17 Fun and Effective Team Building Activites in Menlo Park for 2025

Menlo Park offers a sophisticated and inspiring setting for team-building, where innovation meets historic charm and lush natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, this vibrant city combines access to cutting-edge tech hubs with peaceful parks and tree-lined streets. Whether your team wants to engage in hands-on creative workshops, enjoy waterfront strolls along the bay, or share a meal at one of the area’s acclaimed restaurants, Menlo Park creates the perfect environment to foster connection and collaboration. From interactive experiences to outdoor adventures, here are 17 fun team-building activities to try in 2025.

1. Make Believe Works

Creative Fun Helps Teams Bond Better

Make Believe Works delivers something refreshingly original to the team-building landscape. Rather than depending on surface-level amusement or overly competitive activities that might restrict participation, Make Believe Works provides something in between—an experience that’s both invigorating and deeply connective. The imaginative, hands-on method encourages people to step beyond their usual roles and share themselves more openly and confidently. A thoughtful mix of creativity, emotional safety, and play, the sessions leave teams revitalized in the moment and more synchronized long after.

Companies like Google, Salesforce, and Pixar value Make Believe Works for creating spaces where people can be genuine without fear, collaborate without pressure, and discover hidden depth in their colleagues. Whether your goal is to deepen relationships, nurture trust, or simply celebrate your team, Make Believe Works delivers.

“Yesterday's workshop was a wonderful breath of an experience, in that I felt my shoulders relax and the day/weekend expand before me. Thank you for the care you put into organizing and facilitating our time together, for setting the tone so delightfully from the get-go, and for the gift of all these new tools for the next time (inevitable) that things feel blocked.” - Killeen H., Professor, Parsons School of Design

Shops and Studios

Nestled in Menlo Park, Allied Arts Guild offers a picturesque setting for corporate events. This historic Spanish Colonial-style venue features lush gardens, artisan studios, and Café Wisteria. Ideal for team-building activities, the guild provides a serene environment where creativity thrives. Whether it's a workshop, retreat, or casual gathering, the guild's ambiance fosters collaboration and inspiration. With its rich history and artistic charm, Allied Arts Guild ensures a memorable experience that blends culture, creativity, and community engagement.

Garden Walk

Step into a world of enchantment at Filoli Gardens in Woodside, where a historic Georgian mansion meets 16 acres of whimsical gardens, statues, and fountains—perfect for a team outing that blends elegance with playfulness. Wander through the Sunken Garden, admire the intricate topiaries, and explore the vibrant floral displays that change with the seasons. The mansion's grand architecture and meticulously restored interiors offer a glimpse into early 20th-century opulence, providing a stunning backdrop for group photos and casual exploration. Whether you're strolling the grounds, enjoying a picnic on the lawn, or participating in a guided tour, Filoli offers a refreshing escape from the office.

Scent Workshop

Unleash your team’s creativity at Swirl Works, where crafting personalized fragrances becomes an engaging group experience. Located in Menlo Park, Swirl Works offers interactive scent workshops that combine artistry and science, encouraging collaboration and innovation. Participants explore the nuances of fragrance creation while working together to design custom scents, sparking conversation and teamwork. These sensory-rich sessions provide a unique, hands-on way to build camaraderie and inspire fresh perspectives in a relaxed, inviting space.

Nerf Battle

Bring high-energy fun directly to your team with Mobile Nerf Party’s fully equipped, mobile setup. Designed to get everyone moving and engaged, these action-packed Nerf battles combine strategy, quick thinking, and teamwork as colleagues navigate fast-paced skirmishes and playful challenges. Teams practice communication, coordination, and problem-solving while dodging foam darts, all in a safe, supervised environment. Flexible packages accommodate a range of group sizes and venues, making it easy to add excitement to any corporate event. It’s a memorable, hands-on way to break the ice, energize the group, and strengthen bonds through laughter, friendly competition, and pure, playful fun.

Team Volunteering

Join the Padua Dining Room team in Menlo Park for a meaningful volunteer experience that doubles as team-building. Helping prepare and serve meals to those in need, your group will connect over shared purpose and community service. This hands-on activity nurtures empathy, cooperation, and a deeper sense of fulfillment beyond the workplace. Volunteering together cultivates stronger relationships and boosts morale, offering a rewarding way for teams to make a tangible difference while bonding outside the usual office environment.

Nature Outing

Discover the natural charm of Bedwell Bayfront Park in Menlo Park, a versatile outdoor space perfect for team outings. With sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, expansive trails, and open lawns, groups can embark on shared hikes, enjoy picnics or potluck lunches, or simply gather for brainstorming sessions surrounded by nature. The fresh-air environment encourages casual conversation, collaboration, and creative thinking, while recreational activities provide energizing breaks that strengthen bonds. Whether navigating trails together, sharing a meal with a view, or exchanging ideas under the open sky, teams leave refreshed, inspired, and more connected than ever.

Farmer’s Market Outing

Step into the bustling energy of the Menlo Park Farmers Market, a lively setting for wellness-focused team outings. With vibrant, locally sourced produce, artisanal goods, and colorful market sights and smells, teams engage their senses while connecting over shared discoveries. Strolling the market sparks casual conversation, encourages collaboration, and provides opportunities to explore sustainability and community support in action. Colleagues can sample seasonal flavors, swap tips, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere together. It’s an accessible and engaging way to foster team bonding, celebrate local culture, and nourish connections—both with each other and the community around them.

