10 Team Building Activities for Remote Teams in 2026

As of January 2026, remote work has become the norm for many organizations, with 70% of teams working from home at least part-time. This shift has made team building more critical than ever, as fostering connections and collaboration among remote team members is essential for productivity and morale. Here are ten practical team building activities that are perfect for remote teams in 2026.

1. Virtual Escape Rooms

Time Required: 1.5-2 hours
Group Size: 4-10 participants
Cost: $25-50 per person
Energy Level: Moderate
Best For: Problem-solving and collaboration

Virtual escape rooms offer a fun and engaging way for team members to work together to solve puzzles and challenges. Companies like Escape Room in a Box provide themed experiences that can accommodate various group sizes.

Insider Tip: Schedule a debrief session afterward to discuss strategies and teamwork.

2. Online Cooking Classes

Time Required: 2-3 hours
Group Size: Up to 20 participants
Cost: $30-100 per person
Energy Level: Low to Moderate
Best For: Team bonding and relaxation

Cooking classes led by professional chefs can be a delightful way for remote teams to connect. Platforms like Cozymeal offer a variety of cuisines and skill levels, making it easy to find something for everyone.

Skip if: Your team has dietary restrictions that may complicate the cooking process.

3. Virtual Trivia Competitions

Time Required: 1-1.5 hours
Group Size: 10-50 participants
Cost: $15-30 per person
Energy Level: Moderate
Best For: Friendly competition and knowledge sharing

Hosting a virtual trivia night can spark friendly competition. Services like Outback Team Building provide customizable trivia games that can be tailored to your team's interests.

Insider Tip: Include categories that relate to your industry to make it more relevant and engaging.

4. Remote Book Club

Time Required: 1 hour per session (monthly)
Group Size: 5-15 participants
Cost: Free (book purchase varies)
Energy Level: Low
Best For: Continuous learning and discussion

A virtual book club encourages team members to read and discuss books related to personal or professional growth. Use platforms like Zoom to facilitate discussions.

Skip if: Your team prefers more interactive activities.

5. Virtual Team Fitness Challenges

Time Required: Ongoing (weekly check-ins)
Group Size: 5-30 participants
Cost: Free to $50 per person (for fitness app subscriptions)
Energy Level: High
Best For: Health and wellness

Organize fitness challenges using apps like Strava or Fitbit. Teams can compete in steps, cycling distances, or other fitness goals.

Insider Tip: Offer incentives or prizes for the top performers to keep motivation high.

6. Online Workshops

Time Required: 2-4 hours
Group Size: 10-30 participants
Cost: $50-150 per person
Energy Level: Moderate
Best For: Skill development

Workshops on topics like public speaking, leadership, or creative thinking can enhance skills while bringing teams together. Providers like Skillshare offer various options.

Skip if: Your team prefers hands-on activities.

7. Virtual Coffee Breaks

Time Required: 30 minutes per session (weekly)
Group Size: 2-10 participants
Cost: Free
Energy Level: Low
Best For: Casual connection

Set aside time for informal chats over coffee. Encourage team members to bring their favorite beverage and share stories or discuss non-work-related topics.

Insider Tip: Rotate the host each week to keep conversations fresh.

8. Team Storytelling Sessions

Time Required: 1-2 hours
Group Size: Up to 15 participants
Cost: Free
Energy Level: Low
Best For: Building empathy and connections

Encourage team members to share personal stories or experiences. This activity fosters deeper connections and understanding among team members.

Skip if: Your team is uncomfortable sharing personal stories.

9. Online Game Tournaments

Time Required: 1-3 hours
Group Size: 4-16 participants
Cost: $10-30 per person (game purchase)
Energy Level: High
Best For: Team bonding through competition

Organize tournaments for popular online games like Among Us or Jackbox Games. These games are great for teamwork and strategy.

Insider Tip: Create a leaderboard to track scores and foster ongoing competition.

10. Virtual Scavenger Hunts

Time Required: 1-2 hours
Group Size: 4-20 participants
Cost: $15-40 per person
Energy Level: High
Best For: Creativity and engagement

Use platforms like Scavify to create fun scavenger hunts that teams can participate in from their homes. This activity promotes teamwork and creativity.

Skip if: Your team has limited space or mobility issues.

Conclusion

Building a strong remote team in 2026 requires thoughtful and engaging activities that foster connections and collaboration. Consider implementing a mix of the activities listed above to cater to different interests and energy levels.

Action Items:

1. Determine your team size and preferred activities.
2. Schedule one activity per month to maintain engagement.
3. Gather feedback from your team to refine future activities.