It’s 2 p.m. on a hot July afternoon. Half your staff members are mindlessly staring at their screens, thinking of beaches and barbecues. While the deadlines are looming, energy is flatlining fast. Without a plan, summer can slowly kill your team spirit — there’s a cure to it.

During the summer months, employee engagement typically decreases by 5% due to vacations, burnout, and lowered focus (Gallup, 2022). However, with a few simple team-building activities, the damage can be reversed. Studies reveal that team-building programs can raise the overall engagement of workers from 20% to 50% when properly applied (HBR, 2023). Hosting summer team-building activities is not just a “nice-to-have”; if you want your team to feel connected, energized, and engaged, they are the essential elements. We prepared a list of 40 summer team-building ideas. Read on! 

Quick Overview: 40 Summer Team Building Activities

Easy Outdoor Activities Near the Office

Lawn Bowling Match

Location: Office Lawn
Time: 45 minutes

Create a low-key lawn bowling course outside your office with pins and soft balls. Teams race for the highest score in a friendly, social setting. This game promotes friendly competitions without demanding athleticism! End with an informal awards ceremony and some summery treats.

Ice Cream Making Contest

Location: Office Cafeteria
Time: 1 hour

Transform your office into an ice-cream lab for a day. Prepare teams with their own basic kits and challenge them to invent new summer flavors, from the tropical sorbets to Crazy Cookie concoctions. When the creations are complete and frozen in the fridge, throw a taste-testing festival and let everyone vote for the “Ultimate Summer Flavor”

Want to learn how to make ice cream without a machine? Here’s the step-by-step guide!

Rooftop Mini Golf

Location: Rooftop Terrace
Time: 1 hour

Construct a small mini-golf course with a few props and obstacles. Workers can rotate through the various holes and keep score. It’s an entertaining way to make use of the open space of rooftops without requiring heavy equipment.

Office Olympics

Location: Company Premises
Time: 2 hours

Organize indoor and outdoor challenges like desk chair races, typing competitions, paper-toss tournaments, etc. Teams can play for "different countries" for a full Olympic vibe. This activity encourages quick thinking, camaraderie, and teamwork across departments.

Parking Lot Picnic Games

Location: Parking Area
Time: 1.5 hours

Host the classic picnic games such as three-legged races, tug-of-war, and sack races. Parking areas or grassy spaces with tents for shade are perfect locations for the activity. Promote social competition and allow time for casual mingling and snacks.

Looking for more outdoor corporate team-building ideas? Check out the article for more inspiration.

Community Service Day

Location: Local Nonprofits
Time: Half-Day

Collaborate with local nonprofits to provide opportunities for your team to volunteer together, such as sorting at a food bank or cleaning up a park. Not only does this promote teamwork, but it also reinforces your brand’s sense of community.

Softball Team Building

Location: Local Baseball Park
Time: 2 hours

Book a local diamond for a friendly game of softball. Teams can be randomly assigned or based on departments. Even less athletic participants can join as scorekeepers or cheerleaders. Give them team jerseys or hats to make the day special.

Flash Mob Dance Event

Location: Nearby Park
Time: 30 minutes
Hire a choreographer to teach a simple dance routine, then surprise the community or your office neighbors. This is a unique way to bond through movement and laughter. Capture the flash mob on video for a viral company moment. Keep backup plans in case of rain.

Active Outdoor Challenges to Energize Your Team

5K Team Fun Run

Location: Urban Trail
Time: 2 hours

Host a casual 5K run or walk that teams can complete together. Inform them about the running route clearly, and include a public water fountain as the rest station. It’s important to keep hydrated during hot seasons.

Decide if the run or walk is more appropriate depending on the staff members' fitness level. Here’s your guide to a 5k run.

Group Cycling Tour

Location: City Routes
Time: 2 hours

Hire bicycles, use public bicycles, or work with a local bike-tour company to plan an epic ride through picturesque locations. Cycling in a pack increases endurance while socializing. Take group pictures at look out and conclude the tour with a healthy group lunch.

