Work hours aren’t exactly prime time to connect with your colleagues. There’s the mountain of work yet to do, the lingering ubiquitous boss, and the recent, how-in-the-hell-is-this-a-real-thing phenomenon of “time theft”. Yet, bonding with your work colleagues can be a very valuable thing.
Whether to lighten the mood, foster friendships, or just make it a little easier going into the office every day, work outings provide an exciting opportunity for colleagues to get together outside of the office. While pretty much any activity that involves a few drinks would do the trick, we’ve compiled a list of 10 exciting, conventional, and unconventional work outing ideas in Houston for you and your team!
1. Step Up to the Plate at Home Run Dugout
Located in Katy, Home Run Dugout is a grand-slam of an entertainment venue. Equipped with batting bays, biergarden, dog park, full restaurant, and more, there’s plenty for the whole team to enjoy.
2. Paintball, Axe-Throw, Laser Tag, and Booze at AGR
What says team building in Houston that pelting each other with paintballs? AGR is a multi-purpose action arena that features paintball, axe-throwing, tactical laser tag, and a gastrobar facility all in one indoor entertainment venue.
3. Dine in the Dark
You’ve probably done tons of activities with your work buddies, but this one is definitely not your typical team building event and it might even raise a few eyebrows. Dining in the Dark in Houston is a fun-filled, culinary adventure where diners can put their tasting skills to the test, while blindfolded!
You’ll be served a delicious three-course meal that highlights either meat, seafood or veggies, but that’s all the info you’ll get – the rest is up to you to try to discern flavors and textures. Even if you don’t know your colleagues that well, trying to locate the food on your plate or not spill your wine glass is a great ice-breaker and conversation starter and you can’t help but connect as laughter ensues.
4. Go Bowling at Palace Social
Palace Social is a bowling alley and entertainment center located in the Southside Commons, replacing Palace Bowing Lanes. The building has a vintage look reminiscent of the 1960s bowling craze. This retro chic take was crafted by the creative branding agency BLKBOX.
5. Discover Your Hidden Artistic Talents
You can also go the creative route and opt for a groovy art session at Resurrection MCC. At the vibrant Neon Brush workshops in Houston, you can channel your inner Warhol and reveal your artistic flair. These boozy sip and paint sessions don’t just foster a sense of camaraderie, but they’re also a great way to get to know your teammates better.
6. Mini Golf at Popstroke
Described as an “innovative concept combining golf and casual dining”, Popstroke is a project led by golf legend Tiger Woods. This cutting-edge mini-golf establishment, complete with two putt-putt courses, a restaurant, and beer garden, can now be visited at its location on 23110 Grand Circle Boulevard in Katy.
7. Sing your Hearts Out
Is there any better way to humble yourself in front of your colleagues than karaoke? If you’re looking for a unique experience, venture to One Shot Pochain in the Memorial area, which is not only a Korean restaurant but also features a karaoke bar and serves Soju, ensuring a great time for all.
8. Catch an Argentine Tango Show
Straight from the streets of Buenos Aires, We Call It Tango in Houston tells the story of the fiery art form through thirteen tangos. Celebrate the 150-year-old partner ballroom dance with your team at this unique live music and dance show.
9-10. Get a Dose of Adrenaline
See what your workmates are really made of by climbing, swinging, and jumping from trees. In the Houston area, there are two thrilling adventure courses available for groups to enjoy as a team.
- Go Ape in Sugar Land features forest escape challenges, opportunities for axe throwing, and boasts the most extensive zipline experience in the greater Houston area.
- Texas Treeventures is a challenge-based obstacle course in the Woodlands with three-levels of aerial adventures for Houston thrill seekers to enjoy.
11. Kick It at Pitch 25
Equipped with a plethora of patio games, a super-sized pool table, and indoor soccer pitch open for soccer, dodgeball, and bubble soccer for a few extra laughs. Oh, and there’s also a 25,000-square-foot beer garden, bar, and grill. Their drink menu offers almost 100 beers on tap in addition to ciders, wines, cocktails, and frozen drinks.
12. Play Volleyball amongst other things
Featuring four sand volleyball courts, a giant patio, as well as a restaurant and live music on select nights, Wakefield Crowbar – Houston’s sole volleyball and entertainment venue – offers a fantastic team building idea in Houston to bond with workmates over volleyball, sports, and or a few rounds of drinks.
13. Try Your Hand at Darts
Experience a contemporary spin on traditional UK pub culture by visiting Flight Club. This British-inspired gaming pub has made its mark in Houston’s bar scene, introducing 21st-century digital dart boards, communal platters, and crafted cocktails to the mix.