10 BEST TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN SAN FRANCISCO

Try your hand at ceramics

• Get hands on and test your creative skills through a fun and interactive pottery workshop.
• Head to the studio where a qualified instructor will take you through each step in creating your very own ceramic piece from moulding the clay to trimming and glazing. 
• This is a great team building activity to socialize and bond with colleagues while creating a unique keepsake to remember your retreat by.
• Keep in mind that pottery pieces can take up to a few weeks to complete the firing process. Make sure to inquire with your studio about how you can obtain your finished pieces if you’re visiting from out of town.
• This activity can run a bit of a higher price tag and may be more suitable for small to medium-sized teams.
  

Test your cooking skills with a culinary class

• Cooking classes offer a hands-on, interactive alternative to traditional team meals, where coworkers can work together to learn something new and put together a delicious final product to enjoy together!
• An onsite chef will walk you through the process, using professional appliances and top-quality ingredients to prepare your meal from start to finish.
• This is a great option for groups of all sizes with workstations available to work both independently and as a team to put together your dish.
• With facilities located in the historic American Industrial Centre, you’ll enjoy awesome views of San Francisco Bay as you cook and later enjoy your meal with your team. 
• This team building activity can be quite pricey but if you’re looking for a way to combine team building with a group dining experience then this may be a great option for you!

Get creative with a crafting class

• Everyone loved arts and crafts when they were a kid, so why not take your team back in time with a fun, creative and laidback crafting class during your next get-together.
• You’ll have plenty of projects to choose from, from clay moulding to painting and drawing!
• Staff will be available onsite to walk you through your craft, explaining each step and demonstrating techniques that you can apply to your own project. 
• This activity can accommodate a wide range of team sizes, hosting both larger groups and more intimate gatherings with smaller teams.
• This is a relatively cost-effective team building activity and you’ll be provided with all the tools you need to make a great souvenir to remember your retreat!
  

Work on problem-solving in an escape room

• Escape rooms are a great team building activity if you’re looking to build on teamwork, problem-solving and listening skills while working collaboratively with team members to solve a fun puzzle.
• Staff are available throughout your experience to explain the rules and assist you and your team with any questions, and they’ll even walk you through the solution to the puzzle if you run out of time.
• Most facilities change out their challenges regularly making this a great team building option for both new and returning visitors.
• This activity can accommodate groups both large and small as you can book multiple rooms to accommodate various group sizes.
• This is a pretty cost-effective team building activity making it a great option for groups working within a tighter budget.
  

Spark inspiration with a graffiti workshop

• Learn about the cultural history of the San Francisco street art scene while creating your very own individual and collaborative artworks through a team graffiti workshop!
• Your instructor will guide you on the various techniques and styles of artwork before handing over the spray paint cans for you to design and paint your own final piece.
• You’ll be provided with all of the materials you need to get creative and experiment with different colours and designs.
• Some of these experiences even include walking tours where you can explore San Francisco’s mural scene and learn more about the city’s art history. 
• This workshop typically runs about two hours making it a great way to start your day or finish off an afternoon of productivity.
  

Discover the city with a curated museum experience ‍

• Explore the culture and history of San Francisco through a unique, custom curated museum experience.
• Your team will learn about teamwork, communication and leadership from some of the best examples in history, art and science.
• Each tour is catered to your interests and preferences, with a personal guide who will work with you to build your experience from the ground up.
• Your tour guide offers a wealth of knowledge on San Francisco’s history and culture, providing plenty of fun facts and tidbits of information throughout your experience.
• This a great option for larger teams as there are no capacity limits on the tour and with a one-of-a-kind, personalized experience you can truly make this something that will appeal to everyone in your group.

Try your hand at woodworking 

• Get creative while making your very own unique keepsake to remember your team retreat with a woodworking workshop! 
• Combining craftsmanship and sustainability, this workshop experience will take you through the entire woodworking process from cutting and sanding to staining and engraving.
• The sessions are well-organized and onsite staff will demonstrate all of the techniques while answering any questions you and your team may have throughout the experience.

• This experience also has the option to indulge in a beer while you create, giving the activity an added level of sociability as you work. 
• This activity is great for groups of all sizes as the facility is quite spacious and can accommodate larger numbers as well as more intimate groups.

Discover the art of ramen making

• If you’re looking for a fun, engaging and unique team building experience then consider learning how to make ramen on your next retreat. 
• In-person and virtual options are available for this experience allowing for teams of all sizes to participate. 
• An instructor will explain each step of the process, demonstrating the various techniques while explaining the history and cultural significance of ramen to your team. 
• This is a great option if you’re looking for something different from a traditional team lunch or dinner as you can bond through the cooking process and socialize as you enjoy your meal afterwards.
• You’ll be provided with all of the equipment and ingredients you need onsite so the only thing you need to bring is yourself and a good appetite!

Fill your appetite with a sushi class

• Discover the intricacies of sushi making with a cooking class during your next team retreat.
• An instructor will walk you through each step, demonstrating the techniques and teaching you and your team how to assemble your very own rolls.
• Start your class off with some traditional sake and learn about the rich history and culture of Japanese cuisine.
• This is a great alternative to your average team dinner and there are plenty of versatile options to accommodate various dietary restrictions that may be present within your group.
• This can be a more expensive team building experience, especially for larger teams, but the step-by-step process and time spent together enjoying your final product make for a great team building experience if your budget allows.

Mix it up with a cocktail mixology class

• Share a drink with colleagues and discover the history of San Francisco’s bar scene through a cocktail mixology class.
• You’ll learn all about different popular cocktails and even walk away with your very own new signature drink. 
• You’ll be assigned a personal bartender who will teach you how to prepare each drink and answer any questions you may have about the cocktails and local bar culture.
• Consider having teams come up with their own drinks to try or create a signature company cocktail as a group!
• This is a great activity for the evening if you’re looking to relax, socialize and try something new and most facilities offer non-alcoholic cocktail options for any non-drinkers on your team.