25 Creative Team Building Exercises for Small Teams Under 20
25 Creative Team Building Exercises for Small Teams Under 20
In 2026, team building is more crucial than ever, especially for small teams. Did you know that 70% of employees feel more engaged when they participate in team-building activities? For teams with under 20 members, the right exercises can enhance collaboration, boost morale, and foster creativity. Here’s a comprehensive list of 25 creative team-building exercises tailored for small teams.
1. Collaborative Art Project
Time Needed: 2 hours
Group Size: Up to 20
Cost: $50/person (supplies)
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team isn't interested in creative activities.
Gather your team and provide canvases, paints, and brushes. Each member contributes to a larger piece of art. This fosters collaboration and allows for self-expression.
2. Escape Room Challenge
Time Needed: 1.5 hours
Group Size: 6-20
Cost: $30-50/person
Energy Level: Medium
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team dislikes puzzles and challenges.
Book a local escape room where your team must solve puzzles and find clues to "escape." This activity promotes teamwork and problem-solving.
3. Cooking Class
Time Needed: 3 hours
Group Size: 8-20
Cost: $75/person
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team has dietary restrictions or dislikes cooking.
Participate in a cooking class where your team can learn to make a new dish together, which fosters collaboration and provides a delicious reward!
4. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: $15/person
Energy Level: High
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Skip if... inclement weather is expected.
Organize a scavenger hunt in a local park. Create teams, provide a list of items to find, and set a time limit. This encourages teamwork and outdoor activity.
5. Team Trivia Contest
Time Needed: 1 hour
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: Free (DIY) or $20/person (hosted)
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team isn't competitive.
Host a trivia contest covering various topics or company-specific trivia. This builds camaraderie and is a fun way to learn more about each other.
6. Volunteer Together
Time Needed: 3-4 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: Free
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor/Outdoor
Skip if... your team prefers structured activities.
Choose a local charity and volunteer as a team. This fosters a sense of community and teamwork while giving back.
7. Improv Workshop
Time Needed: 2 hours
Group Size: 10-20
Cost: $60/person
Energy Level: Medium
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team is shy or uncomfortable with public speaking.
Hire an improv coach to lead your team through fun exercises that build communication skills and encourage spontaneity.
8. Team Sports Day
Time Needed: 3 hours
Group Size: 10-20
Cost: $10-20/person (equipment rental)
Energy Level: High
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Skip if... your team isn’t interested in physical activities.
Organize a day of friendly sports competitions, such as soccer, volleyball, or frisbee. This builds teamwork and encourages healthy competition.
9. DIY Craft Workshop
Time Needed: 2 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: $25/person (materials)
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team prefers more active engagements.
Host a crafting session where your team can create something together, such as pottery or jewelry. This encourages creativity and collaboration.
10. Team Book Club
Time Needed: Ongoing (1 hour/month)
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: Free (library books)
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team isn’t interested in reading.
Select a book to read and discuss together. This encourages dialogue and helps team members connect on a deeper level.
11. Hiking Adventure
Time Needed: 4-6 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: Free (or $10/person for guided tours)
Energy Level: High
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Skip if... your team isn’t physically active.
Plan a day hike at a local nature reserve. This promotes bonding in a relaxed and natural environment.
12. Movie Night
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: Free (or $10/person for snacks)
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team prefers active engagements.
Host a movie night at your office or home. Provide popcorn and drinks for a relaxed evening of bonding.
13. Team Yoga Session
Time Needed: 1 hour
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: $20/person (instructor)
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor/Outdoor
Skip if... your team isn’t interested in wellness activities.
Hire a yoga instructor for a team session. This promotes relaxation and mindfulness.
14. DIY Escape Room
Time Needed: 2 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: $50 (materials)
Energy Level: Medium
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team prefers professional setups.
Create your own escape room with puzzles and challenges. This encourages creativity and collaboration.
15. Photography Challenge
Time Needed: 2 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: Free (or $10/person for equipment)
Energy Level: Medium
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Skip if... your team isn’t interested in photography.
Have your team take photos based on a theme. Share and discuss the photos afterward to encourage creativity.
16. Cooking Competition
Time Needed: 3 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: $50/person (ingredients)
Energy Level: Medium
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team prefers less competitive activities.
Split into teams and compete to create the best dish using a set list of ingredients. This encourages teamwork and creativity.
17. Mystery Dinner
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Group Size: 6-20
Cost: $50/person (meal)
Energy Level: Medium
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team prefers casual dining.
Host a mystery dinner where team members play characters and solve a fictional crime. This encourages engagement and creativity.
18. Workshop on Strengths
Time Needed: 2 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: $30/person (facilitator)
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team is resistant to self-assessment.
Hire a facilitator to help team members identify their strengths and how to leverage them for team success.
19. Team Dance Class
Time Needed: 1.5 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: $40/person
Energy Level: High
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team isn’t interested in dancing.
Book a dance class where your team can learn a new style together. This promotes fun and physical activity.
20. Wine or Beer Tasting
Time Needed: 2 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: $40/person
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team doesn’t drink.
Visit a local winery or brewery for a tasting. This encourages relaxation and casual conversation.
21. Team Building Workshops
Time Needed: 2-4 hours
Group Size: 10-20
Cost: $100/person (facilitator)
Energy Level: Medium
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team prefers informal activities.
Hire a professional to conduct a workshop focused on skills like communication or conflict resolution.
22. Potluck Lunch
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: Free (or $10/person for drinks)
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team prefers catered meals.
Have each team member bring a dish to share. This fosters community and allows for personal sharing.
23. Team Building Games
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: Free (DIY)
Energy Level: Medium
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team prefers less structured activities.
Organize games like charades or Pictionary. This encourages laughter and teamwork.
24. Guided Meditation
Time Needed: 1 hour
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: $20/person (instructor)
Energy Level: Low
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Skip if... your team is skeptical about meditation.
Hire a meditation instructor for a calming session. This promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
25. Team Retreat
Time Needed: 1-2 days
Group Size: 5-20
Cost: $200-400/person (venue and activities)
Energy Level: Varies
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor/Outdoor
Skip if... your team prefers short activities.
Plan a retreat to focus on team goals, strategy, and bonding. This provides an immersive experience for team development.
Conclusion
In 2026, investing time in team-building exercises is essential for small teams to thrive. Whether you choose a cooking class, outdoor scavenger hunt, or a more structured workshop, these activities can significantly enhance collaboration and morale.
Action Items:
- Choose 3-5 activities from the list that resonate with your team.
- Schedule a date and time for your selected activities.
- Set a budget and gather any necessary supplies or bookings.
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