10 BEST TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN NEW ORLEANS

Discover the birthplace of jazz in America’s Deep South.

New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, is a cosmopolitan city steeped in cultural heritage, with diversity appearing throughout the city’s social, political and artistic life. If you’re planning a team-building retreat, this colourful and historical community presents no end of possibilities.

The city’s subtropical climate and low-lying terrain have nurtured a network of marshlands and bayous teeming with wildlife. Visitors regularly take to the waterways on kayaks and boats to try their hand at fishing or simply explore, while inland, a host of team-building activities have spawned throughout the city including axe throwing, bouldering, glassblowing and more.

If you’re organising your next team-building retreat, look no further than New Orleans—the largest and most distinctive city in Lousiana. In the following list, we’ve compiled some of our favourite team-building retreat ideas in New Orleans.

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Taste the local flavours with a guided food tour

  • As well as delicious food, you learn about the interesting history and culture of this fascinating neighbourhood.
  • Hear interesting legends from the best storytellers in the business.
  • With plenty of walking lined up, participants are advised to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
  • Participants are guaranteed to have full bellies by the end of the tour.
  • The full tour is expected to last approximately three hours.

Improve teamwork skills at the escape rooms

  • Your group must communicate, collaborate, and problem-solve to escape.
  • The specialist game facilitators provide a team-effectiveness debriefing after your session.
  • During your two-hour visit, you’ll browse the museum and get acquainted with the storyline before entering the room and trying to escape. 
  • Immerse yourself in the beautifully-detailed escape rooms
  • Professional gamemasters play convincing characters who explain the storyline and game rules.

Discover Louisiana with a guided walking tour

  • Discover the popular Louisianan landmarks that set the city apart from any other in the country. 
  • Explore the French Quarter, Garden District, historic cemeteries and more.
  • Learn stories and facts about various parts of this diverse city.
  • Fun and knowledgeable tour guides walk you through the city and pass on famous legends.
  • The full walking tour is expected to last approximately two hours.

Test your culinary skills at the cookery school

  • Professional chefs masterfully guide participants through the creation of multiple dishes.
  • Your team must prove their culinary skills, intellectual prowess and ability to pull together.
  • Numerous classes are available including Hands-on classes, demonstration classes, teambuilding events and entertaining chef demonstrations.
  • Learn practical cooking skills with a sprinkling of New Orleans history.
  • Relax and enjoy your creations after working up a sweat in the kitchen.
  • The perfect way to learn new skills while bonding with your co-workers.

Learn to paint while bonding with your team

  • Connect with your team over art, a glass of wine and your favourite snacks.
  • No creative or artistic skills are needed to enjoy this unique experience.
  • Choose from a wide variety of specialist classes.
  • Participants are provided with all the necessary art materials.
  • Artists are eagerly encouraged to bring their own drinks and snacks.
  • The friendly instructors get involved and provide plenty of painting tips.

Learn the fundamentals of glassblowing

  • Facilitate meaningful interactions between your employees in this intimate setting.
  • Experience a one-of-a-kind glassblowing workshop with professional instructors.
  • Take home your glass creation after the experience to show your friends and family.
  • During this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn the fundamental skills of glassblowing.
  • Enjoy the captivating venue that consists of 25,000 square feet of space, twenty-foot ceilings, skylights, exposed brick walls, hardwood and cement flooring, and a mezzanine for musical entertainment.

Explore the beautiful coastal bayous by kayak

  • Choose from a range of kayaking routes catered to all experience levels from beginner to expert.
  • The perfect way to experience the beauty of the Louisianan bayous.
  • Learn about the history of the local waterside landmarks.
  • Step out of your kayak for a halfway stroll on land after a lengthy paddle.
  • The bayou is a beautiful stretch of water perfect for first-time kayakers.
  • Knowledgeable guides provide full safety briefings and technical advice.

Embark on a chartered fishing trip like no other

  • Take to the water after dark aboard a unique fishing charter.
  • Attempt to catch fish using specialist bow-fishing equipment.
  • Illuminate the water with torches and see how many fish you can catch!
  • The full fishing charter experience is expected to last between 4 and 5 hours.
  • All the necessary fishing equipment is provided.
  • Experience the serenity of the bayou marshland at night.

Throw hatchets at the axe-throwing venue

  • Discover the first indoor hatchet-throwing venue in the United States
  • Staff are always available to supervise and answer any questions you have
  • Safety is maintained as the highest priority.
  • The staff give basic instructions and check on you regularly.
  • The venue is clean and the equipment is well maintained.
  • Participants are encouraged to bring their own beer.

Test your strength at the bouldering gym

  • The large bouldering gym can host up to 50 people at once.
  • Climbing routes are available for all experience and skill levels. 
  • The staff help you find your way and give useful climbing advice.
  • Climbing shoes are included with a day pass and are required for climbing.
  • A great experience for first-time climbers looking to learn the basics.
  • The equipment and facilities are perfectly maintained.

Planning a team-building retreat in 

New Orleans

?

We'll help you combine accommodation, meeting spaces, restaurants, and team-building activities into one seamless itinerary.

Get a quote

Sample team-building retreat in

New Orleans

Planning a team-building retreat in 

New Orleans

?

We'll help you combine accommodation, meeting spaces, restaurants, and team-building activities into one seamless itinerary.

Get a quote

FAQs about team-building in

New Orleans

What makes New Orleans a unique destination for corporate team building?

New Orleans combines live music, historic neighborhoods, distinctive cuisine, and a culture unlike anywhere else in the United States. Companies often choose the city because it creates memorable shared experiences while offering strong event infrastructure and hospitality.

Which team building activities are most popular in New Orleans?

Popular options include cooking classes, jazz-themed experiences, scavenger hunts through the French Quarter, escape rooms, cocktail workshops, food tours, riverboat cruises, music challenges, and interactive cultural activities.

Why do companies choose New Orleans for team events?

New Orleans offers an atmosphere that naturally encourages social connection. Many organizations appreciate the city's vibrant culture, walkable districts, and ability to turn a standard corporate gathering into a memorable team experience.

How easy is it to travel to New Orleans for a company event?

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) offers direct flights to major cities across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and select international destinations. The airport is located approximately 20–30 minutes from downtown New Orleans.

When is the best time to organize team building activities in New Orleans?

Spring and fall are generally the most popular seasons, with temperatures typically ranging between 65–85°F. These months provide comfortable weather for outdoor activities, walking tours, and events throughout the city.

Can teams incorporate New Orleans culture into their event?

Absolutely. Companies often organize jazz experiences, Cajun and Creole cooking workshops, second-line parades, cocktail classes, cultural tours, and group dinners that showcase the city's unique traditions and heritage.

What outdoor team building activities are available in New Orleans?

Teams can participate in treasure hunts, riverfront challenges, cycling tours, swamp excursions, kayaking trips, outdoor escape games, and group activities along the Mississippi River and throughout the city's historic districts.

What food and drink experiences are popular for corporate groups in New Orleans?

Popular choices include cooking classes, cocktail workshops, food tours, gumbo-making competitions, beignet tastings, brewery visits, and private dining experiences featuring classic Cajun and Creole cuisine.

Can New Orleans accommodate large corporate groups and conferences?

Yes. New Orleans regularly hosts major conventions, conferences, and corporate gatherings. The city offers extensive hotel capacity, convention facilities, event venues, and activity providers capable of supporting groups of all sizes.

Why do companies choose New Orleans for team building events?

In our experience hosting teams, New Orleans works particularly well for companies looking for a destination with strong personality, culture, and entertainment. Teams often appreciate the city's music, food, walkability, and ability to create meaningful connections through shared experiences.

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