Library of teambuilding games & icebreakers

How to play Colleague feud

Like Family Feud, but with coworkers! You’ll need to do some prep for this game, as you’ll have to not only divide people into smaller teams of 4 or 5, but come up with categories. If you want to keep them work focused, try topics like “Things you find in your office breakroom”. Keep points for each correct answer given and then announce a winner at the end.

Can you imagine a scenario where the TV is on mute and you lose the remote? Well, as horrific as this may sound, there may be some fun in this. Welcome to TV On Sound Off - an engaging activity that sharpens your active observation and interpretation skills.

How to play

1. Assemble your colleagues in a comfortable space with a TV or projector where you can watch a show or movie of your choice.
2. Turn off the sound completely, no subtitles allowed. You're going to rely solely on visual cues.
3. Start with a scene from the show or movie. Make sure it has a mix of dialogue and action.
4. Each participant takes turns guessing what the characters are saying and what's happening in the plot. Keep it concise and imaginative.
5. After everyone has had a turn, unmute the sound and compare your guesses with what actually transpired in the scene.
6. Discuss what you've learned about active observation, interpretation, and the value of non-verbal cues.

Cool off and blow off some steam with super soaker showdown! Teams engage in a friendly water gun fight, battling it out while dodging sprays and soaking each other. It’s a fun, refreshing way to unleash some energy and enjoy the outdoors.

This is perfect for adding a bit of action-packed excitement to a team day out—and there’s nothing like a good water fight to get everyone laughing.

How to play:

• Equip each team with water guns and create boundaries for the battle.
• Teams strategize to soak their opponents while staying as dry as possible.
• The team with the driest members (or the most soaked fun) wins!

How to play Mystery basket

In this game, blindfolded players will try to guess what’s in a basket by feel. To play, gather a bunch of items from around the office. Obviously they should be safe and not have things like sharp ends or spikes. Place everything in a basket or bowl and have blindfolded participants explore the items with their hands and try to guess what they are observing. Keep track of answers with a pencil and paper, and the person with the most correct guesses wins.

How to play Bean Bag Toss

Instructions: Set up a bean bag toss board with different-sized holes and assign point values to each hole. Participants take turns throwing bean bags and aim to score the highest points. The player with the highest score after a set number of rounds wins.

Materials needed: Bean bag toss board, bean bags.

Bean Bag Toss is a versatile game that suits all ages and skill levels. It promotes hand-eye coordination, focus, and friendly competition. It encourages social interaction and allows participants to engage in casual conversation while playing.

How to play:

Divide the team into small groups and provide each group with art supplies. Assign a theme or topic and ask the groups to create a collaborative artwork together.

Materials needed: Art supplies (paper, paints, brushes, etc.)

Benefits:

• Masterpieces fueled by teamwork: Prepare to be dazzled by the artistic symphony that unfolds before your eyes. Each stroke of the brush and every imaginative idea blends together like a symphony, resulting in a collaborative artwork that's a testament to the creative genius lurking within your team.

How to play 6 word memoir

This is a challenging exercise that is good for creativity as well as getting more personal. To complete it, have each person use six words to describe their life up until this point, then share it with the group. They can pick six random words that describe their life, or they can create a sort of title based on experiences. It will be interesting to see the different approaches people take to this.

Alternative Application is the game that challenges players to think outside the box—you’ll be surprised by the innovative ideas your employees will come up with!

Great for: Creative thinking

Duration: 5-10 minutes

Players: 4+

You’ll need: Various office items (at least one per player)

How to play Alternative Application

Setup: Before play begins, gather a variety of random office objects (at least one, preferably two, per player). Objects might include a stapler, flipchart, kitchen kettle etc.

To play: Taking turns, pass one of the objects to a player and ask them to mime an alternative use of that object. Meanwhile, the other players try to guess what action is being mimed.

For example, the player with the flipchart might stand it on its legs, drape a sheet of paper over their head, and mime taking a photograph on a vintage view camera. Once somebody guesses correctly, play moves to the next player.

How to play 10 things I do well

Another version of simply sharing information about yourself, ask people to come up with a list of ten things they do well. It’s a good idea to have a pen and paper at each place setting in advance so that people can brainstorm. Have everyone stand up and share their list with the group. This is actually a really powerful way to understand group dynamics and who is best for what, which is important for collaboration in the workplace. Plus, it’s a sort of forced reminder for individuals about what they are good at, which is a confidence builder.

