Finding ways to build team engagement post-pandemic is more important than ever. Many companies have chosen not to require employees to return to the office space, some are only coming in a couple days a week. Employers are looking for activities that will truly excite their team members and not evoke the term “forced fun”. Rather than hanging out at another happy hour, try a team-building activity that fosters camaraderie and conversation. These active outings are memorable whether you’re looking for a unique team-building event, an experiential incentive for sales and commission-based employees, or a space away from the cubicles to celebrate a team accomplishment.
Chop through the competition with Axe Throwing
Ah, the new American pastime: axe throwing. A leisure sport that’s popping up everywhere, axe-throwing offers a surprisingly fun weapon-wielding experience. Flying Axes in Wedgewood-Houston accommodates smaller groups up to 25, while BATL Nashville has 18 throwing lanes and can host groups of 100. Each experience opens up with a quick lesson for all throwers, so even Linda in HR will rest easy.
Eat your way through Music City with a Walk Eat Nashville food tour
For the perfect combination of food, drinks and fun, look no further than a Walk Eat Nashville food tour. Food naturally brings people together, and a food tour offers a delicious new way to explore Nashville while enjoying unforced team-building time. For the uninitiated, a walking food tour combines favorite dishes from top restaurants with iconic local landmarks. Walk Eat Nashville has been leading locals and visitors on tours through Nashville for five years and and offers team-building experiences for groups up to 50 people. It’s hard not to have fun when eating your way through the city, sharing stories about Music City and going behind the scenes of Nashville’s ever-expanding food scene.
Satiate the need for speed at Music City Indoor Karting
Teams of 10 or more have the ability to buyout the entire facility at Music City Indoor Karting, or select from a Mini Grand Prix or Grand Prix racing package. These aren’t your grandma’s go-karts, cruising at speeds of up to 40mph, zipping around tight turns on an indoor track that’s a quarter of a mile long. Even if high-octane thrills aren’t for everyone on your team, Music City Indoor Karting also has an indoor mini-golf course for those that decide against donning the balaclava and helmet.
Test your problem-solving-skills in the Escape Game
The ultimate test of puzzles, patience and cooperation, the Escape Game immerses guests in complex environments and puzzle-like problems in an adrenaline-filled hour of escape-attempt-induced chaos. Through communication and strategy your team can work together to solve the clues and escape the room before time expires. The Berry Hill location in Nashville can accommodate teams up to 50 guests in a variety of themed rooms, including the brand new game Ruins: Forbidden Treasure.
Credit: SOAR Adventure Tower
Face your fears at SOAR Adventure Tower
Located 30 minutes south of Nashville, the SOAR Adventure Tower in Franklin is a massive complex featuring a mini-golf course, a ropes tower and private meeting space. Private events at the property accommodate up to 200 guests, with options for catering and live music available. For smaller groups, specialized team building experiences are designed for anywhere from 5 to 40 participants and last for 3 hours. Test the limits of your physical and mental endurance atop the adventure tower, which has three levels of obstacles based on ability.
Pour your own candle at Paddywax Candle Bar
We’ve loved Paddywax, the Nashville-based candle brand pouring intricately subtle scents for 20+ years, even more so when they opened the first Candle Bar experience in Nashville in 2017. Since then Paddywax Candle Bar has expanded to numerous cities across the country, and has opened a second Nashville location on the East side. With a buyout of the facility, you can bring in your own catering for the event and have exclusive access to the workshop space where each guest can pour two custom candles.
Show off your swing at TopGolf
TopGolf opened in 2017 in Nashville to great anticipation, and is great option for big companies in need of a giant space. Even for someone who has never held a club, TopGolf is an easy introduction to swinging a stick; think less driving range and more Mario Golf. With a capacity upwards of 2,200 guests for a full buyout paired with a full kitchen and bar to handle catering needs, TopGolf is a great way to get employees away from their desks and engaging with one another.
Get out on the water in a kayak, canoe or a paddle board
Even though there are a few winter months where water sports aren’t ideal, once temperatures start to rise there’s no better reprieve from the heat like hanging out on some H2O. Luckily, Nashville has a few companies that can get you and your team out on the water. We love Nashville Paddle Company for all your stand-up paddle boarding needs (yoga, anyone?) or River Queen Voyages for kayaking and canoeing excursions.