We all know that corporate life can be fast-paced, high-stakes, and ever-changing. It’s one of the reasons why employees work so hard—and deserve to party hard, too. The problem is that too many companies resort to the same old cheese-plate-and-open-bar scenario instead of finding an activity that actually leaves their team recharged and ready to roll.
It doesn’t have to be that way, though.
Chicago is host to some of the most unique, whimsical, entertaining, and legit fun corporate events in Chicago this side of the boardroom. In this guide, you can find the perfect celebration for your company, whether it’s a small startup of five folks or a Fortune 500 company made up of 5,000. These experiences double as incredible team building activities in Chicago, ensuring your crew bonds while having an absolute blast.
Here are 32 unique and fun Chicago corporate event ideas that will blow your team away.
Your team works for you 365 days a year. There’s no reason you can’t show your gratitude at any point during that time. Whether you’re kicking off the fall, offering an escape from the winter blues, celebrating the first signs of spring, or finally enjoying the summer sun, these events will keep everyone happy and humming.
Photo Source: Chicago Food & City Tours
Be gone, sad sandwich platter! A food tour is one of the most delicious team building activities in Chicago to get your co-workers fed, festive, and full of new friends. Along the way, our expert guides share insider knowledge of Chicago and its famed culinary scene.
Got some green newbies? Introduce those Chicago transplants to the legendary Lou Malnati’s, sample a delicious Al's Beef sandwich, and enjoy the famed Portillo’s on our Iconic Foods of Chicago Food Tour. You’ll stroll Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile, snapping group photos in front of landmarks like the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Water Tower.
Experiences can be customized to suit the needs and preferences of your team so everyone has a fabulous experience. Our corporate events team will be available every step of the way, too, assuring the event goes off without a hitch
Insider Tip: Hungry for more? Foodies will appreciate our guide to the 20 best foods in Chicago where you’ll find old standbys like deep dish and new favorites like apple candy balloons.
Photo Source: US Poker & Casino Parties
For the company that puts it all on the line, Casino Night may be just the kind of memorable night out they need. US Poker & Casino Parties specializes in corporate events in Chicago, fundraisers, and team functions, assisting customers each step of the way. With games like Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, and more, you’ll get the thrills of a dazzling evening in Vegas with none of the regret.
Photo Source: @acebounce
The only place where a constant back-and-forth is a good thing? A ping-pong bar! AceBounce offers all the fun vibes of your parents’ rec room but in an upscale environment, with the additional bonus of having a DJ and a mixology program to keep the party going. Games Gurus are also there to entertain guests with unique ping-pong games designed specifically for groups, regardless of athletic ability.
Photo Source: Chicago Food Planet
Mere minutes from Chicago’s business district, the West Loop is one of the hottest food destinations in the country. Our Gateway to the West Loop Food Tour will give your team a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s culinary revolution while they eat their way through famous restaurants, hidden gems, and artisan eateries, including the incredible vendors inside TimeOut Market and world-renowned Bonci's Pizza.
This option is awesome any time of the year for memorable corporate events, but it really shines during the summer, when the trendy West Loop streets come alive with local revelers and fashionable visitors alike.
Insider Tip: Chicago summers are the absolute best thing about Chicago winters: they’re the only reason locals tolerate the harsh weather. For a guide to making the season perfect, check out our summertime Chicago guide.
Photo Source: Game Night Out
Forget Monopoly, Risk, and Clue. For a truly unforgettable game night out with colleagues, look no further than Game Night Out. This completely private experience provides two jam-packed hours of original party games that will keep everyone moving, challenged, and ready to show their skills. It’s one of the best small-group team building events in Chicago, since each experience is capped at 24 people.
Photo Source: Museum Hack
Museums can feel as stuffy as a boardroom, but Museum Hack does everything it can to disrupt that experience. They like to give what they call “renegade tours” of the Art Institute of Chicago: unique experiences where the guide focuses on the quirky, weird, and hilarious stories behind works of art. The tours can be customized to match your company’s industry, and they also offer icebreakers and activities to help each member of your team see each other for the true geniuses they are.
If you want to upgrade the classic pub dartboard into a premium corporate experience, Flight Club in the Loop is the answer. They’ve revolutionized the game with automatic scoring technology and multiplayer games that bring out everyone's competitive spirit. Combined with bespoke cocktails and delicious shareable platters, it's a slam-dun option for lively corporate events in Chicago.
Photo Source: @k1speed
Start your engines and blow off some steam with an outing to K1 Speed, Chicagoland’s premiere indoor karting complex. Both the Addison and Buffalo Grove locations offer challenging tracks, nightclub-style lighting, an on-site restaurant, and meeting rooms with AV connections. K1 Speed makes sure you race only with the members of your group for a truly bonding experience.
