23 Best Team Building Activities in San Jose, CA

By: | Updated: February 13, 2024

Here is our list of fun team building activities in San Jose, California.

Corporate team building activities in San Jose are events that give employees the chance to connect and grow outside of their work roles. For example, zip lining through redwood trees, wine-based scavenger hunts, and observatory tours provide opportunities for meaningful engagements in new settings. The purpose of these activities is to help build connections among team members that might not be possible otherwise.

These ideas fall under categories like summertime team buildingoutdoor team building, and small group team building. These events are similar to San Jose Corporate Events and San Jose company outings.

This list includes:

  • team building activities for small groups in San Jose, CA
  • team building activities for large groups in San Jose, California
  • team building activities for adults in San Jose
  • corporate team building ideas in San Jose

Here we go!

List of team building activities in San Jose

From outdoor adventures to opportunities for relaxation, you can find outing options that are sure to please. Here is the list of corporate team building activities in San Jose.

1. Espionage! (Top Choice)

espionage banner

If you are looking for a thrilling challenge for your team, then look no further than Espionage! This experience divides participants into undercover spies and agents, where they must complete a series of tasks to win.

Here is what this experience includes:

  • 90 minutes guided by a skilled host
  • complex puzzles, challenges, and strategic maneuvers to test players
  • roles of spies and agents in a world of intrigue
  • team discussions to uncover secret identities and unravel the mystery

In addition, we will bring all the necessary materials directly to your chosen venue, making planning a breeze. To enhance communication and critical thinking, check out this captivating experience.

Learn more about Espionage!

2. Field Day (Staff Favorite)

Teams interested in outdoor activities should check out Field Day! During this exciting experience, participants will go head-to-head in exciting games.

Field Day includes the following:

  • 90 minutes guided by a world-class host
  • chances to capture memorable team photos
  • innovative new competitions and classic favorites
  • nostalgic activities that spark childhood memories

Also, we will meet you at the venue of your choice with all the game equipment. Overall, each game in Field Day fosters teamwork, effective communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.

Learn more about Field Day.

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3. The Great Guac Off™️ (Highly Rated)

Guacamole making competition

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience for your team, then consider The Great Guac Off! During this avocado-themed experience, players will go head-to-head in a guacamole-making contest.

During The Great Guac Off, you can look forward to:

  • a 90-minute session guided by a world-class host
  • fascinating avocado trivia, facts, and mini-games
  • premium guacamole ingredients and dippers
  • an optional secret ingredient to add a thrilling twist to the competition
  • a fast-paced guacamole-making competition and taste test

To make planning simple, we will meet you at your chosen venue with all the necessary ingredients. Additionally, you have the option to customize the trivia questions specifically for your company. When searching for fun team building activities, be sure to add The Great Guac Off to your agenda!

Learn more about The Great Guac Off.

4. 3Below Theaters

3Below combines theater, film, entertainment, and education to create a unique and fun experience.

Here are the venues you can visit:

  • Playhouse: This space features events such as musicals, cabaret, open mics, game nights, and karaoke.
  • Arthouse: Visitors can watch new and classic films here, such as Wonka and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
  • Clubhouse: This kid-friendly venue provides programming like mini-musicals and sing-along cinema.
  • Schoolhouse: This educational space showcases documentaries, theater classes, and reading groups.

In addition to all the existing events and programming, you can also rent the theater for private parties. 3Below also offers scenery and costume rentals, so you can dress up for parties or put on your own show!

Learn more about 3Below.

5. Camino Brewing Company

You can treat your team to a fun afternoon at Camino Brewing Company! This venue is dedicated to creating beers for all preferences. Examples of Camino’s beers include a fruit cup IPA and a black lager.

Teams can enjoy the outdoor beer garden, which often features live music. Additionally, you can find delicious food trucks in the garden, including La Fenice Pizza and The Griddler. The venue offers buyouts for private parties. Plus, Camino supports local community initiatives, such as Ales for ALS and Brave Noise.

Learn more about Camino Brewing Company.

6. The Cake Works

When looking for a delicious team building activity, you can check out the classes at The Cake Works! This family-owned and operated business offers delicious and beautiful cakes.

Here are a few examples of previous courses:

  • Cupcakes & Petit Fours: Ready-made treats to fill and decorate
  • Cinnamon Rolls: An inclusive course covering each step of making tasty cinnamon rolls
  • Fun Baking Class: A class teaching how to make blondies, cheesecake bars, and a cookie tart

Plus, this venue often holds fun seasonal courses! In addition to these classes, you can work with The Cake Works to cater your next corporate event.

