10 BEST TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN SAN JOSE

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With rolling hills, a mediterranean climate and bustling culture, San Jose is the thriving technological hub of California’s bay area and an amazing location for your next company retreat

From outdoor adventures to mixology classes, this bustling city has something for everyone with activities that will have your team members bonding in no time. 

If sunny San Jose is the location of your next corporate get-together, keep reading for our top recommendations. 

Would you like to book any of these activities?

These team-building activities are available as part of our retreat package.

Get a quote

Stir up some fun with a cooking class

  • Swap a traditional lunch for something a little more interactive and hands-on when you participate in a team cooking class. 
  • A trained chef will take you through every step as you learn how to prepare the meal from prepping ingredients to adding the final flourishes. 
  • Try your hand at new cuisines and dishes you may not be familiar with for a truly immersive skillbuilding experience.
  • You’ll be provided with everything you need from ingredients to utensils and equipment. 
  • Even though it’s a bit more expensive, if it’s within your team’s budget it’s a great way to build your culinary skills and spend time getting to know your coworkers better.

Beat the clock with an escape room 

  • Promote communication, problem solving and time-management when you challenge team members to an escape room. 
  • Depending on the size of your team, enter a room together or separate into teams and compete to see who will ‘escape’ first. 
  • With this immersive experience you’ll search for clues and solve puzzles as you work your way through a story, all before the time runs out on the clock. 
  • The game masters are incredibly helpful and will walk you through everything you need to know prior to the start.
  • This is a super affordable option for team building in San Jose! Even for larger groups.

Craft some fun with a mixology class 

  • A mixology class is a great way to unwind and relax while learning all the tricks and techniques that go into making your favorite cocktails. 
  • You and your team will be provided with everything you need, from drink-specific glassware and bartending tools to all the ingredients and embellishments. 
  • Promote creativity, precision and communication as each team member attempts to create their cocktails following steps provided by the instructor. 
  • This is a good option for smaller groups, with class sizes generally maxing out at around 12 participants. 
  • As far as pricing goes this is definitely on the higher end, but if it’s within your teams’ budget it’s worth the hefty price tag for such a unique experience.

Reach new heights with a canopy tour

  • If you’re looking for a novel and exciting experience that will have you and your team members smiling, look no further than a canopy tour. 
  • With multiple aerial adventure courses and zip-lines, you can find yourself up to 150 feet up in the ancient Californian Redwoods. 
  • Set leadership goals, challenge team members and explore group dynamics while getting your adrenaline pumping. 
  • Be sure to arrive at least 20 minutes before your booking to check in, fill out any forms, and get decked out in your gear. 
  • This experience runs on the higher end price-wise, but if it’s within your budget it’s a truly unforgettable team building activity.

Blow off steam with a game of bubble soccer

  • Get active and have some fun when you participate in a fun-filled bubble soccer game.
  • Regardless of skill level, everyone can get outdoors to enjoy some fresh air after a productive workday. 
  • Each player will be provided with an inflatable bubble suit that will keep them safe as they roll around, flip right over and even collide with one another as they try and score goals. 
  • Dress comfortably with flat tennis shoes - cleats are generally not permitted as they can potentially damage the suit. 
  • This is a fairly affordable option and perfect for teams of all sizes. 

Aim for the bullseye with ax throwing 

  • If you’re looking to learn a new skill, all while having fun and getting active, try ax throwing for your next team retreat! 
  • Coaches will provide extensive safety training and will train you to throw axes like a professional in only about 15 minutes. 
  • Encourage friendly competition between co-workers and cheer on your colleagues while you aim to hit the bullseye. 
  • While closed-toed shoes are the only requirement, be sure to dress comfortably for this experience - activewear is a great choice!
  • This is a cost-effective activity for teams on a budget and a good choice for groups of all sizes.

Get creative with a pottery class 

  • Get your team’s creative juices flowing by coming together for a pottery class in San Jose and create a memorable take-home piece. 
  • An instructor will take you through how to work with your clay, how to use a pottery wheel and tips and tricks for making something beautiful. 
  • You and your team will be provided with everything you need including aprons, tools, material, clay glazes and firing. 
  • Ideal for both small and large teams, workshops tend to last anywhere from 2-3 hours. 
  • This experience has quite the price tag, but for such a memorable experience it’s definitely worth the cost. 

Have fun with combat archery

  • What do you get when you combine archery with dodgeball? You get a pretty awesome team building experience: combat archery. 
  • You and your team can select any location in the San Jose area and host your own combat archery fun. 
  • You’ll be provided with all the equipment you need including bows, arrows, gear, targets and boundary cones, plus bunkers for hiding. 
  • Staff will walk you through game play and ensure that even new players can have fun - a referee is also provided to ensure safety and fair play for the whole group. 
  • This is a great option for teams looking for a fun activity on a budget!

Don’t sweat the tall stuff with rock climbing 

  • Promote communication and trust between team members with a memorable rock climbing experience in San Jose. 
  • Instructors will guide you through everything you need to know, ensuring even complete beginners will have a safe and fun experience. 
  • All climbing gear is available for rental so be sure to add these small expenses into the total cost when budgeting. 
  • Many facilities will focus on developing movement and techniques which are fundamental to improving your climbing ability - it’s a great way to build new skills while bonding over a shared new experience.
  • Incorporate some healthy competition by competing to see who will be first to the top or create wall specific challenges for colleagues. 

De-stress with a demolition room 

  • Blow off steam and have fun as a team with a demolition room, the ultimate de-stressing team building experience in San Jose. 
  • Destroy a wide range of objects from TV’s and bottles to computers and garden gnomes. Some locations will even allow you to bring your own smashables for a personalized demolition experience! 
  • Play your own music, choose from a selection of ‘demolition weapons’ and enjoy the fun. 
  • Corporate pricing is often available for larger groups, be sure to inquire upon booking!  
  • Wear comfortable athletic clothes as you’ll likely break a sweat - long pants and closed toed shoes are a must!

Would you like to book any of these activities?

These team-building activities are available as part of our retreat package.

Get a quote

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