38 Engaging Team Building Activities in Des Moines for 2024

Updated: February 16, 2024

Introduction to Team Building Activities in Des Moines

Des Moines, the vibrant capital city of Iowa, is not only renowned for its dynamic blend of metropolitan flair and Midwestern charm but also for its thriving corporate culture. This bustling hub of business and innovation is home to a diverse range of companies, from burgeoning startups to established Fortune 500 firms. With such a diverse corporate landscape, the need for effective team building activities in Des Moines has never been more crucial.

Team building activities are not just a trendy buzzword in the corporate world. They are a vital part of any company's success strategy, designed to foster better communication, enhance collaboration, and cultivate a positive workplace culture. These activities aim to bring employees together, helping them to break down barriers and build strong, productive relationships.

In Des Moines, team building activities take on a whole new level of excitement and engagement. The city offers a plethora of options that cater to diverse interests and preferences. From thrilling escape room challenges to culinary adventures, from outdoor explorations to creative workshops, Des Moines provides a rich tapestry of experiences that can turn any team building event into a memorable occasion.

As we move into 2024, the importance of team building has only increased, with companies focusing more on employee engagement and team cohesion. The pandemic has reshaped the way we work, and team building activities have adapted to these changes, offering both in-person and virtual experiences that cater to the evolving needs of businesses.

This blog post will guide you through 38 engaging team building activities in Des Moines for 2024. Whether you're a small business looking to strengthen your team's bond or a large corporation aiming to boost morale and productivity, you'll find an activity that suits your team's needs and preferences. So, let's embark on this journey and discover the best that Des Moines has to offer for your next team building event.

Benefits of Team Building Activities in Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa's capital city, is a hub of culture and commerce, a vibrant backdrop for engaging team-building activities. But why should your organization consider investing in team-building activities in Des Moines? Let's delve into the key benefits that these initiatives can bring to your team.

Enhances Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful team. Team building activities in Des Moines are designed to encourage open dialogue and foster understanding among team members. Whether it's a problem-solving challenge at Escape Chambers Des Moines or a collaborative art class at DSM Brew Coffee Co., these activities can help break down barriers and improve communication lines.

Boosts Team Cohesion

Des Moines offers a variety of team-building activities that can help foster a sense of unity and cohesion among team members. Activities such as a group hike at the Brown's Woods or a team cook-off at Cooking with Alessandra can help individuals understand each other's roles and responsibilities better, thereby promoting teamwork and unity.

Increases Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is crucial for any organization's success. Team building activities in Des Moines can help boost employee engagement by making work more enjoyable and rewarding. For instance, an interactive scavenger hunt by Scavify around the East Village can help employees feel more connected to their work and colleagues, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

Promotes Problem-Solving Skills

Team building activities often involve tasks that require teams to strategize and solve problems together. This not only makes the activity more exciting but also helps in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, a team-building event at Breakout Games - Des Moines can help employees learn how to collaborate effectively to solve complex problems.

Encourages Creativity

Des Moines, with its thriving arts scene and innovative spirit, is an ideal location for team-building activities that stimulate creativity. Activities like a group pottery class at the Des Moines Art Center or a mural painting project in the Historic East Village can inspire employees to think outside the box and come up with fresh ideas.

In conclusion, team building activities in Des Moines offer numerous benefits, from enhancing communication and boosting team cohesion to increasing employee engagement and promoting problem-solving skills. By investing in these activities, organizations can create a more cohesive, engaged, and productive team.

6 Exciting Indoor Team Building Activities in Des Moines

Des Moines, the vibrant capital of Iowa, is not just a hub for politics and agriculture, it's also a city brimming with opportunities for indoor team-building activities. Fostering teamwork, communication, and collaboration, these activities are perfect for companies looking to strengthen their teams while having a great time. Here are six exciting indoor team-building activities in Des Moines that you should definitely try.

1. Escape Chambers Des Moines

Escape rooms are an excellent way to encourage problem-solving and teamwork. At Escape Chambers Des Moines, your team will be locked in a room and must work together to solve puzzles and clues to escape within a set time limit. It's a fun, challenging experience that will surely bring your team closer together.