Learn more about The Cake Works.

7. Higher Fire

Teams looking for a hands-on experience should check out Higher Fire. This pottery studio wants to bring the fun of ceramics to experienced and new potters alike.

Some available courses include:

  • Take a Spin: A two-hour mini pottery workshop where participants get to make two complete pieces
  • Just Try It: A six-week course covering the basics of wheel pottery, including throwing, trimming, attachments, and glazing
  • Projects Classes: A hand-building and intermediate wheel course covering special topics like jewelry and teapots

Whether you are interested in a quick course or a regular team building event, Higher Fire will help you create amazing artwork.

Learn more about Higher Fire.

8. Haberdasher

If you are looking for a fun team building activity, then consider checking out Haberdasher! This Prohibition-style speakeasy will make you feel like you stepped back in time. The menu features fun cocktails like the Watermelon Waltz and the Mango Tango. Visitors can also enjoy classic bar snacks like chicharrones and flavored nuts. Locals may be interested in joining the Bootlegger’s Whiskey Syndicate, which is a whiskey lover’s club! Members get access to tastings and unique bottles. Be sure to reach out if you are interested in hosting a private event! The venue can support up to 110 guests, with catering available.

Learn more about Haberdasher.

9. Bubble Soccer

If you’re on the search for team building activities for small groups in San Jose, CA, a few rounds of bubble soccer might fit the bill. Players wedge themselves into hilarious inflatable bubbles and run headlong into each other. The goal is to knock the other players to the ground if only to watch them bounce and roll as they try to get back on their feet! Bubble soccer games are no free-for-alls, though. Instead, referees oversee the games to ensure everyone follows the rules and plays fairly.

There are rules and booking information at Bubble Soccer.

10. Monopoly in the Park

Downtown San Jose’s Discovery Park is home to the most giant Monopoly board in the world, a 930-square-foot version of the classic game. Teams will have a blast tossing enormous dice and moving oversized game tokens to spaces. Varying rates apply for larger groups based on the number of guests.

You can reserve Monopoly in the Park 30 days in advance.

11. Vine & Seek

This ingenious blend of a scavenger hunt and a wine-tasting tour takes employees on a trek through choice wineries and wine bars in Sonoma or Napa Valley. Guests answer wine-based trivia questions as they explore, submitting their answers and uploading photos and videos. Then, teams reassemble after the mission to tally the scores and review the fun moments in a slideshow created especially for the team.

You can book a Vine and Seek for your crew.

12. Calero County Park

Teams can find plenty of breathtaking views and lush outdoor spaces to unwind and connect at Calero County Park. Over 4,400 square feet of natural landscape changes with the season. Employees can enjoy water-based activities in the reservoir or watch for wildlife among the wildflower displays. Diehard hikers will find nearly 20 miles of trails to wander. A picnic lunch will complete a relaxing afternoon of team building in the lovely Northern California wilderness.

You can find park hours, fees, and activities listed at Calero County Park.

13. SoFA District

More than just a region in Downtown San Jose, SoFA is a lifestyle space that invites connections made in a relaxing environment. This exciting creative and commercial hub of Silicon Valley offers upscale boutiques and restaurants, with glittering art galleries and bars scattered throughout. Employees can hunker down in a diner for lunch before checking out the art and stopping into one of the lounges for cocktails and conversation.

You can see what SoFA has to offer your team.

14. Downtown Yoga Shala

You can add a bit of peace to your corporate team building activities in Seattle with a session at Yoga Shala. This warm community offers yoga and meditation for employees to tap into their inner calm while sharing space. In addition, employees can learn to tap into their relaxation responses by learning from teachers and guides in various yoga styles. With classes and workshops available year-round, you can check in and bliss out whenever necessary.

Check out what Downtown Yoga Shala has to offer.

15. SJ Walls Public Art

This ever-expanding outdoor art project is part of the greater Worldwide Walls program. Local and visiting artists fill public walls with vibrant and colorful works that express the community’s personality. Events occur in different San Jose locations, and murals change yearly. Employees can enjoy live music and learn from the artists as they follow the map and find brilliant imagery around every corner.

The schedule of events at SJ Walls will clue you in.

