20 Fun and Engaging Team Building Activties in Palm Springs for 2025
Palm Springs brings a laid-back, desert-chic vibe to team building, where every activity is infused with sunshine, style, and a touch of retro flair. From poolside games to interactive culinary experiences, this vibrant oasis helps teams connect through fun, flavor, and scenic relaxation. Whether you're out to recharge morale or simply soak up the sun together, here are 20 unforgettable activities.
Creative Fun Helps Teams Bond Better
Make Believe Works brings something distinctly different to the team-building world. Rather than relying on surface-level fun or overly competitive formats that can shut people down, Make Believe Works offers something in between—an experience that’s both uplifting and deeply connective. The imaginative, hands-on approach helps people step outside their usual roles and express themselves more authentically and freely. A thoughtful mix of creativity, emotional safety, and play, the activities leave teams revitalized in the moment and more connected long after.
Companies like Google, Salesforce, and Pixar praise Make Believe Works for creating spaces where people can be real without fear, connect without pressure, and discover the heart in their colleagues. Whether you’re aiming to strengthen relationships, build trust, or simply honor your team, Make Believe Works delivers.
“The most inspiring team building ever.” - Spotify Design Director
Art Galleries
Explore the vibrant arts scene of Downtown Palm Springs with a guided tour through its numerous galleries. From contemporary works to classic pieces, your team will immerse themselves in the diverse art styles that make Palm Springs a cultural hub. As you move from one gallery to the next, engage in thought-provoking conversations and discover new perspectives on creativity and design. This walking tour encourages group discussion, collaboration, and shared appreciation for artistic expression. It’s an inspiring way to step away from the office, bond with teammates, and gain insight into the city's rich cultural history.
Cooking Classes
Enhance team cohesion through a cooking class at Kitchen Kitchen, where your group can learn culinary skills while creating a delicious meal together. With hands-on guidance from experienced chefs, your team will work collaboratively to prep, cook, and plate dishes. Whether tackling a new cuisine or perfecting classic recipes, cooking fosters communication, coordination, and creativity. The shared experience of preparing and enjoying a meal strengthens bonds and offers valuable lessons in teamwork. It’s a rewarding, interactive way to connect, learn something new, and enjoy the results as a team, all in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Car Track Racing
Take your team’s competitive spirit to the next level at the BMW Performance Center, where high-performance car track racing provides an exhilarating team-building experience. Instructors guide your group through the basics of high-speed driving before racing on a professional track. This activity challenges communication, trust, and focus as your team navigates tight corners and accelerates down straightaways. The fast-paced, high-stakes environment promotes collaboration under pressure, helping your team strengthen both individual and collective skills. Whether competing in a friendly race or perfecting driving techniques, it's a dynamic way to foster teamwork and push boundaries together.
Local Food Tour
Take a culinary journey with Desert Tasty Tours, where your team can explore the flavors of the desert on a guided food tour. From local favorites to hidden gems, this experience combines tasting new dishes with learning about the region’s culinary history. As your group samples dishes from various eateries, they’ll have the chance to bond over shared experiences and discussions about food, culture, and community. Walking between destinations fosters informal conversation and teamwork, while discovering new tastes and flavors together enhances collaboration and camaraderie. It’s a unique way to strengthen team bonds through exploration and culinary adventure.
Mini Golf
Challenge your team to a round of mini golf at Boomers Palm Springs, where creativity meets friendly competition and amusement. This 18-hole course features a variety of obstacles and challenges, providing an entertaining and low-pressure setting for team bonding. As your group navigates through colorful landscaping, fun water features, and tricky obstacles, communication and cooperation naturally come into play. Perfect for encouraging lighthearted teamwork and laughter, this mini-golf outing promotes camaraderie while giving your team a chance to unwind and connect away from the office in a relaxed, fun environment.
Escape Room
Engage your team’s problem-solving and collaboration skills at Escape Palm Springs, where your group works together to solve puzzles and clues in a themed escape room. With a time limit ticking down, teams must rely on clear communication, creativity, and leadership to escape before time runs out. Each room provides a unique challenge, encouraging team members to think critically, collaborate, and leverage their strengths. Whether it’s cracking codes or solving riddles, this thrilling experience is a fantastic way to bond and develop skills in problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork under pressure.
Art Workshop
Desert Art Center offers a hands-on art workshop where your team can explore a variety of creative mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and more, all under the guidance of experienced artists. This unique experience allows participants to experiment with different artistic techniques, fostering creativity and collaboration in a relaxed, engaging environment. Whether crafting a beautiful painting, sculpting a unique figure, or experimenting with mixed media, each participant will have the opportunity to create something personal and meaningful. The workshop encourages team building, self-expression, and the joy of creating art together.
Water Sports Complex
Palm Springs Surf Club offers an exciting opportunity for your team to try water sports like surfing, wakeboarding, and paddleboarding, perfect for a hot day or athletic group. With expert instructors guiding the group, participants will learn new skills while navigating the water. The complex provides a beautiful desert backdrop for these dynamic activities, making it a memorable way to engage with colleagues in an outdoor setting. Whether you're riding the waves or enjoying the peacefulness of paddleboarding, Palm Springs Surf Club creates an ideal environment for outdoor adventure and fun in the sun.