Live Music

Experience the intimate charm of The Guild Theatre, where live performances and film screenings create a unique setting for corporate events. This nonprofit venue in Menlo Park offers private rentals, allowing teams to enjoy cultural outings that spark conversation and shared appreciation. Whether attending a concert, catching a film, or hosting a special screening, colleagues can immerse themselves in a relaxed, engaging environment that encourages connection, creativity, and collaboration. The combination of art, performance, and thoughtful ambiance provides a memorable way for teams to recharge, celebrate shared interests, and strengthen workplace relationships in a distinctive, inspiring space.

Table Tennis Competition

Add a burst of energy to your next corporate event with a trip to Bappa Table Tennis in Menlo Park. Whether your team is beginners or seasoned players, groups can jump into fast-paced matches, friendly tournaments, or collaborative drills that build focus, coordination, and playful competition. The welcoming, upbeat atmosphere and high-quality tables create a space where colleagues can step away from the boardroom, connect, and cheer each other on. Beyond fun, table tennis encourages movement, teamwork, and lighthearted social interaction, making it an ideal activity to recharge, energize, and strengthen workplace bonds through shared laughter and friendly rivalry.

Karate Class

Discover the focus, discipline, and energy of martial arts with a corporate team session at MPA Karate in Menlo Park. Tailored classes guide groups through skill-building exercises, partner drills, and mindful movement, all designed to encourage communication, respect, and self-awareness. Participants learn new techniques, practice coordination, and challenge themselves in a supportive, high-energy environment. Beyond physical fitness, the sessions promote mental clarity, teamwork, and shared accomplishment. Whether your team is mastering basics or exploring advanced moves, MPA Karate offers a dynamic, engaging, and unconventional way to strengthen bonds, boost confidence, and combine wellness with interactive, hands-on learning.

Park Tour

Inspire adventure and teamwork with the San Mateo County Parks Self-Guided Tour App, a versatile tool for planning customized outdoor excursions. Teams can choose hikes, nature walks, or scavenger hunts across a variety of scenic parks, combining physical activity with collaborative problem-solving. The app provides detailed trail maps, points of interest, and interactive features that let groups explore at their own pace, encouraging curiosity and engagement with the natural environment. Whether navigating wooded paths, spotting wildlife, or solving challenges together, participants enjoy a tech-savvy, flexible approach to team-building that blends wellness, connection, and a touch of playful exploration outside the office.

Mini Golf

Bring your team together for a day of fun and friendly competition at Golfland USA. With two imaginative mini-golf courses, a lively arcade, and casual dining options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Groups can challenge each other in putting contests, race through arcade games, or gather for snacks and pizza between activities. The energetic, colorful environment encourages laughter, collaboration, and playful rivalry, making it easy for colleagues to connect outside the office. Perfect for team outings, celebrations, or casual retreats, Golfland turns a day of games into memorable experiences that build camaraderie, spark joy, and energize your team.

14. Pinstripes

Bowling and Bocce

Amp up your next team outing at Pinstripes, where fun meets foodie flair in a modern, 33,000-square-foot venue. Teams can challenge each other on 16 bowling lanes or 10 bocce courts, while savoring made-from-scratch Italian-American dishes and craft cocktails. Private event spaces make it easy to mix games with mingling, brainstorming, or casual celebration, and customizable packages ensure every group has a personalized experience. With ample parking and a prime location in Hillsdale Shopping Center, it’s a convenient, energetic spot to laugh, compete, and connect. Pinstripes turns a corporate event into a playful, memorable adventure for the whole team.

Bike Tour

Get your team moving with bike rentals from Campus Bike Shop in Menlo Park, ideal for group rides and outdoor adventures. With a wide selection of bikes for all skill levels, every participant can ride comfortably and confidently. Teams can explore scenic local trails, cruise through city streets, or embark on guided rides, enjoying fresh air, exercise, and shared experiences along the way. Cycling together encourages collaboration, conversation, and lighthearted fun, offering a refreshing break from the office routine. It’s an active, engaging way to build camaraderie, promote wellness, and create memorable moments that bring colleagues closer together.

16. YogaRok

Team Yoga

Refresh your team’s mind and body with corporate yoga classes at YogaRok in Menlo Park, designed to move beyond the usual desk-bound routine. Sessions guide employees through stretches, posture exercises, and movement techniques that improve flexibility, strength, and circulation, helping to counteract the physical strains of office work. Experienced instructors create a supportive environment where participants explore mindful breathing, balance exercises, and guided flows tailored to all levels. Beyond physical benefits, the group setting fosters connection, focus, and shared energy, giving teams a chance to relax, recharge, and reset together.

Pottery Workshop

At The Spiffy Pottery Studio in Menlo Park, teams can step into a warm and creative community space founded by industrial designer and ceramics artist Jeffrey Liang. The studio offers private pottery sessions—including one-time classes and tailored events—led by dedicated instructors who guide everything from wheel-throwing to handbuilding techniques. Ideal for groups of varying experience levels, the structure fosters collaboration and creative exploration: individuals learn while watching each other, sharing feedback, and adapting in real time. It’s team building through clay that stays with you in more ways than one.

Menlo Park blends a pioneering spirit with a welcoming, small-town feel. From brainstorming in creative spaces to unwinding in leafy parks, the city offers teams plenty of ways to connect, recharge, and think big.

As you plan your gathering, focus on what will spark your group’s best energy—whether that’s breaking out of the everyday, building trust, or simply enjoying time together. With its mix of innovation and neighborly charm, Menlo Park provides an inspiring backdrop for meaningful team experiences.