The Best Team Bonding Activities for Work Celebrations

As anyone who has organised team building activities before knows, it involves a lot of planning and consideration. You have to consider activities that are inclusive, cater to everyone's needs and, most importantly, are fun. With the rise of wellness in the workplace, it’s also essential to choose activities that promote employee well-being without relying too much on alcohol and unhealthy food. That’s where creative team building activities come in! Art, craft and foodie experiences that focus on team bonding and collaborative learning while introducing new passions and promising a fun experience. 

So, when planning your next work celebration in 2024, consider these crafty team bonding activities. From cocktail making to paint and sip classes, these ideas for team bonding activities are more creative (and inclusive) than a standard pub crawl. They’re the perfect way to show appreciation for your employees and give them a chance to relax and bond with their colleagues.

Cooking classes for monthly team activities

Looking for a fresh and engaging way to bring your team together each month? Cooking classes are a unique idea for team bonding activities that are both fun and educational. These culinary experiences encourage collaboration, creativity, and communication—all essential ingredients for a strong team dynamic.

In a cooking class, team members can break away from their usual roles and responsibilities, stepping into a relaxed environment where they can bond over delicious food. Whether it's learning to make fresh pasta, mastering the art of sushi rolling, or exploring the vibrant flavours of Thai cuisine, cooking classes provide a hands-on experience that everyone can enjoy. Plus it’s a unique spin on the standard team dinner. 

Cooking together fosters a sense of teamwork as team members work together to follow recipes, share kitchen space and ultimately create a meal they can all sit down and enjoy together. This collaborative effort helps build camaraderie and trust among team members, making it an ideal choice for regular team bonding activities. We like this dumpling cooking class in Melbourne for a casual low-effort team building idea. Based in Surfer’s Paradise? This pizza masterclass is super fun and who doesn’t love pizza?

Cocktail classes for EOFY celebrations

As the end of the financial year approaches, it's time to celebrate your team’s hard work and achievements with a fun and engaging activity. Cocktail classes are the perfect choice for EOFY celebrations, offering a chance to let loose and celebrate the end of the financial year. Under the guidance of a professional bartender, they’ll discover how to craft classic cocktails and innovative new drinks. This hands-on experience allows everyone to get involved, shake things up and experiment with different flavours and techniques. There are also non-alcoholic options so that everyone can get in on the action! Our top pick in Sydney is this native cocktail class which will instil an appreciation for native Australian ingredients. For those based in Perth, this mobile cocktail class comes to you! Everyone will have the chance to make three cocktails each.

Pottery classes for end-of-year holiday activities

Pottery classes are a unique way to celebrate the holiday season while encouraging team bonding and unleashing everyone’s artistic potential. Gather your team in a cosy pottery studio and get ready for some hands to get dirty with clay. Under the guidance of an experienced potter, they’ll learn the basics of shaping, moulding and decorating their own ceramic pieces. This hands-on experience not only encourages creativity but also provides a soothing, therapeutic break from the usual work routine.

The process of creating pottery requires focus and patience, which can help team members de-stress and unwind. Working with clay has a meditative quality, allowing everyone to slow down and enjoy the moment. It can promote mindfulness and well-being during the often hectic holiday season. Plus team members can make some handmade gifts for loved ones! Some of our favourites are this hand-building pottery workshop in Adelaide or this mobile clay and sip class in Brisbane.

Is your team feeling the effects of burnout? Discover how hobbies can help here.

Paint and sip classes for work parties

Looking for a creative twist on your next work party? Paint and sip classes are the best way to mix art, relaxation and team bonding. These events provide a laid-back environment where your team can unwind and connect over a fun, shared activity.

Walking into a paint and sip class, your team will be greeted by canvases ready to be painted. Depending on whether it’s a BYO class or drinks are included, there may be a selection of drinks and nibbles also waiting. To set the scene, the music will be pumping while a professional artist guides them through the process of painting an artwork, making the experience enjoyable and accessible for everyone, regardless of their artistic abilities. The focus is on having fun and exploring creativity rather than producing perfect art.

The beauty of paint and sip classes lies in their relaxed, social atmosphere. As colleagues paint, they can chat and laugh which helps to break the ice. The combination of painting and sipping on a favourite drink creates a casual setting that encourages open communication and strengthens team bonds. Moreover, these classes can be tailored to fit the theme of your event or the personality of your team, making the experience even more special and memorable. Whether you choose a specific theme or let everyone create something unique, each piece of art will serve as a reminder of the fun and collaborative time spent together. We like this paint your colleague class in Melbourne for laughs!

Terrarium classes for wellness days

Terrarium classes are the perfect addition to your wellness days, offering a blend of creativity and nature that promotes relaxation and team bonding. Terrarium classes will involve your team working individually to create their own miniature gardens. As your team members get their hands dirty, they also get to share stories and ideas. The relaxed atmosphere of a terrarium class encourages casual conversation and collaboration. It’s amazing how a simple activity like arranging plants can bring people closer together. This fun and engaging team bonding activity prioritises your employee’s well-being and gives them a chance to relax and connect. Plus, they'll leave with a lovely reminder of the day—a little green oasis to brighten their desk and their mood. Our top picks are this sip and plant class on The Gold Coast or this terrarium making workshop in Canberra.

Virtual team building activities for remote workers

Bringing your team together can be challenging when everyone is working remotely, but virtual team building activities can bridge the distance and create meaningful connections. These activities are designed to engage and entertain, making remote work more enjoyable and collaborative. It’s also a great way for remote teams to get to know each other. Working remotely often means you may never meet some people from work, but with remote team building activities everyone can get involved and have a chat. This sourdough mindfulness for corporate groups class will get everyone in their kitchens learning the mindful craft of baking sourdough. It’s not only a wonderful team bonding activity, but it will teach everyone the skills to keep baking at home whenever they’re in need of a mindful break!