Obstacle Course Challenge

Location: Outdoor Adventure Park
Time: Half-Day
Challenge your squad’s grit and collaboration on an intense outdoor obstacle course.
Tasks like rope swings, tire runs, and wall climbs require strategy, encouragement, and quick thinking.

Want to check out more outdoor team-building activities? Here are 20 more ideas for inspiration.

Hiking and Nature Quiz

Location: Local Nature Reserve
Time: Half-Day

Host a hike on a scenic route and bring along nature trivia questions at various points. Teams of players compete to answer questions about local flora, fauna, and landmarks. Equipment: All participants need to have the appropriate shoes and bring water.

Beach Clean-Up Team Race

Location: Coastal Areas
Time: 2-3 hours

Combine community service with fitness by hosting a beach clean-up competition. Teams race to collect the most trash within a set timeframe, with bonus points for recycling. Provide gloves, bags, and safety instructions to all participants. Celebrate the effort with a beach picnic afterwards.

Forest Survival Skills Workshop

Location: National Park
Time: Half-Day

Recruit an instructor to deliver survival skills for beginners, including how to build a shelter, create a fire, and navigate through the forest. Teams use these skills in friendly competition throughout the day. Offer a little prize for the team that creates the best survival shelter.

Sunset Group Meditation

Location: Beach or Hilltop
Time: 1 hour

Catch the sunset together while hosting a group meditation for an authentic nature and mindfulness experience. Hire a professional trainer to teach you positive thinking and breathing exercises. Encourage participants to bring mats and light blankets.

Photo Scavenger Hunt

Location: City Center
Time: 2 hours
Create a list of creative, location-based photo challenges across your city. Teams must locate, pose, and photograph themselves at various spots within a set time limit. Use a platform like Deckle for inspiration and idea templates. Award prizes for funniest, most creative, or most scenic shots.

Looking for more photo scavenger hunt ideas? Check out the article for inspiration.

Fun Water Adventures for Teams

Pool Relay Race

Location: Hotel Pool
Time: 1 hour

Organize exciting relay races in a hotel pool with floats, noodles, and simple swimming skills. Teams race in heats, moving through disciplines such as freestyle swim, float races, or even paddleboard sprints. Host the event with a whistle, clear race lanes, and a prize for the fastest group.

Paddleboard Challenge

Location: Beach or Lake
Time: 2 hours

Create a paddleboard obstacle course using buoys, floating hoops, or a series of waypoints to guide. Athletes compete one-on-one or relay style, testing balance, coordination, and stamina. It’s a low-impact but highly engaging workout, even for beginners with a bit of coaching. Always use calm water and provide safety vests for everyone.

Water Balloon Dodgeball

Location: Outdoor Field
Time: 45 minutes

Transform a grassy area into a dodgeball court and supply hundreds of water balloons. Teams go head-to-head, dodging and throwing balloons in a fast-paced, laughter-filled battle. Set up refill stations with buckets full of balloons to keep the fun going. Make sure the ground is clear of debris to prevent slips and falls.

Standup Board Adventure Quest

Location: River or Lake
Time: Half-Day

Host a standup board scavenger hunt where teams collect items or solve clues at designated checkpoints. It blends physical paddling with problem-solving and navigation. Teams stick together, using maps or GPS apps. A thorough safety briefing—covering currents, weather, and the buddy system—is essential.

Beach Volleyball Tournament

Location: Beach
Time: 2 hours

Organize a beach volleyball tournament with teams of up to 10. Strike a balance between fun and competition, with shaded break areas and cool water to keep hydration in check. Rotate teams often to encourage bonding across departments. Finish with medals or beach-themed prizes like sunglasses or towels.