2. Cooking Classes at Cooking with Alessandra

Bond over the shared love of food at Cooking with Alessandra. Alessandra, a native Italian, offers cooking classes that are perfect for team-building. Your team can learn how to make pasta from scratch, or create a delicious tiramisu. The shared experience of cooking and eating together can foster camaraderie and teamwork.

3. Art Terrarium Workshop

Unleash your team's creativity at the Art Terrarium workshop. Here, your team can create their own terrariums while learning about different plants. It's a relaxing, therapeutic activity that also promotes creativity and collaboration.

4. Bowling at Warrior Lanes

Bowling is a classic team-building activity. At Warrior Lanes, your team can engage in some friendly competition while enjoying a fun-filled bowling session. It's a great way to build team spirit and foster a sense of unity.

5. Improv Classes at Last Laugh Comedy Theater

Improv classes can help boost confidence, improve communication, and foster quick thinking. At Last Laugh Comedy Theater, your team can participate in an improv class where they'll learn to think on their feet and work together in a fun, supportive environment.

6. Virtual Reality at Ctrl V Des Moines

Step into the future with a virtual reality experience at Ctrl V Des Moines. Your team can work together in a virtual world, tackling challenges and missions that require cooperation and teamwork. It's an innovative, exciting team-building activity that's sure to be a hit.

Indoor team building activities in Des Moines offer a wide range of experiences, from culinary adventures to virtual reality escapades. These activities not only provide a fun escape from the office but also help in fostering a stronger, more cohesive team.

7 Unique Outdoor Team Building Activities in Des Moines

Des Moines, the vibrant capital city of Iowa, is not just a hub for business and politics, but also a treasure trove of unique and engaging outdoor team building activities. These activities not only promote team bonding but also offer an opportunity to explore the city's beautiful landscapes and cultural richness. Here are seven unique outdoor team building activities in Des Moines that your team will surely love.

1. Scavenger Hunt with Scavify

A scavenger hunt is a timeless team-building activity that combines fun, competition, and exploration. With Scavify, you can embark on a quest that will take your team around the city's landmarks, solving puzzles and completing tasks. This activity will not only foster camaraderie but also encourage creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

2. Adventure at Climb Iowa

Experience the thrill of rock climbing at Climb Iowa, one of the largest indoor climbing and training facilities in the Midwest. While technically indoors, the realistic climbing scenarios mimic outdoor adventures. Teams can learn to trust each other, improve communication, and develop leadership skills while scaling the walls.

3. Kayaking on the Des Moines River

For teams that love water sports, kayaking on the Des Moines River is a must-try activity. This adventure will test your team's coordination and cooperation skills as they navigate the river's currents. It's a fun and refreshing way to build team spirit while enjoying the city's scenic river views.

4. Volunteering at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Volunteering is a meaningful team-building activity that can strengthen bonds while making a positive impact on the community. Your team can spend a day at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, helping with garden maintenance, event preparation, or educational programs. This activity promotes teamwork, empathy, and social responsibility.

5. Biking the High Trestle Trail

Take your team on a biking expedition along the High Trestle Trail, a 25-mile trail offering stunning views of woodlands, prairies, and the iconic 130-foot high bridge over the Des Moines River. This activity encourages physical fitness, perseverance, and a shared sense of accomplishment.

6. Outdoor Cooking Challenge at Jester Park

An outdoor cooking challenge at Jester Park can be a deliciously fun team-building activity. Teams can compete to prepare the best meal using only campfire and basic cooking equipment. This activity fosters creativity, collaboration, and of course, culinary skills.

7. Nature Photography Contest at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge

Finally, consider a nature photography contest at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge. Teams can explore the refuge, capturing its natural beauty through their lenses. This activity encourages observation, creativity, and appreciation for nature.

Outdoor team building activities in Des Moines are more than just fun. They are opportunities for teams to grow, learn, and become more cohesive. So step out of the office, enjoy the fresh air, and watch your team thrive.

5 Team Building Activities in Des Moines for Small Businesses

Small businesses form the backbone of every local economy, and Des Moines is no exception. The city's vibrant entrepreneurial scene is teeming with small businesses, each with its unique culture and team dynamics. Building a strong, cohesive team is crucial for these businesses, and what better way to foster teamwork than engaging in fun and challenging team building activities? Here are five team building activities in Des Moines that small businesses should consider to enhance their team's camaraderie, communication, and collaboration.