16. Casino M8trix

The stakes are high at Casino M8trix, a full-service casino that can turn your workers into high rollers. One of the more engaging team building activities for adults in San Jose, this ultra-modern casino offers gaming and fine dining in four upscale restaurants and lounges. The Event Tower on the upper floors of the building provides a more secluded experience, including a VIP lounge and a deluxe dining room. You can also treat your team to their own gaming zone on the casino floor for hours of private play.

There are guidelines for booking your event at Casino M8trix.

17. Henry Cowell Redwood State Park

You can add grand dimension to your corporate team building ideas in San Jose with a trip to this surreal American landscape. Located in the Santa Cruz mountains, the park is a 40-acre forest of colossal redwoods that boasts some of the world’s largest and oldest living trees. Next door to the park is Roaring Camp, a working steam-powered railroad that offers a 75-minute journey to the peak of Bear Mountain. Employees can also enjoy a train ride to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to see mountains, woods, and ocean in a single trip.

View park activities and train departure times at Henry Cowell Redwood State Park.

18. Adobe Semaphore

This unique attraction is part of the Adobe campus and one of the most intriguing corporate team building activities in San Jose for codebreakers and puzzle lovers. Projections of four discs appear at the top of the Adobe high-rise. Their shifting positions present an encoded message that visitors can attempt to decrypt. This clever, interactive art installment responds to the shockwaves from overhead planes! The downtown location makes it easy to pair your team’s visit with a nice lunch as they try to solve the puzzle.

Check out Adobe Semaphore.

19. The Plex

The Plex offers league sports and recreational gaming under the same roof as upscale dining and arcade excitement. Employees can bond over beanbag competitions and bocce or soar over the floor of the full-size roller rink. There are drinks, pizza, and sushi for hungry competitors to enjoy between rounds. If space size is a consideration for your event, then check into booking the private event area to accommodate team building activities for large groups in San Jose, California.

There are listings for all events and games at The Plex.

20. Lick Observatory

Your crew can travel to the stars without leaving the ground with a visit to Lick Observatory. The facility stands on the highest peak in the Bay Area and holds public evening tours and photography nights for stargazers. Events begin around sundown and include a visit to the dome telescope. Visitors can enjoy complimentary beverages as they learn about the galaxy and its wonders.

Check out the agenda to see upcoming events at Lick Observatory.

21. Game Truck

Game Truck brings a mobile arcade to your workplace for an immersive video game theater experience. This team building activity on wheels lets teams of ten or more visitors enjoy digital competition without leaving the worksite. Players can choose from modern gaming consoles like X-Box and PlayStation and cue up more than 80 different titles, current and classic.

The details at Game Truck include pricing and scheduling for team events.

22. Club Auto Sport

Gearheads will get a real charge out of a team building activity at this car-centered destination spot. True collaborative tests like Pit Crew Challenge and whimsical competitive games like Tricycle Racing will have employees’ engines revving. The realistic racing simulators are a thrill for drivers of all skills and sensibilities. If a more formal outing is in the plans, then you can reserve one of the sleek auto-themed event spaces for the occasion.

You can learn more about planning an event at Club Auto Sport.

23. Guildhouse Gaming

Guildhouse is a haven for gamers with a slightly different sensibility. Tabletop and board games share the venue with digital screens, providing opportunities for friendly competition at every station. With open seating and a warm, casual vibe, the comfort factor is a check in the “yes” column. The in-house bar serves an extensive selection of craft cocktails and small snacks to make gameplay even more enjoyable. Workers can place their drink orders, choose their favorite title from the classic games collection, and settle in for an energizing time.

Your team can get their game on with a visit to Guildhouse Gaming.

Conclusion

San Jose is a blend of natural beauty and contemporary flair, with locales that inspire important interpersonal interaction. Teams can enjoy the best of dining, entertainment and outdoor adventures for memorable outings.

Next, check out this list of workplace beach party ideas.

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FAQ: Team building activities in San Jose, California

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about corporate team building activities in San Jose.

What are some good corporate team building ideas in San Jose?

If a relaxing team building event is a must, then a session at Downtown Yoga Shala can help employees refresh and recenter. Art-oriented activities like a trek through SJ walls can bring color into your team’s life. Fans of the odd and unusual will love taking a turn at solving the cipher at Adobe Semaphore.

What are fun team building activities to do in San Jose?

Teams that love beverages will enjoy a Vine N Seek wine-based scavenger hunt. For gamers in the office, Game Truck can bring interactive fun to your worksite. Adventure fans can ride on an old-fashioned steam engine from Roaring Camp.

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Author:

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.
Grace is the Director of People & Culture at TeamBuilding. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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