Known as the Gateway City, Newark, New Jersey is a major transportation hub in the Northeast of the U.S. Newark’s nickname, Gateway City, is due to its prominent airport and shipping port. However, Newark is more than just a transportation hub, it is a dynamic city with history, and influences of Portuguese and Brazilian cultures. Its rich cultural tapestry and diverse community make Newark one of the best cities in the U.S. for team building activities. Heading to Newark, teams will have to choose from the plenty of unique team-building experiences that bring everyone together.
In this guide, we will help you and your team to explore options of Newark team building activities and how to navigate in the Gateway City.
Getting Around in Newark
Newark is one of the most accessible cities in New Jersey, with various transportation options. Newark Light Rail is the city’s subway system that runs from north to south, combined with a bus network that makes it easy for local tourists to reach their destinations. Additionally, the PATH train connects Newark to New York City, offering another form of subway-like service. Uber and Lyft operate widely in the city, making late night fun for groups convenient and relieved/ carefree. Walking and biking in downtown Newark which is filled with bike lanes and plenty of walking paths, choose a day during the trip for a team scavenger hunt in this part of Newark.
However, a New Jersey charter bus is the best choice for transportation to reach desired destinations for team building activities. Explore different options of our charter bus rentals designed to make your team building trip roll smoothly.
Team Building Activities in Newark
Creative Workshops at Newark Museum of Art
Let your imagination run wild with art-making, and various creative workshops at the Newark Museum of Art. Learn to design and solder stained-glass pieces inspired by the historic Ballantine House with the Stained-Glass Suncatcher Workshop. Get your hands in the clay with Pinch-Pot Animal Workshop in which participants create clay animals using pinch-pot techniques, a simple hand-building method in pottery. Or catch the occasional Photography Composition Workshops, these sessions guide attendees on how to develop their photography skills with the museum galleries and outdoor spaces being backgrounds for their practice photos. At the end of these sessions, everyone gets to take home their own art.
Feel the Heat of the Kitchen with Cook-off Battles
When exploring different cooking classes that focus on cuisines across the globe. Newark being a cultural hub itself makes this team building activity even more special, your team might actually get to craft a dish from an experienced chef, who learned the art at its birthplace. But above all, nothing brings people together like food! Join a hands-on cooking class at The Table in downtown Newark. Work in teams to prep, cook, and enjoy dishes from various cuisines. Take things a notch higher with team cook-offs in which team members are divided into smaller teams and compete in a cooking challenge. At The Table, not only can teams learn how to cook, and enjoy their own dishes, but also where they feel the heat of the kitchen.
Branch Brook Park where The Hunt Begun
If your team happened to be in Newark in April, don’t miss out the stunning beauty of blooming cherry blossoms. Organize a team challenge under the fleeting sakura petals at Branch Brook Park, the park is famous for its cherry blossoms and scenic walking trails. During the scavenger hunt, don’t hesitate to stop for a few photo ops. We promise you, the cherry blossoms will turn your pictures into a fairy-tale-like book of stories. To create a one-of-a-kind scavenger, teams can use an app or connect with local facilitators.
Axe Throwing at Bury the Hatchet
Channel your inner medieval warrior with some axe throwing. Raise the adrenaline level and team spirit with an axe-throwing competition. Some teams might wonder if axe throwing is a safe team building activity, the answer is yes. Participants in an axe-throwing session are monitored with a trained instructor, regulation axes and targets are made of soft wood to reduce bounce-backs. Axe throwing is incredibly fun, and promotes friendly competition. Book a private session and enjoy snacks and drinks onsite.
Venture into the World of Flavors in Ironbound District
Dive into one of Newark’s most vibrant neighborhoods, the Ironbound District where visitors can immerse themselves in the influences of Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian culture. While other activities focus on completing tasks and overcome challenges with your team members, food tours embrace enjoyment in savoring flavors and simply relaxing. After all, nothing builds bonds like the taste of delicious dishes. As your team ventures into a flavorful adventure, don’t miss out on a bit of sightseeing, taking in the architecture of the Ironbound District and learning about the history of this neighborhood. A helpful tip to keep the food tours experience memorable is to come prepared. Whether it’s a supplement to help with digestion, or accessories such as hats, sunscreen to protect your skin from the summer, and bottles to stay hydrated.
Tips for Team Building in Newark
- Not all teams are alike, pick something that suits your team’s size, energy level and comfort zone
- Look for venues with team rates or private session as some venues in Newark offer special packages for corporate groups and school teams
- Booking ahead of time is always recommended
- Have your transportation planned out. If your team planned to reach multiple destinations across the city, it is best to use charter buses.
- Try something local and unique to Newark
- Make sure to arrange your activity in a timely manner, early mornings and late afternoons might result in low attendance. Midday and afternoon are the best time for energy and availability
FAQ
What’s the best time of year for team building in Newark?
Spring and fall are ideal thanks to mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities. However, many indoor venues like escape rooms or cooking studios operate year-round.
Can we customize activities for specific team goals?
Yes! Many providers like The Table NJ or Amazing Escape Room offer customized packages. You can also work with local event planners or facilitators to tailor experiences.
Are there budget-friendly options for small teams?
Absolutely. Branch Brook Park, the Ironbound walking tour, and public museum workshops are great options for teams on a budget. Consider off-peak hours or weekday bookings for discounts.
Can we combine multiple activities in one day?
Definitely. Newark is compact enough to schedule a morning museum visit, lunch in the Ironbound, and an afternoon escape room challenge—all without leaving the city. If your team considers participating in team building activities in nearby cities, check out our New York charter bus and Baltimore charter bus guides.