10 Unexpected Team Building Activities for Remote Teams in 2026

As remote work continues to dominate the professional landscape in 2026, team building activities are more crucial than ever. Did you know that 70% of remote employees feel more connected to their team when they participate in engaging activities? However, planning these activities can be a daunting task. Here are ten unexpected team building activities that will boost engagement, foster connections, and are budget-friendly for your remote team.

1. Virtual Escape Rooms

Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Group Size: 4-10 per team
Cost: $25/person
Energy Level: High
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

Virtual escape rooms are a fantastic way to challenge your team's problem-solving skills. Teams work together to solve puzzles and "escape" within a set time limit. Recommended platforms include The Escape Game and Puzzle Break.

Skip if... your team struggles with time management under pressure.

2. Online Cooking Classes

Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Group Size: 10-20
Cost: $50/person
Energy Level: Moderate
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

Bring your team together with a virtual cooking class. Hire a chef to guide your team through making a delicious dish. Companies like Cozymeal and Sur la Table offer interactive cooking experiences.

Skip if... your team members have dietary restrictions that may complicate the menu.

3. Virtual Trivia Night

Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Group Size: 5-30
Cost: $15/person
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

Host a virtual trivia night using platforms like Kahoot! or QuizUp. This is a fun way to encourage friendly competition and learn new things about each other.

Skip if... your team is not comfortable with competitive environments.

4. Remote Book Club

Time Needed: Ongoing (1 meeting/month)
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: Free (or book purchase)
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

Choose a book each month and schedule a video call to discuss it. This activity promotes dialogue and can help team members bond over shared interests.

Skip if... your team is not enthusiastic about reading.

5. Virtual Art Classes

Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Group Size: 10-20
Cost: $40/person
Energy Level: Moderate
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

Bring out the creativity in your team with a virtual art class. Platforms like Skillshare offer various workshops, from painting to digital art.

Skip if... your team lacks interest or experience in art.

6. Online Game Tournament

Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Group Size: 4-20
Cost: Free (or game purchase)
Energy Level: High
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

Organize a tournament using popular online games like Among Us or Jackbox Games. This is a great way to foster teamwork and camaraderie.

Skip if... your team members are not gamers.

7. Virtual Fitness Challenges

Time Needed: Ongoing (1 month)
Group Size: 5-30
Cost: Free (or app subscription)
Energy Level: High
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor/Outdoor

Encourage health and wellness with a virtual fitness challenge. Use apps like MyFitnessPal or Strava to track progress and motivate each other.

Skip if... your team has varied fitness levels and preferences.

8. Online Charity Events

Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Group Size: 5-30
Cost: Variable (donation-based)
Energy Level: Moderate
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

Get your team involved in a charity event like a virtual 5K or a fundraising campaign. This not only builds team spirit but also gives back to the community.

Skip if... your team has varying levels of commitment to charitable causes.

9. Virtual Wine or Beer Tastings

Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: $50-$100/person
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

Host a virtual tasting with a local brewery or winery. Participants receive a tasting kit to enjoy during the event, making it a relaxed and enjoyable gathering.

Skip if... your team members don't consume alcohol.

10. Digital Scavenger Hunt

Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Group Size: 5-30
Cost: Free
Energy Level: High
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

Create a digital scavenger hunt where team members find items in their homes or complete challenges. Use tools like GooseChase to facilitate the hunt.

Skip if... your team is not competitive or prefers less active involvement.

Comparison Table of Activities

| Activity | Time Needed | Group Size | Cost/Person | Energy Level | Indoor/Outdoor | Best For | |---------------------------|----------------|------------|-------------|--------------|----------------|----------------------| | Virtual Escape Rooms | 1-2 hours | 4-10 | $25 | High | Indoor | Problem Solving | | Online Cooking Classes | 2-3 hours | 10-20 | $50 | Moderate | Indoor | Culinary Enthusiasts | | Virtual Trivia Night | 1-2 hours | 5-30 | $15 | Low | Indoor | Team Bonding | | Remote Book Club | Ongoing | 5-20 | Free | Low | Indoor | Readers | | Virtual Art Classes | 1-2 hours | 10-20 | $40 | Moderate | Indoor | Creative Teams | | Online Game Tournament | 2-3 hours | 4-20 | Free | High | Indoor | Gamers | | Virtual Fitness Challenges | Ongoing | 5-30 | Free | High | Indoor/Outdoor | Health-Conscious Teams| | Online Charity Events | 2-3 hours | 5-30 | Variable | Moderate | Indoor | Philanthropic Teams | | Virtual Wine Tastings | 1-2 hours | 5-20 | $50-$100 | Low | Indoor | Socializers | | Digital Scavenger Hunt | 1-2 hours | 5-30 | Free | High | Indoor | Competitive Teams |

Conclusion

In 2026, remote teams must leverage innovative and engaging activities to foster connection and collaboration. From virtual escape rooms to online cooking classes, the options are diverse and adaptable to different team needs.

Action Items:

• Choose 2-3 activities from the list that align with your team's interests.
• Set a timeline for scheduling and executing these activities.
• Gather feedback post-activity to continually improve future team building efforts.