Giant Slip n' Slide Contest

Location: Open Park
Time: 1 hour

Lay out large plastic sheets on a grassy hill, soak them with water and a little eco-friendly soap for a mega slip n' slide. Host competitions for the longest slide, the most stylish entry, or best costumes. This activity generates pure joy and a rush of adrenaline, making it an instant morale booster. Safety mats at the end of the slide area are crucial to prevent injuries.

Boat Building Contest

Location: Lakefront
Time: 2-3 hours

Give teams limited materials like cardboard, plastic jugs, duct tape, and string to build DIY “boats.” Once built, teams race across a shallow section of the lake. It’s a hilarious, creativity-driven test of teamwork and basic engineering. Enforce safety rules and have lifeguards on standby during the race.

Stand-Up Paddle Yoga

Location: Calm Lake
Time: 1.5 hours
Book a certified yoga teacher to lead a stand-up paddleboard yoga session focused on basic poses and breathwork. Balancing on water turns it into a moving meditation—and a fun challenge. Keep group sizes small for safety and personalized guidance. Provide beginner-friendly boards and require ankle leashes for all participants.

Outdoor Escapes: Team Adventures in Nature

Beach Day Retreat

Location: Beach
Time: Full Day

Organize a full day at the beach with swimming, sandcastle contests, and a few relay races. Keep teams engaged with shared activities like beach volleyball or a group sand art challenge. Ensure shaded areas and hydration stations are available. End the day with a beachfront group dinner or BBQ.

Beach day retreats with colleagues and friends are fun! We made a free team-building adventure using the team-building app, Deckle, for you to try out. It’s fun, planned out, and engaging. Check it out here!

Sandcastle Building Contest

Location: Beach
Time: 1.5 hours

Divide participants into small teams and provide buckets, a spade, and a tool or two. Have them build the most imaginative or tallest sandcastle within a set time. It’s great for encouraging creativity, teamwork, and friendly summer competition. Offer lighthearted awards like “Most Original” and “Biggest Structure.”

Water Volleyball Game

Location: Poolside
Time: 1 hour

Set up a water volleyball net in a pool’s shallow end and split into teams. Water volleyball is a great way to laugh, get active, and promote teamwork. Use floaties or light balls so anyone can join in. Rotate players often to boost participation and energy.

Nature Treasure Hunt

Location: Nature Park
Time: 2 hours

Put together a scavenger hunt where teams must find natural items like specific leaves, rocks, or flowers. Teams race to collect the most, learning about local ecosystems along the way. It’s a fun blend of environmental education and light competition. Wrap up the event with a simple creativity awards ceremony.

We did a photo scavenger hunt at the Melbourne Botanic Garden using the Team Building App. It’s quite a memorable experience. Read about our adventure.

DIY Kite Flying Competition

Location: Open Field
Time: 1.5 hours

Teams craft their own kites from kits or scratch using basic supplies. After construction, compete to see whose kite flies highest or longest. This is a creative and relaxing outdoor event that also stimulates problem-solving skills. Capture plenty of photos for a fun post-event collage.

Outdoor Movie Night

Location: Company Lawn
Time: 2 hours

Host a relaxed movie night with popcorn, lawn chairs, and blankets. Let employees vote on the movie in advance to build anticipation. The laid-back setting encourages casual conversation and stronger social bonds. Be sure to test all technical gear—projector and sound—before showtime.

Giant Board Game Tournament

Location: Park
Time: 2 hours

Use a public park to host giant versions of classic games like Jenga, Connect Four, or chess. Seed teams into bracket-style tournaments focused on strategy and fun. Offer small prizes for the winners and best sportsmanship. It’s a simple and inclusive way to bring everyone together.

Group Fishing Day

Location: Lake or River
Time: Half-Day

Plan a calm, scenic fishing trip to a local lake or river. Provide basic gear rentals and quick fishing lessons for beginners. The activity fosters patience, bonding, and appreciation for nature. Wrap up the trip with a casual lakeside lunch to end the day on a peaceful note.

