Planning a Corporate Team-Building Event in Salt Lake City (That Won’t Make Everyone Roll Their Eyes)

Let’s be honest—when people hear “corporate team-building event,” they either (A) prepare their best fake smile or (B) suddenly remember an urgent dentist appointment they forgot to schedule. But hear me out: It doesn’t have to be like that. No trust falls. No awkward icebreakers where you have to reveal your deepest, darkest secret (or, you know, your favorite flavor of ice cream). Instead, we’re talking about experiences that are actually fun, maybe even (dare I say?) exciting.

If you’re planning a team-building event in Salt Lake City, you’ve got options—like, a lot of options. Whether your team thrives on adventure, prefers a more relaxed vibe, or just wants an excuse to escape the office for a day, SLC’s got you covered.

Table of Contents

• 1. Get Competitive (Without the Office Drama)
• 2. Outdoor Adventures for the Adrenaline Junkies
• 3. Creative and Chill Activities (for the “Let’s Just Have Fun” Crowd)
• 4. Give Back with a Community Service Project
• 5. Make It a Staycation (Or At Least a Fancy Lunch)

1. Get Competitive (Without the Office Drama)

Competition isn’t always a bad thing—especially when it involves throwing axes or solving escape room puzzles instead of passive-aggressive email chains. If your team has a bit of a competitive streak, try one of these activities:

• Escape Room Challenges – Great for problem-solving, communication, and figuring out who in the office is most likely to crack under pressure (kidding... mostly). Companies like The Escape Key and Mystery Escape Room offer immersive experiences that make you forget you’re technically “working on team synergy.”
• Axe Throwing at Social Axe – Because nothing bonds coworkers quite like hurling sharp objects at wooden targets. Bonus: It’s surprisingly therapeutic.
• Topgolf or Indoor Golf Simulators – Whether your team is full of golf pros or people who think “par” is just short for “party,” swinging a club together is a fun, low-pressure way to hang out and trash-talk (in a professional, team-building kind of way, of course).

2. Outdoor Adventures for the Adrenaline Junkies

If your team prefers fresh air and a little adventure, Salt Lake City’s outdoor scene does not disappoint.

• Hiking and Scenic Walks – Take the team for a morning hike up Ensign Peak or Donut Falls—both are relatively easy but come with views that make the effort worthwhile. Plus, nothing says team bonding like collectively realizing you’re all out of breath way sooner than expected.
• Whitewater Rafting on the Weber River – For a bit more thrill (and a higher chance of seeing your boss scream like a child), whitewater rafting is a killer option. Guided tours make it safe but still exciting.
• Skiing or Snowboarding (Seasonal, of course) – If your event lands in winter, hit up Snowbird, Brighton, or Alta. Even if half the team spends more time falling than actually skiing, it’s all in the name of bonding, right?

3. Creative and Chill Activities (for the “Let’s Just Have Fun” Crowd)

Not everyone wants to break a sweat or risk a surprise dunk in the river. If your team is more about laid-back fun, check these out:

• Cooking Classes – Get everyone in the kitchen and see who ends up accidentally setting off the fire alarm. Places like Harmon’s Cooking School offer hands-on classes where teams can learn new recipes together (and, ideally, not give anyone food poisoning).
• Paint-and-Sip Nights – Give your team a glass of wine and a paintbrush, and let the creativity—or at least some hilarious attempts at painting—flow. The Paint Mixer is a great local spot for this.
• Trivia Nights at a Local Brewery – A little friendly trivia competition with some local craft beer? Sounds like a win-win. SLC has tons of great breweries, like Kiitos Brewing and Fisher Brewing Company, that host weekly trivia nights.

4. Give Back with a Community Service Project

If you want your team-building event to have a deeper purpose, consider a volunteer day. Salt Lake City has plenty of ways to give back while still making it a meaningful (and even fun) experience:

• Food Bank Volunteering – Help sort and distribute food at the Utah Food Bank.
• Park or Trail Cleanups – Spend a few hours beautifying a local park or trail and enjoy the fresh air while you’re at it.
• Habitat for Humanity – Get hands-on and help build homes for those in need. (Bonus: Using power tools makes people feel like superheroes.)

5. Make It a Staycation (Or At Least a Fancy Lunch)

If you want to step things up a notch, consider turning your event into a mini getaway—without actually leaving town.

• Retreat at a Mountain Lodge – Book a corporate retreat at a place like The Cliff Lodge at Snowbird or The Grand America Hotel in downtown SLC for a mix of work and relaxation.
• Team Lunch or Dinner at a Local Hotspot – Take the crew to an amazing meal at places like Valter’s Osteria (for incredible Italian), Takashi (if sushi is the move), or Red Iguana (legendary Mexican food). Because nothing brings people together like really good food.

Final Thoughts: Team-Building Doesn’t Have to Be Lame 

The key to a successful corporate team-building event? Knowing your team. Some people thrive on competition, while others just want to eat good food and vibe. As long as you pick something that gets people genuinely engaged, you’re already winning.

So go forth, plan something awesome, and make this the team-building event people actually want to show up for. (And hey, worst-case scenario, at least you’re not making them do trust falls.)