5 Outdoor Team Building Activities That Actually Work
Looking to get your team out of the office and actually talking to each other? You’re not alone. More and more businesses are realising that a great away day isn’t just a break from routine—it’s a chance to strengthen communication, boost morale, and help people work better together.
But here’s the catch: most team building activities? Bit awkward. That’s why we’re all about outdoor team building activities that feel natural, purposeful, and yes—even fun.
Outdoor Team Building Activities That Get Teams Talking
First up: problem-solving challenges. Think raft-building, puzzles under pressure, or even navigating a low ropes course. These kinds of tasks ask teams to rely on each other, think strategically, and get a little creative—all without a single awkward icebreaker.
Why it works: Your team faces a shared challenge that gets them thinking (and laughing) together. It’s team bonding without the cheesy lanyards.
Outdoor Events That Involve Actual Direction (And a Bit of Healthy Competition)
Orienteering is a classic for a reason. Teams are given a map, a compass, and a route—then it’s up to them to work out the best way to hit all the checkpoints.
This is one of those outdoor events where the outcome really depends on communication, delegation, and a decent sense of direction (or just someone who admits they’re lost quickly).
Why it works: It’s simple, physical, and gets people working together without forcing conversation—it happens naturally.
Team Building with a Creative Twist
Not all team building has to involve mud. Sometimes, building something together—like a nature-inspired sculpture, a mural, or a team flag, can be just as powerful. It gives your team a shared goal, a bit of creative freedom, and a moment of pride when they step back and say, “We made that.”
Why it works: It taps into different personalities and strengths, perfect for teams who don’t want high-intensity challenges but still want to bond.
Team Building for Morale That Doesn't Feel Forced
Look, we all know the old-school trust fall isn’t the vibe. But that doesn’t mean you can’t build trust in your team in more modern, less eye-roll-inducing ways.
Activities like blindfolded walks, paired obstacle courses, or communication-based problem-solving help people rely on each other without the drama.
Why it works: It’s low-stakes but high-impact, and helps teams strengthen their interpersonal trust without breaking into a group hug.
Outdoor Team Building Activities That Push (Just Enough)
For teams that like to get stuck in, adventure-based outdoor team building activities are where it’s at. Think guided hikes, canoeing, or even a zip-line experience. These types of challenges push people just enough to feel proud of themselves, while encouraging support and encouragement from their teammates.
Why it works: Everyone leaves feeling a bit more energised, a bit more bonded, and with at least one good story to bring back to the office.
Ready to Plan Your Next Outdoor Event?
The best corporate team building days don’t feel like a checkbox exercise—they feel like a shared experience your team will talk about for months.
At MERA, we create bespoke outdoor team building activities that actually make a difference. Whether it’s a creative challenge, a strategic task, or something more adventurous like our Three Peaks Challenge, we’ve got your team covered.
Want to plan an outdoor event that builds connection and confidence? Let’s talk. No lanyards, no cringe, just meaningful time outdoors doing something your team will actually enjoy.