Scenic Rides
Palm Springs Aerial Tram offers a breathtaking ride from the desert floor to the San Jacinto Mountains. This scenic tramway provides panoramic views of the Coachella Valley as it climbs, offering stunning vistas of the desert and surrounding areas. Once at the top, your group can explore hiking trails, take in the mountain air, and enjoy spectacular views. The tram ride itself is a peaceful experience, giving everyone the chance to relax and soak in the natural beauty. Palm Springs Aerial Tram provides an unforgettable way to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors together.
Zip Lines
Skull Canyon Ziplines offers a thrilling and energetic zip line experience that takes you soaring over the California wilderness. With multiple lines offering different challenges, participants will zip through the air and enjoy the stunning natural scenery. Skull Canyon provides an exhilarating adventure with breathtaking views, allowing teams to connect with nature while enjoying a rush of excitement. The zip line course is designed to accommodate all levels of experience, making it a great option for those looking for adventure and a unique way to explore the outdoors.
Murder Mystery
The Dinner Detective in Palm Springs provides a puzzling and interactive murder mystery dinner where your team can enjoy an evening of mystery-solving while dining. Guests step out of the office and become part of the show, working together to uncover clues and solve the crime. The immersive experience combines entertainment with a bit of intrigue, making it an ideal way to spend an evening out with colleagues. With a mix of humor, surprises, and interactive storytelling, The Dinner Detective offers a memorable night of mystery, dinner, and shared fun.
Tour of Coachella Valley
Windmill Tours offers a guided exploration of the Coachella Valley’s iconic wind turbines, providing unique insight into renewable energy and sustainability. On this in-depth tour, your group will learn about the history, engineering, and environmental impact of these towering turbines while taking in sweeping desert views. Stops along the tour allow for up-close observation and plenty of photo ops. It’s an educational yet peaceful outing, combining science, technology, and nature. Windmill Tours is an ideal experience for teams interested in innovation and green energy, offering a refreshing way to engage outside the typical office environment.
Explore Space
Sky’s The Limit offers a unique night under the stars near Joshua Tree National Park, featuring telescopic views of constellations, planets, and deep-space objects. This observatory and nature center hosts regular public star parties and private group events, ideal for team groups looking to connect over awe-inspiring celestial sights. The facility includes a meditation garden, solar calendar, and native plant trail, offering a peaceful and inquisitive desert experience. Whether your team is science-minded or just looking for a serene and inspiring setting, this stargazing experience encourages reflection, curiosity, and shared wonder.
Party Bike
Hop aboard Social Cycle’s 16-passenger party bike and pedal through downtown Palm Springs as a team. With customizable routes and a designated driver provided, your group can explore different bars, shops, or scenic spots with ease. The multi-person setup requires coordination and communication, making it a lighthearted way to foster teamwork while cruising the city with style. Riders can bring their beverages (with some restrictions) and enjoy music along the way. Social Cycle blends movement, sightseeing, and shared energy into one memorable group outing that keeps everyone engaged and entertained.
Desert Hike
Joshua Tree offers vast trails, surreal rock formations, and open desert skies—perfect for teams ready to disconnect from tech and connect in nature. Whether your group takes a short loop like Hidden Valley or embarks on a moderate climb such as Ryan Mountain, these hikes encourage shared adventure and presence. Trail options suit a variety of fitness levels, and park logistics include well-marked paths and multiple access points. Few settings offer such immersive quiet and visual impact. A day in Joshua Tree gives teams space to reflect, move together, and recharge in a striking natural landscape.
Go to the Zoo
Explore desert wildlife and botanical exhibits at The Living Desert, where your group can walk among giraffes, cheetahs, and desert plants from around the world. This zoo and conservation center offers team outings that mix animal encounters with educational opportunities and stunning scenery. Guided tours and private event spaces are available, making it easy to customize your visit. Paved trails and shaded areas make for a comfortable experience year-round. The Living Desert provides a relaxed setting for teams to explore together, observe rare species, and take in the beauty of conservation in action.
Walking Tour
Discover the stories behind Palm Springs’ midcentury homes, historic figures, and colorful neighborhoods with a guided walking tour by the Palm Springs Historical Society. Led by knowledgeable local docents, these tours are an engaging way for your team to learn about the city’s architecture and Hollywood legacy while enjoying a relaxed pace. Routes vary by theme and length, from star-studded streets to iconic buildings. It’s a low-intensity activity that offers cultural enrichment and plenty of chances for conversation, helping teams explore together while soaking in the unique charm of Palm Springs.
Candle Making
Create custom candles as a team at The Candle Bar, where you’ll choose your scent and vessel before pouring your wax masterpiece. Located in downtown Palm Springs, this workshop-style experience is ideal for groups looking to unwind and get creative together. Staff guide you step-by-step, and the space is designed for casual mingling and collaboration. Candles take about 90 minutes to set, giving everyone time to chat and enjoy refreshments. The Candle Bar combines sensory play and hands-on crafting into a relaxed, shareable team outing with a takeaway gift for each participant.
Desert tour
Take your team on a scenic ride through the Agua Caliente Indian Canyons with Covered Wagon Tours. Horse-drawn wagons lead groups along ancient trails framed by palm oases and desert landscapes. Along the way, a Native guide shares insights into the local culture, wildlife, and history. The tour includes a hearty Western-style meal under the stars, and the setup can accommodate large corporate groups. This immersive experience is a peaceful and picturesque way to connect with nature and each other, combining storytelling, shared space, and a break from the typical team event.
Palm Springs is bursting with stylish and unique ways to bring your team together—each activity on this list is designed to spark connection, creativity, and a refreshed perspective.
As you explore your options, think about what will best complement your group’s vibe and leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.