Source: The Escape Game Chicago
Who here hasn’t felt trapped on a boring client call or under a pile of work? The Escape Game Chicago gives you and your team a chance to live out your fleeing fantasies without getting fired. Your team can choose from immersive, Hollywood-tier scenarios like “The Heist” or “Mission: Mars" for a truly out-of-this-world experience. Your goal is to escape, and the only way to do it is by relying on each other, communicating clearly, and using your collective problem-solving skills.
Photo Source: Chicago Review of Books
Big-budget blockbusters, Hollywood classics, the latest indie flick—whatever your team is into, there is a Chicagoland theater willing to rent out their space so you can enjoy it together. AMC Theaters may be the most obvious choice for corporate outings given their size, but don’t snooze on smaller, historic venues. Places like the Logan Theater in Logan Square, the Davis Theater in Lincoln Square, and the Music Box Theatre in Southport are happy to host groups looking for a more intimate, charming space.
Photo Source: Navy Pier
Offshore Rooftop is somehow both lively and yet incredibly serene. Navy Pier's amazing restaurant and event space boasts some of the best views in all of Chicago. Technically verified as the world's largest rooftop deck, the space features incredible flexibility and can easily accommodate both indoor and outdoor large-scale corporate parties. Come for the vibes and stay for the view!
Photo Source: Headquarters
Trade the great game of business for the low-key joys of retro arcade games at Headquarters Beercade. Have a large group to entertain and please? This massive River North complex includes over 65 vintage arcade games and pinball machines, a massive rotating selection of draft craft beers, and an excellent menu of favorite pub-grub items. Multiple distinct areas can be rented out exclusively for your corporate team.
Photo Source: Topgolf
If you dream of closing the deal with a golf club in hand, you don’t have to wait for the warm weather to hit. All of Topgolf’s Chicagoland locations come equipped with climate-controlled hitting bays, a rooftop terrace with fire pits, and indoor meeting rooms perfect for presentations before you tee off.
Photo Source: Native 312
Loosen up that tie, roll up your permanent-press sleeves, and get your hands dirty with Native 312. This isn’t your stuffy paint-and-sip party. Instead of brushes and watercolors, guests are armed with spray paint and a full-on wall to express themselves. Local graffiti artists guide each workshop, and their staff can help you coordinate venues, bar packages, and live entertainment options.
Photo Source: Group Fox
Improv is an art form that fosters collaboration, trust, and quick thinking—the exact pillars of effective team building activities in Chicago. It is also laugh-out-loud funny! There is no better place to see improv than at the legendary comedy institution, The Second City. Invite your co-workers to eat, drink, and see the future comedy stars. Second City can also be hired to perform at your customized corporate functions, or you can book their world-class corporate workshops to get your own team thinking on their feet.
Once the warm weather hits, nothing will show your staff that you appreciate them like a much-needed break from the office. Chicago is a fantastic place to soak up the sun, live up the long days, and freshen up that annual summer outing.
If tamales, tacos, and tequila sound like a recipe for a good time, then you're going to want to take your crew to Pilsen. Discover authentic Mexican eats while you take in the vibrant street art in this bohemian cultural Chicago hub.
Sign up for our Street Foods of Pilsen Tour to get insider access to some of the coolest spots in this diverse neighborhood. Learn how to make tamales, talk to celebrated chefs, hang with your coworkers on the best patios in the city, and more! There's even an upgraded alcohol package so you can get happy hour started early.
Looking to push boundaries outside the city borders? Take your team to The Forge: Lemont Quarries. Boasting the largest aerial adventure course in North America, this outdoor park features ziplines, ropes courses, mountain biking, and kayaking. It’s an unbeatable choice for active team building activities in Chicago that challenge your workforce to encourage one another and overcome obstacles together.
Photo Source: Windy City Fieldhouse
Windy City Fieldhouse is here to throw the summer corporate picnic of your dreams with none of the hassle. They’ll take care of finding the ideal park location, the best catering, and even group transportation so all you and your staff have to worry about is remembering the sunscreen. Depending on your needs, they can organize softball tournaments, team challenges, custom scavenger hunts, relays, and field day games.
Photo Source: Chicago City Cruises
Show your team their hard work paid off with a dazzling evening on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. Booking a private charter with Chicago City Cruises welcomes your team aboard a sleek fleet where they can dine, drink, and dance the night away. If the mesmerizing Chicago skyline isn’t enough, passengers can also enjoy giant deck games, custom bars, and open-air lounge spaces.
Photo Source: Wrigleyville Rooftops
Catching a baseball game at Wrigley Field may be a storied Chicago summer tradition, but how can you make sure even the sports-averse have a good time? Easy. Turn to Wrigleyville Rooftops. Each one of their luxurious rooftops gives your group spectacular views of the field and the city skyline. Food and built-in drink packages are fully included, and there are even luxury meeting rooms with state-of-the-art equipment for any pre-game corporate presentations.
