalog of activities includes ropes, climbing walls, and team building programs like the Corporate Castaways. During this activity, your team will take on a series of Survivor-inspired challenges in this program, truly a fun outdoor team building event.
Source: High Trek Adventures
20. High Trek Adventures
High Trek is the premier place for outdoor team building activities. Their challenges, including rope courses and ziplines, will strengthen your teams’ problem-solving skills, build trust, and improve communication. If your team is feeling particularly brave, encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and explore the High Trek course, which includes 60+ challenging elements and reaches heights up to 45 feet above the ground!
Source: DirtFish Rally
21. DirtFish Rally
DirtFish rally school isn’t the driving school you remember from when you got your license. But, your team is sure to get their adrenaline going at this driving school, navigating rally cars through fun gravel courses. DirtFish has over 300 acres to explore and customizes every team event to accommodate various budgets and even offers add-ons like five-star catering and helicopter rides. We’re sure your team will leave empowered and ready to take on the world after this adrenaline-filled experience!
Start Planning Your Outdoor Team Building Event!
There you have it! Now it’s time to bring your team together and create long-lasting memories while strengthening relationships, building trust, and improving team morale. We hope these outdoor team-building activities in Seattle and the surrounding areas inspire you to start planning! Your team will love bonding in the fresh outdoors!