Virtual Team Activities to Keep Summer Spirits High

Virtual Summer Trivia Night

Location: Online
Time: 1.5 hours

Host an interactive trivia session on topics ranging from summer fun to pop culture and company facts. Teams can collaborate in breakout rooms before answering to keep communication flowing. Combining Zoom with a teambuilding platform like Deckle’s Incredible Race is a useful and effective setups. Offer e-gift cards to the winning team.

Virtual Cooking Class

Location: Online
Time: 2 hours

Contract a professional chef for a live cooking class focused on summer dishes like fresh salads, grilling, or smoothies. Send out ingredient lists ahead of time so participants can do some practice. Leave plenty of time for questions and dish showcases. It’s a relaxed, tasty way to bond and learn a new skill together.

Looking for more cuisine ideas? Be the chef and check out the 90 summer cuisine ideas

Online Escape Room

Location: Online
Time: 1.5 hours

Sign up for an online escape room and divide your team into smaller groups to solve clues. It’s a great way to reinforce collaboration, problem-solving, and time-sensitive decision-making. Pick summer-themed or adventure-style stories for seasonal energy. Give a shoutout to the fastest team at the end.

Virtual Talent Show

Location: Online
Time: 2 hours

Give employees the stage to show off their singing, poetry, magic, or crafts. Host a video conference where everyone gets a few minutes to shine. Offer fun awards like “Best Vocalist” or “Most Creative.” Record the event to relive the laughs later.

Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Location: Online
Time: 1 hour

Create a fast-paced hunt where employees race to find and show items around their homes. Categories could include "something beachy" or "your favorite summer snack." Use Deckle’s 50 Creative Scavenger Hunt Ideas to craft your list. Offer small prizes or funny digital certificates.

Remote Yoga or Zumba

Location: Online
Time: 1 hour

Hire a certified instructor to run a Zumba or gentle yoga online class. Make it inclusive for all fitness levels. It’s a great screen break that encourages movement and well-being. Suggest dressing up in tropical or fun outfits to boost energy and participation.

Digital Art Competition

Location: Online
Time: 2 hours

Host a creative challenge using simple tools like Canva or MS Paint. Choose a fun summer-themed prompt and give participants time to design something. Let everyone vote and then hold a virtual gallery walk to celebrate all the entries. Great for non-verbal expression and team bonding.

Virtual Wellness Workshop

Location: Online
Time: 1.5 hours

Invite a health expert to speak on topics like managing stress, building healthy eating habits, or mindfulness techniques. Keep things interactive with polls, Q&A, and breakout discussions. Follow up the session with a digital wellness toolkit to support mental health and show real care.

Looking for more virtual teambuilding ideas? Check out these 14 free virtual ideas for more inspiration

Summer Safety Tips for Team Events

• Keep Hydrated: Promote water breaks every 30 minutes and create hydration stations.

• Nowhere in the Sun: Provide sunscreen, hats, and shaded areas to prevent heatstroke and sunburn.

• Safe Swimming: Always have lifeguards on duty and establish swim boundaries for all water events.

• Wildlife Awareness: Educate teams on how to avoid animal interaction and stick to designated trails during nature outings.

• Heat Management: Watch for early signs of heat exhaustion like dizziness or nausea and take immediate breaks in cool, shaded spots.

(Source: CDC Outdoor Summer Safety Guidelines)

Plan Your Summer Events the Smart Way - Deckle, Team Building App

Organizing a full day of outdoor team-building — from prepping games to coordinating schedules — can be exhausting. Luckily, you don't have to plan everything from scratch.

Deckle offers ready-to-use templates like the Beach Day Retreat and makes summer team building planning easy without your effort, hosts without caring about logistics, and makes all feel included with detailed instructions and funny tasks. Here is to a wonderful summer of fun. Try it and find out if this is for you!