Glide with your team along beautiful Lake Michigan for an event that will have everyone looking at office buildings in a whole new way. Bike and Roll Chicago offers group tours and private events for teams that want to hit the streets. You can choose from incredible routes like the Amazing Lakefront Tour (riding from Millennium to Grant Park) or the Skyscraper Tour along the Riverwalk.
Insider Tip: Navy Pier’s 50 acres offers a ton of fun things to do. For more ideas, check out our guide: 25 Best Things to Do at Navy Pier & Top Places to Eat.
A company retreat on the other side of the world may not be in the budget, but you can experience a vibrant culture right in our backyard. Discover the rich history of one of Chicago’s most historic neighborhoods by booking our Chinatown Adventure Food Tour. Your team will sample authentic Cantonese, Mandarin, and Szechuan cuisine from Chinatown’s best eateries in a curated multi-course sitting. It will give you all a taste of unexpected adventure on what could have been a regular workday!
Nothing boosts morale like a bit of friendly competition, and a professional scavenger hunt allows your team to do just that. Watson Adventures creates corporate experiences that transform Chicago into your own playground. By using clever, smartphone-based trivia and location puzzles, you can test your wits in the Loop, city museums, or even the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Looking to celebrate the end of a fantastic quarter? Top off those big wins with holiday parties, festive team bonding activities, and spectacular winter celebrations that will warm the hearts of your entire team.
Say goodbye to the vending machine and that moldy cheese someone forgot in the break room fridge. By booking a private cooking event at The Chopping Block, your team will come together by becoming gourmet chefs for a day. In addition to learning how to chop, fry, and sauté, cooking teaches teams how to communicate, delegate, and collaborate under a timeline. Plus, it ends with a marvelous sit-down meal paired with fine wine.
Photo Source: Bordel
Step into Wicker Park’s hidden speakeasy, Bordel, and be immediately transported to a time when cocktails were classy, jazz was smoking, and velvet seating was all the rage. This swank and seductive space is ideal for any corporate holiday party in Chicago that wants a touch of prohibition-era glamour to reward the team for a profitable year.
If your team has been relying on their analytical, left-brained skills too much, unleash their creative talents with a private event at Pinot’s Palette. They host a variety of art-centric team building activities in Chicago where groups paint, sip fine wine, and socialize in a relaxed setting. You can choose from a classic paint-and-sip class, a jigsaw painting event (where team members paint individual canvases that connect into a massive company mural), or a mystery painting challenge.
Photo Source: Lucky Strike
Looking for some good, old-fashioned, wholesome fun to beat the winter blues? Lace up those bowling shoes and head over to Lucky Strike in Streeterville. In addition to upscale bowling lanes, the massive venue features ping-pong tables, billiards, arcade games, and a full-service bar and restaurant.
For an indoor winter playground that has something for literally everyone on your staff, Punch Bowl Social in the West Loop is a corporate favorite. This massive craft beverage and food hub features dirty bowling, vintage arcade games, karaoke rooms, foosball, and bocce court lanes. It's the perfect indoor escape to keep morale sky-high when the temperature drops.
Photo Source: Park & Field
Does your team love the idea of being outdoorsy but hate the actual freezing weather? Logan Square’s Park & Field, an exquisitely decorated vintage sports bar, is the ultimate solution. They feature an amazing 6,000-square-foot patio with fire pits and an outdoor camper bar that is open year-round. During the winter months, they provide corporate groups with piping-hot seasonal beverages, fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies, and DIY s’mores kits to enjoy around the fire.
If your team needs to blow off some serious quarterly stress, look no further than Bad Axe Throwing. Professional coaches will show your group the safe, proper way to hurl axes and leave plenty of time to practice your new skills before running a friendly, low-stakes tournament. It’s an unforgettable, edgy experience that steps everyone comfortably outside of their zone.
Two words: Ice. Curling. Yes, you and your colleagues can try out this most intriguing and classic winter sport right at Kaiser Tiger. This friendly West Loop bar installs authentic ice curling lanes in their outdoor beer garden during the winter months. Jenga, bags, and an assortment of mouthwatering bratwurst and craft beers will keep everyone warm and entertained while they wait for their turn on the ice.
Photo Source: Science News
Companies that thrive on the quirky, the historic, and the unique will want to celebrate their holiday party at the International Museum of Surgical Science. Housed in a spectacular lakefront mansion, its opulent architecture and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan turn any evening into a highly sophisticated affair, all while guests satisfy their curiosity by checking out fascinating exhibits from medical history.
Level up your company's culture and corporate event game. With Chicago Food & City Tours, our knowledgeable and dedicated sales and event management team takes care of organizing every detail of your day so you can focus entirely on bonding and having fun.
Whether you choose our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour, or our trendy Gateway to the West Loop Food Tour, or want a custom mix of food and culture, we handle the heavy lifting.
Contact Chicago Food & City Tours today to book an unforgettable corporate event or team building activity that your employees will talk about for years to come!
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