Summertime is at everyone’s doorstep, it is the season for vacation, traveling, and team outings. 

Sunny weather gives Manhattan, NYC an energetic setting, boosting the mood for team building activities. The longer days are perfect for team building workshops or events during the day, and relaxing interpersonal adventure during the evening. Beyond the nice weather, team building in the summer means re-energize and reinforcing team goals, keeping everyone engaged moving toward Q3 and Q4. Let’s help you navigate places and activities for a successful outing of team building in Manhattan, NYC. Looking for transportation for the entire team? Book our New York charter bus.

Improv and Acting Classes

When in Rome, do as the Roman do. The Big Apple’s Broadway is world-wide famous, people from all over the world come to Manhattan to be in the most robust setting of musical theater. When in Manhattan, NYC, improv and acting classes don’t fall too far from the apple tree. Improv and acting classes boost creativity and spontaneity among team members. They encourage most people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace expressing themselves in new ways. In Manhattan, local drama schools or studios usually offer sessions that specialize in corporate improv training. The exercises from improv and acting classes are a great way to improve communication and teamwork skills among members. 

Rooftop Mixers

Savor in the stylish rooftop atmosphere at a rooftop mixer, this is a team-building event where companies host social gatherings on one of rooftop bars in Manhattan with the background of NYC’s panoramic skyline. Afterall, what could possibly be a better way for anyone to open up than sipping cocktails and chatting. Rooftop mixers are a great way for networking within the team, they create space to improve the interpersonal connections and understanding among team members as the setup encourages informal interactions between everyone on the team.  To arrange a rooftop mixer, reserve a rooftop venue and map out an event with refreshments, board games, and icebreaker activities. Lastly, check the size, capability, and venue cost of each rooftop to match the number of team members and your companies’ agenda.  

Here are some rooftop bar suggestions:

Somewhere Nowhere

A two-level tear-drop igloos sits on top of the Renaissance NY Chelsea Hotel with a rooftop pool and indoor/outdoor seating. 

Midtown Loft and Terrace

Located on the famous 5th Avenue, this venue provides a 360 view of Midtown, comfortable lounge furniture, and a photo booth. 

Elsie Rooftop

A tribute to Elsie de Wolfe, “the pioneering interior designer who revolutionized the field by introducing a more feminine, lighter, and simpler style”. If your company is woman-owned and embraces female power, this is the bar to be at. 

230 Fifth Rooftop 

This location provides a wide range of capacity, from 30 to 1,200 people. This is NYC’s largest all-year outdoor & indoor bar and event space.

Candle-Making Workshop 

A relaxing team building activity in Manhattan, NYC that focuses on giving team members a good time to share their likes and laugh with each other on silly mistakes as for many people, this is the first time they make candles. Anything that is the first time isn’t always done perfectly, bonding through learning new experiences builds a strong connection between team members. Manhattan, NYC offers plenty of local candle-making classes that are catered to groups as they provide all the necessary materials and instructions. 

Here are some recommendations for candle-making classes in Manhattan:

• Artisan Candle Atelier 
• Lanterne Candle Lab
• Back Porch Soap Company 
• Wick and Pour 

Bowling 

Nothing too fancy, just a classic, old-school team building activity: a fun night of bowling. Bowling has the thrill, the excitement, the competition, and the fun for everyone. Bowling at first sight might seem easy, but it is a game of skills, concentration, and team work. If one of the team members has never bowled before, this is the perfect opportunity for another team member who is more experienced to step in, share with them a few tips and aim for that first strike. A big group can choose to separate into two teams for a healthy competition between team members. 

Here are some suggestions for bowling alley in Manhattan, NYC: 

• Bowlero Times Square
• Frames Bowling Lounge 
• The Gutter L.E.S
• Lucky Strike Chelsea Piers 

Archery 

Bring on a game of focus, precision, and patience when picking archery for your next team building activities in Manhattan, NYC. On the first sight, archery might seem irrelevant to team building, as it looks like a game of individuality. However, archery is a good way to build personal and professional growth. Archery teaches not only focus and precision, but also adaptability and decisiveness. Gotham Archery in Manhattan offers group sessions at a beginner level, providing a team bonding and fun environment.  

FAQ

What are some unique team building activities in Manhattan, NYC?

Manhattan, NYC boasts a wide range of team building activities, indoor to outdoor, crafty to sporty. Team building activities that are unique to Manhattan including, improv workshops, rooftop-related events, and Central Park scavenger hunts.    

Where should we host outdoor team-building activities in Manhattan, NYC?

Even though Manhattan is known for its skyscrapers, the island has many parks that boast beautiful nature. Central Park, Bryant Park, Teardrop Park, Rockefeller Park, and many more are great options to host outdoor team-building activities. 

How far in advance should we book our team building event in Manhattan, NYC? 

It is recommended to book 3-4 weeks in advance during peak seasons such as spring and fall and for popular venues. For larger groups, booking in advance might require to be 1-2 months ahead of time.