How to play Paper boat race

If you are able to visit a location by water, you can try this really fun activity. In this fun and creative exercise, participants build a small boat with paper (and other supplies) and then race them in a small body of water like a pond or stream. The boats are usually made by folding paper into a boat shape, but you can also try offering cardboard, balloons, popsicle sticks, or other crafty materials.

You’ll also want to supply materials for decorating so that everyone can really have their creation stand out. Obviously the person who reaches the finish line first is the winner, but you can offer a few other prizes just for fun, like most beautiful boat or best effort. Make sure to check out our article on other creativity and innovation games, too.

Think of this as your team's time-traveling adventure. The Historical Timeline Quest takes you to historical sites, but there's a twist. You'll decipher clues that unlock stories from the past. It's like solving history's riddles together. By working as a team, you'll connect the dots, piece together the timeline, and unveil the bigger picture. Through shared "aha" moments and collaborative detective work, you'll appreciate each other's unique knowledge and skills. It's not just history; it's a journey that brings your team closer, one clue at a time.

Instructions

• Assign roles to team members for efficient operation.
• Distribute clues that reveal historical landmarks.
• Visit sites, solve clues, and document significant events.
• Collaborate to accurately piece together the historical timeline.
• Keep historical references handy to aid in solving challenging clues.

Test your team’s spelling skills with a spell-off showdown! Contestants take turns spelling increasingly difficult words until someone slips up. It’s like a mini virtual spelling bee, but with more laughs and less pressure.

This game is great for keeping the brain sharp and having fun at the same time—especially when you realize nobody remembers how to spell "mnemonic."

How to play:

• The host gives players words to spell, starting with easy ones and getting harder.
• Each player takes a turn spelling their word.
• The last person standing after everyone else misses a word is the winner!

How to play 1-2-4 share

Everyone learns differently, and some people learn best by quietly absorbing information, while others need to talk through ideas. For this activity, start by asking a question and having everyone quietly contemplate the answer. Then, have them get into pairs and discuss their answers. Next, have two pairs sit together (forming a group of 4) and talk about their takeaways.

Finally, have each group present their ideas to the larger team as a whole.  This ensures that no matter what type of learning style each attendee has, they get a chance to absorb information in that way.

If your team’s plane went down and everyone somehow survived, how do you think they’d get on, living on a desert island? This one here is a fantastic team-building activity that gets the brains ticking.

The Desert Island Game drops your group into a survival scenario where they must choose a handful of items to keep themselves alive on a deserted island. Both the fun and the learning come from each person’s ideas about what’s essential to stay alive, and what isn’t.

The game can kickstart some awesome debates that put negotiation and collaboration to the test, as well as a bit of creative reasoning. 

You can run it in person or remotely (just not on an actual island), and the goal is simple: to think fast, argue smart, and work together to “survive.”

What you’ll need:

Okay, teams, don’t start ordering real flare guns yet. Follow our checklist of every item you’ll need for a fantastic time:

• A list of survival items – Include 10–15 options like rope, a lighter, a tarp, a fishing net, or a water purifier (we’ve got a full list in our how to play section).

• A timer – 15–20 minutes keeps things focused but fast-paced.

• Pens and paper – For participants to jot down or rank their selections.

• A whiteboard or shared doc – To capture final team choices for group comparison.

• Teams or breakout groups – Smaller groups (4–6) spark more discussion and creativity.

• Optional extras – Virtual island backgrounds, themed music, or printed item cards if running in person.

How to play (step-by-step instructions)

Here are the steps to get your own Desert Island Game up and running.

1. Step 1: Set the survival scene

Kick things off by delivering the bad news: your team’s plane has crashed, and they’re now stranded on a deserted island. The good news? Everyone gets to choose three items to stay alive. Read the scenario out loud, then hand out your survival item list. Our recommended list is:

• Compass
• A phone (which is out of battery)
• Lighter
• Sturdy boots
• Sunscreen
• First aid kit
• Toilet paper
• Water filter
• A rifle with 3 bullets
• A mirror
• Flare gun
• Wood axe
• Fishing rod
• Hammock
• Hunting knife
• Inflatable raft
• Mosquito spray
• 100-yard rope
• Vegetable seeds

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Feel free to add obscure objects, or follow our list of essentials. Get your teams to really think about staying alive indefinitely.