1. Escape Room Challenges

Des Moines boasts several escape rooms, each offering a unique and immersive experience that will test your team's problem-solving skills, creativity, and teamwork. Teams are locked in a themed room and must work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and escape before time runs out. This high-pressure, high-fun activity is a great way for individuals to learn about each other's strengths and weaknesses, and how they can complement each other to achieve a common goal.

2. Art Terrarium Workshop

For teams that prefer a more relaxed, creative experience, Art Terrarium offers a fantastic opportunity. In these workshops, team members can create their own miniature indoor gardens while learning about different plant species and their care. This activity encourages creativity and provides a calming environment for team members to bond and engage in meaningful conversations.

3. Cooking Classes at Cooking with Alessandra

What better way to foster teamwork than preparing a meal together? Cooking with Alessandra offers hands-on, Italian cooking classes that not only teach culinary skills but also promote collaboration and communication. Teams can work together to prepare a delicious meal, then enjoy the fruits of their labor together, creating a sense of accomplishment and unity.

4. Volunteering at the Food Bank of Iowa

Volunteering can be a powerful team-building activity. It not only brings team members closer but also instills a sense of purpose and community. The Food Bank of Iowa always welcomes volunteer groups to help sort and package food for those in need. This shared experience can help build empathy and strengthen bonds among team members.

5. Scavify Scavenger Hunt

Scavify offers an innovative, app-based scavenger hunt that turns Des Moines into a giant game board. Teams must complete challenges, answer trivia, and explore the city to earn points. This activity encourages exploration, problem-solving, and competition, making it a fun and effective team-building exercise.

In conclusion, Des Moines offers a plethora of team building activities that can help small businesses foster a strong and cohesive team. From escape room challenges to cooking classes, volunteering, and scavenger hunts, there's something for every team's preference and budget. Remember, the goal of these activities is not just to have fun, but to learn more about each other, improve communication, and build a stronger, more effective team.

7 Team Building Activities in Des Moines for Large Corporations

Large corporations often face the challenge of fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among their vast number of employees. Team building activities can be instrumental in bridging this gap and promoting a cohesive corporate culture. In the vibrant city of Des Moines, there are numerous team building activities suitable for large corporations. Here are seven that are sure to provide a memorable experience.

1. Corporate Scavenger Hunt with Scavify

A scavenger hunt is an excellent way to encourage teamwork while also providing an opportunity for employees to explore Des Moines. Scavify offers tailor-made scavenger hunts that can be customized to suit your corporate needs, making it one of the best team building activities in Des Moines. The interactive nature of the hunt fosters communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking among team members.

2. Adventure Road Team Challenge

The Adventure Road Team Challenge is an exhilarating outdoor activity that tests physical strength, endurance, and team spirit. Teams compete in a series of challenging tasks and obstacles, promoting collaboration and determination among employees. This activity is perfect for corporations looking to foster a healthy competitive spirit among their teams.

3. Des Moines Art Center Tours

For corporations that value creativity and innovation, a guided tour of the Des Moines Art Center can serve as an inspiring team building activity. Teams can engage in interactive workshops, where they can collaborate on art projects, fostering creativity, communication, and teamwork.

4. Cooking Classes at the Des Moines Culinary Institute

Cooking classes are a unique and enjoyable way for teams to bond. At the Des Moines Culinary Institute, teams can work together to prepare a meal under the guidance of professional chefs. This activity not only promotes teamwork but also provides a satisfying and delicious outcome that everyone can enjoy.

5. Corporate Volunteering at the Food Bank of Iowa

Giving back to the community can be a powerful bonding experience. Corporate volunteering at the Food Bank of Iowa allows teams to work together towards a common goal, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. This activity also reinforces corporate social responsibility, a value that many corporations hold dear.

6. Team Building Workshops at the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership offers a variety of team building workshops designed specifically for large corporations. These workshops focus on various aspects of team dynamics, leadership, and communication, providing valuable insights and practical strategies for improving team performance.

