Insider’s Guide: The Best Team Building Activities Chicago Has to Offer
If you’re looking for team building activities, the Chicagoland area has so many options. It’s an unmatched destination for corporate events, from the vibrant cityscape to the welcoming suburban parks and stunning waterfront destinations. It offers a wide range of opportunities to get your team members engaged, collaborating, and connecting.
I’ve been facilitating events here for almost 15 years, and I’ve had plenty of time to see what makes this city stand out. Chicago blends the kindness and sensibility of the Midwest with the innovative, corporate growth mindset of a world-class city, and it’s incredible!
This guide has everything you need to make team building in Chicago feel effortless, no matter the season. Keep reading to get some ideas!
Team Building Activities: Chicago Stands Out
The biggest thing I’ve noticed as a facilitator here is that Chicago team building events tend to feel more meaningful than obligatory. This city’s diversity, deep-rooted philanthropic culture, and thriving corporate innovation landscape creates an environment where companies can host amazing events with ease.
It’s home to countless corporate headquarters and hosts a mix of industries, with international and out-of-state teams flying in all the time, thanks to our two major airports and central U.S. location. This makes it a natural meeting place, whether you’re coming from the East or West Coast or somewhere else in the world.
Why I Love Charitable Chicago Team Building Events
My favorite type of team building event here in the Windy City is charity programming —I just love seeing the expressions on people’s faces when they’re helping others. This aligns with the values of so many of our corporate clients, and helps people remember that their mission statement is so much more than just a paragraph on a sheet of paper. It’s something that the get to live in action.
At TeamBonding, a large portion of our programs incorporate a charitable component (volunteering together has tons of benefits), and we have long-term relationships with nonprofits that need assistance. When you book a charity event, we’re not just googling a relevant organization—I’m reaching out to my contacts who make sure the support they receive makes a difference. These are organizations I have long-standing relationships with, and places I volunteer with myself.
Whether it’s assembling backpacks for students, building bikes (or better yet, skateboards) for kids, or putting together care kits for shelters, it’s all so fantastic.
Right now, I think my favorite Chicago charitable event is our Skateboard Build. A lot of kids in Chicago live in walk-up buildings without elevators. So while a bike donation might seem logical in the suburbs or other markets, skateboards make more sense for our Chicago kids. It’s so much easier for the kids to take these inside, put them in their school lockers, and actually use them in their neighborhoods. They don’t have to chain them up outside and worry about the wheels getting stolen. That’s everything. It’s small details like this that make team building events in Chicago unique, especially when everyone here at TeamBonding is making magic happen.
First-Timer Guide: How To See the Sights in Chicago
Team building activities are amazing, but if it’s your first time in Chicago, I’d recommend just taking in the sights!
You’ll definitely want to see the waterfront—the Great Lakes are the greatest source of freshwater on the planet, and they’re so beautiful! I used to ride my bike from the Gold Coast up to the Navy Pier on Lake Michigan every Wednesday night during the summer to see the fireworks, and those are still some of my favorite memories.
Check out Michigan Ave, too! It’s iconic for a reason, that it’s more than just the great shopping and dining hotspots. The landscaping during every season is beautiful. And get up into a high-rise for a spectacular view of the whole city. The Skydeck at Willis Tower (or as the locals will always call it, “Sears Tower”) is a good spot for this. Or you can grab a water taxi and see the sights. Any zoomed-out view is going to be fantastic.
Here are some more sights I’d recommend for first-timers:
- The Bean (Cloud Gate): A must-see sculpture in Millennium Park. It’s perfect for travel pics and would be a fun stop for a Polaroid Scavenger Hunt.
- Shotski: A fun Chicago tradition that’d pair nicely with the Pub Crawl.
- The Riverwalk: A scenic path along the Chicago River with tons of great restaurants and views. It could be a fun location for a Mad Dash Scavenger Hunt.
- Wrigley Field: A historic ballpark and home of the Chicago Cubs. It’s even worth an off-season visit, especially if you stop by during an event like Team-opoly!
As you go through the city, remember to pay attention to the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) signs! They’re color-coded train lines that make it easier to navigate the city, and you can get through Chicago traffic so much more easily this way.
Team Building Activities: Chicago By the Seasons
Team building activities in Chicago are fun year-round, with comfortable weather during most months. Of course, the winter months are pretty cold, but the rest of the seasons tend to be fairly accommodating for group outings in Chicago.
Team outings work best when you plan for the weather, though, so I’ve outlined what to expect for each season below.
Spring (March-May)
Chicago averages from 40°F to 70°F in the spring, with a blend of warm and cold days. Temperatures vary quite a bit between these averages, so ask everyone to bring a few layers – and an umbrella – if you’ll be doing outdoor events. Fortunately Chicago also has you covered… quite literally! Our underground Pedway has an indoor mall and it connects train systems to all the major buildings in downtown Chicago.
Chicago shakes off the winter months with blooming tulips down Michigan Avenue and tons of events ramping up around the city. It’s beautiful and there are tons of options for corporate events in Chicagoland, IL, this time of year.
Events
- March: St. Patrick’s Day Parade and River Dying event—the river runs green, and it’s a must-see for locals and visitors alike.
- April: Check out the Chicago Cubs home opener if you have sports fans on the team.