2. Solo selection round

Ask everyone to take five minutes to pick their three essential items on their own. This step keeps groupthink at bay, as people will have to trust their instincts before hearing what others think. For virtual sessions, have everyone turn their mic and camera off while they decide, then switch it back on when ready.

3. Group debate and consensus

Now the fun begins. Split everyone into small groups (4–6 people) and have them compare their lists. Each team must agree on a shared list of three survival items, and they’ll need to make their case for why each item deserves to stay. You’re going to be starting some passionate debates on survival theory (“I can use the tarp as a sail if we build a raft. Really!”)

Expect passionate pitches and a few questionable survival theories (“I can use the tarp as a sail if we build a raft!”).

4. Re-evaluate and open “trade”

Once all groups have revealed their lists, open the floor for trades. Teams can adjust their final picks after hearing other arguments. This is a simple twist that pushes them to listen closely to what others have, or whether they just want to get rid of their second toilet roll. They can negotiate however they please, and this moment of adjustment often starts the best insight into how teams are working together.

5. Add an extra, tricky twist

If you’ve got time, get funky with a variation on the rules. You could be a bit cruel and tell them every item needs to start with the same letter. Maybe each needs to cost under $20 from the supermarket, or fit into a backpack. An extra twist can spin the challenge on its head and provide a good belly laugh. 

6. Facilitator tip: keep it lively but

Keep the debates between members and teams lively, but make sure everyone has the chance to explain why they chose their items, not just what they chose. You’ll likely hear some great points from the often-quieter members. Pay close attention to unusual reasoning or shining moments of teamwork, as you’re probably seeing your hidden problem-solvers or leaders in action. A good facilitator can balance logic with playfulness, because half the game is in the ludicrous justifications and panicked bartering.

Debrief: What skills did your teams pick up?

As you debrief with your teams, you’ll likely notice that they hit some of these core tenets of teambuilding that apply to every workforce:

• Creative problem-solving under pressure: Teams learn quickly that survival takes imagination. Some players think practically, while others find clever new uses for ordinary items. It’s a reminder that creative thinking can sometimes outshine default logic, both on the island and at work.

• Communication and persuasion: The debate and trade sparks strong opinions, but also better listening. The best arguments win not through volume, but clarity and persuasion. It’s a fast way to reveal strong communicators and sharpen bartering skills.

• Consensus and compromise: Choosing just three items forces tough trade-offs. People practice negotiation, balancing personal preferences with group success. It’s a small-scale version of making team decisions in the face of real-world pressure.

• Adapting to new information: When someone changes their mind after hearing a smart argument, that can actually be another form of growth. It shows flexibility, open-mindedness, and how adapting fast can turn challenges into wins for the group.

When you’re ready to close the loop and give out the key takeaways for the group, ask them how they think today applies to their day-to-day work.

FAQ:

How long does the game take?

Typically, around 15-25 minutes from setup to debrief. Smaller groups can wrap up faster, while larger ones might need extra time for their survival debates.

What’s the ideal team size?

We find that teams of 4 - 6 strike the best balance. They’re small enough for everyone to speak and big enough for some fun disagreements. For bigger teams, split into smaller islands and compare results afterward.

Can this be done remotely?

It sure can! The Desert Island Game works fine over video calls. Use breakout rooms for small-group discussion and a shared document or whiteboard for everyone’s final choices.

What if team members disagree?

Well, that’s half the fun! Encourage people to persuade, but not to overbear. Let them debate openly, but timebox discussions so they don’t spiral. Remind everyone that compromise is often the key to survival, both on the island and in real-world teamwork.

How to play Paper airplane race

Like the pencil javelin, the paper airplane race centers on how far you can get your paper airplane to fly. Each team constructs their best engineered plane and marks where they ultimately land. Each person on the team should have a chance to fly the place and the team that gets the furthest is declared the winner.

Lunch breaks present an excellent team-bonding opportunity that many managers fail to capitalise on. By organising regular lunchtime picnics, you encourage your employees to spend time getting to know each other outside of the office.

