Des Moines is more than cornfields and quiet afternoons in the countryside. If you’re looking for a destination that blends creative team building with midwestern charm, pack your bags and head for Iowa!
Whether organizing a corporate retreat or looking to inject fun into your workplace crew’s dynamics, team building activities in Des Moines blend urban adventure and scenic outdoor settings with chances to communicate, bond, collaborate, and push boundaries with your business group. Des Moines offers the best of both worlds, a place offering inspiring group activities in Des Moines while helping business owners and managers help employees develop friendships, conversational skills, and creative prowess.
Whether problem-solving on a scavenger hunt, competing in a culinary showdown, or crafting beautiful (or clunky) masterpieces out of ice, Des Moines offers team building opportunities for innovation and entertainment.
The Best Team Building Activities in Des Moines
Team building activities in Des Moines don’t shy away from making an impactful statement. The city offers various experiences designed to encourage collaboration and promote creative thinking while boosting morale and positivity.
Need help finding something fun to do? TeamBonding can assist you with incredible team building activities in Des Moines for memorable bonding. Check out this rundown of some of the best activities to ensure your team leaves with more than a happy memory.
- Mad Dash Scavenger Hunt. Forget the traditional scavenger hunt. This is a timed competition where teams race across Des Moines, solving puzzles with clues and completing challenges. It’s a fun way to test your team’s problem-solving skills while you explore iconic spots like the Iowa State Capitol, Principal Riverwalk, and Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Although Des Moines’s winters can get frigid, the Des Moines Skywalk makes this activity possible year-round with more than 4 miles of indoor walkways connecting 55 buildings!
- Team Cooking Dessert Challenge. What better way to bond than over a shared sweet treat that’s unique to the region Pella, a town 40 miles southeast of Des Moines, is a major hub for Dutch heritage. Celebrate its Dutch culture by crafting traditional desserts such as Dutch letters and poffertjes.
- Team Disc Golf. If your team enjoys healthy competition and the great outdoors, you’re in luck! Des Moines has several major disc golf courses including Ewing Park, Grandview Park, and Walnut Ridge. The Des Moines Challenge, a major Disc Golf Pro Tour event, also attracts top disc golfers to Des Moines every year!
- Ice Sculpting Class. Are you looking for something to test your team’s creativity and artsy finesse? Groups work together to craft ice sculptures in a cool (literally), artistic challenge. Ice sculpting is more than shaping frozen cubes; it involves effective teamwork, time management, and inspiration. It’s the best kind of icebreaker!
Effective team building is one of the most vital factors for the success of your business. When employees work together harmoniously, the entire organization benefits from improved morale, productivity, and communication. Through well-designed team building activities in Des Moines, businesses can break down social walls, increase collaboration, and build better relationships between coworkers.
By encouraging teamwork in a fun, low-pressure setting, employees are likelier to strengthen interpersonal bonds. This can directly translate to smoother workflow and greater success in professional roles.
Elevate Your Enterprise: Creative Group Activities in Des Moines
Iowa is a goldmine for creative team building activities in Des Moines. If you’re looking to elevate your enterprise and boost team morale through imaginative and fun-filled experiences, these activities are the perfect solution. TeamBonding is your go-to for ensuring these experiences are engaging and effective for your team’s needs.
- Outdoor Adventure at Gray’s Lake Park. Des Moines’ parks offer various outdoor team building activities, like canoe races, obstacle courses, and relay races. It’s the perfect balance of fun and fitness to get the adrenaline flowing while helping teams work harmoniously to achieve goals.
- Creative Workshops at the Des Moines Art Center. Let your team tap into their inner artists with a hands-on workshop at the Des Moines Art Center. Teams create collaborative art pieces while drawing inspiration from the museum’s impressive collection. It’s an excellent opportunity for team members to bond, think outside the box, and appreciate each other’s creative energies.
- Farm-to-Table Challenges at Local Farms. Why not combine team building activities in Des Moines with the city’s agricultural heritage? Local farms are the perfect setting for farm-to-table challenges where teams harvest fresh produce and then collaborate to prepare yummy meals. It’s an immersive activity that highlights the importance of teamwork while encouraging a connection to nature and the food you eat.
Empowering Des Moines Corporate Games
When it comes to Des Moines’ corporate games, Des Moines stands out with a unique blend of competitiveness and team building challenges. These games and activities are designed to be inspirational and motivational, encouraging collaboration and communication outside the conference room.