- May: The Chicago Humanities Festival brings in people from around the world and is a great cultural experience
Chicago Team Building Ideas
- A High-Tech Scavenger Hunt during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade would be a fun way to really take in the sights.
- The Mystery Bus would be nice if it’s chilly since you’ll get to discover unique local gems and warm up on the bus in between.
- Beat the Box would be another great pick for a chilly spring day—it’s an escape room-style challenge that brings out the best in any team, and I love it.
Summer (June-August)
Chicago averages from 70°F to 90°F in the summer, with warm days and breezy waterfront evenings. There’s so much happening throughout the season in Chicago that the highlights below don’t even begin to cover it, but you’d have to write a book to cover them all.
Plus, Chicago is incredibly walkable with so much going on in the summer—it’s such a great experience. It’s also the festival season. We’re talking Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, Market Days, the NASCAR festival, the Chicago Blues Fest, and the James Beard Awards at Grant Park—the list could go on! Every neighborhood has its own festival and farmers market, too, that showcase their own unique flair.
Events
- June: Check out the Taste of Randolph on West Loop for a foodie’s dream event and taste the neighborhood’s best dishes.
- July: Catch some free movies at the Millennium Park Summer Film Series in the evenings.
- August: The Chicago Air and Water Show above Lake Michigan is free and makes for fantastic pictures.
Chicago Team Building Ideas
- A Pub Crawl event during the Craft Brews At Lincoln Park Zoo would be great if your team has fun with happy hour.
- The Ultimate Tailgate Challenge would pair well with the Windy City Smokeout, which is this amazing week-long tailgate.
Fall (September-November)
Chicago averages from 40°F to 75°F in the fall, with cool, crisp air and vibrant fall foliage. Sure, the summer vibe will start winding down, but there are still so many events to check out.
Since the weather is nice and mild in the fall, it’s perfect for enjoying outdoor activities without worrying about extreme temperatures. Football season is in full swing, too, so Bears games down at Soldier Field are a must for sports fans.
Events
- September: Taste of Chicago is always an amazing experience for food, music, and local vendors.
- October: You can check out the city’s coolest buildings with Open House Chicago—it’s a great way to get that high-rise view.
- November: The Christkindlmarket on Washington St. starts in November, and it’s sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
Chicago Team Building Ideas
- The Skateboard Build program would be a great pick to immerse your team in the cooler weather. It’s one of my favorites, and kids will still be skateboarding around until the snow hits.
- The Global Music Festival Game would be neat, too—there are tons of music-themed events happening around Chicago in the fall, like the Hyde Park Jazz Festival.
- The Big Picture mural painting program is another great option to spur creativity and innovation among teammates.
Winter (December-February)
Chicago averages from 35°F to 45°F on winter days, with snow, icy winds, and the occasional blizzard. Don’t let that fool you, though, Chicago is a delight in the winter.
Personally, I like to take advantage of the underground Pedway system for winter scavenger hunts and team challenges. This makes it easy to stay out of the harsh weather while still enjoying how the city shines in the colder months.
Events
- December: Go ice skating at Winterland at Gallagher Way if your team enjoys being active.
- January: Explore the Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden for some beautiful pictures and maybe a fun scavenger hunt.
- February: Enjoy Chicago Theater Week with your team and catch some thought-provoking shows.
Chicago Team Building Ideas
- The Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt in the underground Pedway system would be a blast.
- The Go Team Museum Explorer scavenger hunt at the Field Museum would be a great experience where you’d stay warm.
- An Ice Sculpting workshop would also be a great choice for winter in Chicago. Everyone gets everything they need to create a masterpiece, and the feedback we’ve gotten from this event is seriously phenomenal every time.
Best Spots for Food After Chicago Corporate Events & Activities
It’s always nice to go to a good restaurant after getting out with your team—especially if you’ve been in the sun for some outdoor group activities. Chicago has some of the best restaurants in the country, so you’re never short on incredible spots to eat.
- Sunda: Great for sushi and new Asian cuisine; they blend dishes from Japan, China, and other Asian countries to create a truly amazing menu.
- Girl and the Goat: Another fantastic spot with a menu that’s full of global flavors and fantastic cocktails.
- Restaurant Row: Down in West Loop on Randolph Street, you’ll find tons of restaurants to choose from. Formento’s, City Winery, Lone Wolf Tavern, and Forno Rosso Pizzeria Napoletana are some of the local faves.
Experience Team Building Activities Chicago-Style
The Windy City is an unbeatable place for team building and just a great city to experience in general—whether you’re a visitor or a lifelong local. The joke around here is that you need permission to be a tourist in your own city. Let TeamBonding help you and your team have the excuse to enjoy everything our world-class city has to offer! If you’re a Chicago group year-round or for a retreat, there’s no better excuse than a team event to check out everything it has to offer!
Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with team building activities Chicago-style. This city doesn’t disappoint! And don’t forget, Chicago’s vibrant energy extends beyond downtown—the suburbs and collar counties have incredible charm, personality and spirits of their own. We know the area, and can help you find the venues and unique experiences that match your needs. After all, we’re local!
Ready to plan your team building event in Chicago? Whether you need a fully customized experience or a bit of guidance, TeamBonding is here to help. We’ll take care of the details so you can focus on having fun with your team. Contact us today to start planning!