7. Corporate Retreat at Honey Creek Resort

A corporate retreat at Honey Creek Resort provides a relaxed setting for team building. With a variety of indoor and outdoor activities available, teams can participate in a range of team building exercises while also enjoying the resort's beautiful surroundings. This activity is ideal for corporations looking to combine team building with relaxation and recreation.

These seven team building activities in Des Moines offer a variety of experiences that can help large corporations foster a strong, cohesive, and motivated workforce. With a mix of fun, challenge, and learning, these activities provide ample opportunities for team members to connect, collaborate, and grow together.

7 Food and Drink Related Team Building Activities in Des Moines

In Des Moines, the food and drink scene is as diverse as it is delightful. This vibrant city offers a plethora of culinary experiences that can serve as the perfect backdrop for team building activities. These activities not only provide a fun and engaging way to bond but also offer a unique opportunity to savor the city's gastronomic delights. Here are seven food and drink-related team building activities in Des Moines that will tantalize your taste buds while strengthening team dynamics.

1. Culinary Cook-Off

Bring out the inner chefs in your team with a culinary cook-off. This activity involves dividing your team into smaller groups and challenging them to create a dish using a set list of ingredients. It encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving while also offering a fun and delicious experience.

2. Wine Tasting at Jasper Winery

Located just minutes from downtown Des Moines, Jasper Winery offers an idyllic setting for a team building activity. Their group wine tasting sessions provide an opportunity for team members to learn about various wines, engage in conversation, and bond over shared experiences.

3. Brewery Tours

Des Moines is home to several local breweries, each offering a unique flavor and story. Organize a tour of these breweries for your team. This activity allows team members to learn about the brewing process, taste different beers, and engage in lively discussions, fostering camaraderie.

4. Food Truck Challenge

The food truck scene in Des Moines is vibrant and diverse. A food truck challenge, where team members have to find specific food trucks or dishes, can be a fun, engaging, and delicious way to explore the city and its culinary offerings.

5. Coffee Shop Hop

Des Moines boasts an array of local coffee shops, each with its unique vibe and brew. Organize a coffee shop hop, where your team visits several of these establishments, sampling their offerings. This activity encourages exploration, conversation, and a shared appreciation of good coffee.

6. Farm-to-Table Cooking Class

With Iowa's rich agricultural heritage, a farm-to-table cooking class can be a unique and enriching team building activity. This experience allows team members to learn about local produce, work together to prepare a meal, and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

7. Chocolate Making Workshop

Sweeten your team building activity with a chocolate making workshop. Under the guidance of a local chocolatier, your team can learn the art of making chocolates. This activity fosters cooperation, creativity, and, of course, offers a deliciously sweet reward.

In conclusion, Des Moines' food and drink scene provides a multitude of options for team building activities. These activities not only offer a chance to savor the city's culinary delights but also foster teamwork, communication, and camaraderie, making them a win-win for any organization.

Conclusion on the Impact of Team Building Activities in Des Moines

As we draw the curtains on our exploration of team building activities in Des Moines, it is clear that the city offers a plethora of options for businesses of all sizes. From indoor activities that test your problem-solving skills to outdoor adventures that push your physical limits, Des Moines is a city that breathes life into the concept of team building.

The impact of these team building activities on Des Moines businesses is profound. They not only provide a break from the daily grind but also foster a sense of camaraderie and unity among team members. They allow employees to connect on a personal level, breaking down barriers that might exist in the workplace. In doing so, these activities help to build a more cohesive, collaborative, and ultimately, successful organization.

Moreover, team building activities in Des Moines have a ripple effect on the local economy. They support local businesses, from escape rooms to catering services, contributing to the city's vibrant business ecosystem. They also position Des Moines as a desirable destination for corporate retreats, attracting businesses from across the country and boosting tourism.

Additionally, these activities have a transformative effect on the participants themselves. They improve communication, increase trust, and foster a sense of belonging. They help employees to feel valued and appreciated, which in turn boosts morale and productivity. They also provide an opportunity for personal growth, as employees learn new skills and overcome challenges.

In conclusion, the impact of team building activities in Des Moines extends beyond the confines of the office. They are a powerful tool for businesses, contributing to team cohesion, employee satisfaction, and business success. They are also a testament to the city's commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic business environment. As we look forward to 2024, it is clear that team building activities in Des Moines will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the city's corporate landscape.