- The Do Good Bus. You’ve heard of team building exercises that focus on creativity and problem-solving, but how about one rooted in giving back? TeamBonding’s Do Good Bus brings people together to volunteer for local causes, making it a heartwarming way to demonstrate teamwork and make a positive impact on the community. By the end of the day, your workplace crew will feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment!
- Team Building Drumming. Yes, you read that right—drumming! The team building drumming experience in Des Moines combines rhythm, high-energy entertainment, and coordination. Teams work together to create synchronized rhythms, breaking down barriers and strengthening team bonds. It’s a fantastic way to unleash energy and get everyone in sync!
- Competitive Team Sports. From volleyball to tug-of-war, Des Moines has a range of competitive sports perfect for corporate games. These activities help build friendly competition, increase physical engagement, and develop stronger communication and collaboration between teammates. Competitive team sports are excellent for building friendships while encouraging individuals to bring their “A game” to the table.
Remember—team building activities in Des Moines don’t always need to be extravagant or high-energy to be effective. Sometimes, the most beneficial activities are the simplest, like a walk through the park or a casual dinner out. These low-key events give your workplace crew the chance to relax, have conversations, and connect.
Shared experiences, like laughing over drinks or discussing life outside the office, can spark stronger connections and eliminate formal barriers. These moments allow employees to understand each other’s personalities, strengths, and preferences, which can cultivate a more supportive, cohesive work environment.
Competitive Team Building Activities in Des Moines
Competition can be a great motivator for team members. Iowa offers various competitive team building activities in Des Moines, all designed to challenge your team and build trust in a high-stakes setting. Unsure of where to go? TeamBonding offers an excellent selection of competitive activities guaranteed to test your team’s abilities while encouraging unity.
For instance, the Amazing Race Des Moines is a high-energy challenge where teams race around the city, navigating landmarks and completing predetermined tasks to solve puzzles and get the ultimate prize. It’s a test of strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking, with the bonus of experiencing the excitement of Des Moines.
Whether action-packed or low impact, the goal of team building is to create an environment where team members feel valued, respected, and motivated. It’s not always about specific activities, but about providing a space for personal and professional connections to thrive, ultimately benefiting your business.
Iconic Landmarks Inspire Des Moines’ Fun Activities
Des Moines is home to various landmarks offering the best backdrop for fun activities. From outdoor parks to historic buildings, these iconic landmarks provide inspiration and opportunity for engaging team building activities (and plenty of chances to socialize).
Remember—TeamBonding can help you plan events that integrate the following Des Moines locations for a more memorable team building experience.
- Iowa State Capitol. Known for its beautiful architecture and gold dome, the Iowa State Capitol provides a dramatic setting for scavenger hunts and Insta-worthy photo challenges. Teams can work together to learn about the history of the Capitol while completing challenges that require creativity and problem-solving.
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park. This 4.4-acre park is home to international sculptures that encourage artistic appreciation and group interaction. Teams can explore the artwork, take pictures as a workplace crew for social media pages, and work together to create collaborative art pieces. It’s an inspiring location!
- Principal Riverwalk. The stunning Des Moines Riverwalk is perfect for socialization and outdoor team building activities. Whether walking alongside the water or competing in relay race challenges, this setting is ideal for bonding and workforce engagement.
- Blank Park Zoo. Located minutes from downtown, the zoo features dozens of animal exhibits and beautiful outdoor spaces, perfect for group activities in Des Moines. Teams can engage in scavenger hunts, animal-themed trivia, or participate in wildlife encounters. With its educational and playful environment, the zoo is an excellent, fun opportunity for teams to bond over the beauty of nature and a love for animals.
TeamBonding: Tailored Team Building Activities in Des Moines, Iowa
At the heart of these team building activities in Des Moines, Iowa, is the importance of choosing the right experience for your team. Fortunately, TeamBonding offers various tailored group activities in Des Moines to improve communication, build leadership skills, and encourage a creative, bonded workplace.
Are you looking for a high-energy scavenger hunt? What about a calming creative workshop? Would an adventurous outdoor activity be perfect for your workforce?
By choosing the right team building activities in Des Moines, the city becomes more memorable, fun, and empowering. Get in touch with us today to show your business team a great time in Des Moines!