Great for: Interpersonal bonding, well-being

Duration: 30 minutes

You’ll need: N/A

How to organise:

• Outdoor company picnics are, of course, weather dependent, so look at the forecast at the start of the week and determine the best day and location for a picnic.
• Mark the chosen day on the calendar in the staff room or send a group email to notify your team.
• On the day of the picnic, provide essential items such as blankets, picnic baskets, sunscreen etc.

How to play Wanna spoon

Using only a spoon, players should attempt to transfer as many ping pong balls as they can from one bowl to another - no hands! Hands would be allowed if you drop the ball on the ground but then they should be placed back into the original bowl for another attempt. Whoever moves the most ping pong balls in the minute timeframe wins.

Inspired by the classic game “Telephone,” The Communication Game requires players to accurately pass a physical message from one end of the line to the other.

Great for: Communication, observation skills

Duration: 10 minutes

Players: 6+

You’ll need: Nothing

How to play The Communication Game

Setup: Ask your group to stand in a single-file line, about arm’s reach apart, facing in the same direction.

To play: Ask the person at the back of the line to come up with a short movement sequence. Once they’ve created the sequence, they tap the shoulder of the person in front of them, asking them to turn around. The player turns around and observes the movement sequence. Then, they turn around, tap the shoulder of the player in front of them and perform the same sequence. This pattern continues until the movement sequence reaches the person at the front of the line. Hopefully, the sequence will be somewhat preserved!

How to play:

‍Set up a relay race course with different safety-related tasks at each station (e.g., putting on personal protective equipment, bandaging a wound, fire extinguisher drill). Divide employees into teams and have them race to complete each task as quickly as possible.

The safety relay race combines physical activity with safety training, making it a fun and dynamic way to learn. It encourages teamwork and quick thinking, all while reinforcing essential safety skills. A great way to get the blood pumping and learn.

Note: Make sure this is in an outdoor setting! We don’t want accidents whilst playing a safety-based game… Facepalm…

Learning about your coworker's wants and dreams outside of the office is a great way of building stronger, lasting relationships.

Great for: Interpersonal bonding

Duration: 5 minutes

Players: 4+

You’ll need: Nothing

How to play Bucket List

Setup: Ask your group to sit together in a circle, on chairs or on the floor.

To play: One by one, players tell five items from their bucket list to the rest of the group. This gives employees vital insight into the aspirations of their coworkers.

How to play Lucky Charms

Give all players a large bowl of Lucky Charms cereal. Have everyone sort the charm marshmallows into categories as fast as they can (for example, all hearts together and all clovers together). Whoever sorts through the most cereal in a minute wins.

Visual puzzles are all about teamwork through description. One person describes an object, and their teammates sketch it based on those instructions—without seeing the original object. The results? Usually hilarious, but also a great way to test communication skills.

This game is perfect for enhancing your team’s ability to give and follow clear directions. Plus, the unexpected drawings add a bit of fun and laughter, making it an enjoyable way to break up the workday while sharpening those communication skills.

How to play:

• One person describes an object (e.g., a mug or a bike).
• Teammates sketch the object based only on the description.
• Compare the drawings to the original for some laughs!

With digital playbook, employees create short user manuals or intro videos explaining how they work best—whether it’s preferred meeting times, communication styles, or favorite work snacks. It’s like a cheat sheet for collaborating effectively!

This activity helps teams understand each other’s work preferences and habits, which can make remote teamwork smoother and more enjoyable.

How to play:

• Each team member creates a short video or document explaining how they work best.
• Share the playbooks with the team so everyone can reference them.
• Use the playbooks to understand teammates' work habits and collaborate better!

If your team is on the creative side - or you want to encourage them to be - this is a smart activity for you. You’ll need plenty of recycled materials like paper, cardboard, or plastic items.

Here is what to do:

1. Split up your group into smaller teams.
2. Give each group a set of recycled materials. Try to give a good mix of whatever you’ve come up with.
3. The goal of each team is to come up with a unique and creative piece of art in the time allotted. The other objective is to use as many of the recycled materials as possible.
4. Once the time you set is up, each group will present their creation to the larger team.
5. Either one judge or a panel of judges will assess each art piece based on factors like creativity, teamwork, and the best use of the materials provided. The team with the highest score is the winner.