40 Fun and engaging virtual Team-Building activities for remote teams

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Virtual team events are essential to engage your remote teams. A well-organised virtual event can make a huge difference in how your team feels and works together.

These events are more than just fun—they strengthen bonds, encourage creativity, and increase productivity.

With the right planning and execution, you can create memorable experiences that bring your team closer together, no matter where they are.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 40 fun and engaging corporate event ideas for team-building that keep your remote teams engaged, inspired and motivated.

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Virtual team events are essential to engage your remote teams. A well-organised virtual event can make a huge difference in how your team feels and works together.

These events are more than just fun—they strengthen bonds, encourage creativity, and increase productivity.

With the right planning and execution, you can create memorable experiences that bring your team closer together, no matter where they are.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 40 fun and engaging corporate event ideas for team-building that keep your remote teams engaged, inspired and motivated.

40 Innovative virtual team building activities for workplace engagement and morale

Here are our top 40 team-building ideas perfect for your remote teams:

Facilitated virtual team building events for employees

Team building software makes organised team building experiences seamless, whether you are planning a virtual or hybrid event.

Here are a few ideas that you can try for your next event:

1. A virtual photo challenge

Unleash the creativity and team spirit of your group by organising a photo challenge where participants submit themed photos daily or weekly, all facilitated by the Teamupp team-building app.

Price range: $0.50 per employee per month for the Teamupp app.

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Use Teamupp to set up a challenge theme, such as “Best Office Setup” or “Nature in Your Area.”
  • Encourage employees to upload their photos directly to the app, where others can like and comment.
  • At the end of the challenge, use Teamupp’s polling feature to vote for the most creative photo.

Key benefit: The app simplifies coordination, increases engagement, and fosters creative self-expression.

2. Virtual escape room challenge

Escape rooms aren’t just for in-person thrills—they’ve gone virtual! This activity immerses your team in a high-stakes scenario where problem-solving and collaboration are essential. It can be a great virtual team-building day activity.

Price Range: $$$

Organisation Level: **

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Choose a theme, such as a haunted mansion or a futuristic heist.
  • Divide teams into breakout rooms.
  • A facilitator will lead each group through the game.

Key Benefit: Encourages teamwork and creative problem-solving.

3. Online cooking class

Break the routine with a flavorful experience! An online cooking class lets employees bond over creating a delicious meal together.

Price Range: $$$

Organisation Level: *

Step-by-Step guide:

  • Book a professional chef or ask one of your team members to volunteer 
  • Share the ingredient list with your employees.
  • Gather your team on a video call.
  • Ask your team members to follow along.
  • You can also reward the person with the best presentation.

Key Benefit: Builds personal connections and teaches practical skills.

4. Hosted trivia night

Test your team’s knowledge while fostering a fun, competitive spirit! Trivia nights are a great way to blend entertainment with bonding. You can use platforms like Kahoot! To create customisable question themes.

Price Range: $$

Organisation level: *

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Create diverse trivia categories using a trivia app like Kahoot!
  • Organise your teams and have a moderator lead the session.
  • Reward the winners with a small gift like a gift card or coupon.

Key Benefit: Promotes team camaraderie and intellectual engagement.

Engaging virtual team-building activities for remote teams

The most important thing when hosting remote team-building activities is to engage your team. Here are a few engaging activities to keep your team tuned in:

5. Virtual fitness challenge

Motivate your team to get moving with a fitness challenge tracked and coordinated through the Teamupp app. It’s a fun way to stay healthy and connected remotely.

Price range: $0.50 per employee per month for the Teamupp app.

Organisation level: **

Step-by-step guide:

  • Use Teamupp to create a fitness leaderboard and set daily or weekly activity goals, like steps taken, workouts completed, or yoga sessions logged.
  • Encourage participants to share progress photos or tips via the app’s chat feature.
  • Celebrate milestones with virtual badges or shoutouts in the app.

Key benefit: Promotes wellness, healthy competition, and camaraderie among team members.

6. Remote scavenger hunt

Turn mundane moments into a spirited scavenger hunt! This activity lets your employees hunt for household items, completing quirky challenges along the way.

Price Range: $$

Organisation level: *

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Create a list of items or challenges participants must find or complete within their homes (e.g., “Find something red,” “Snap a picture of your pet”).
  • You can encourage participation by offering prizes for the winners.

Key Benefit: Sparks creativity and energises your team members during the workday.

7. Virtual storytelling workshop

You can try a storytelling workshop if you want to build better communication within your group. This workshop encourages employees to craft and share compelling narratives in a supportive environment.

Price Range: $$$

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Bring in a professional storyteller or ask someone from your team to be a facilitator
  • After the workshop, ask your team members to take turns sharing short personal or fictional stories.
  • You can have all participants vote for the best story.

Key Benefit: Enhances communication skills and builds trust through vulnerability.

8. Team playlist creation

Music is a universal language that has the power to bring your team together. Building a shared playlist lets your employees contribute their favourite tunes, sparking fun conversations and personal connections.

Price Range: Free or $ (if using music subscription services)

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Have each team member contribute songs to a shared playlist representing their personality or mood.
  • Use a collaborative platform like Spotify to create and share the playlist.

Key Benefit: This activity fosters connection through shared music tastes and fun discussions.

Free virtual team building activities for the workplace

Team building doesn’t have to break the bank. These creative and engaging activities are completely free yet deliver maximum impact on your team’s morale and engagement:

9. Two truths and a lie

Use the online version of this classic icebreaker game, which is perfect for fostering quick connections. Your employees take turns sharing two true facts and one false statement about themselves while others guess which one is the lie. It’s a fun and casual way to learn more about your colleagues.

Price range: Free

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Ask each team member to share two true statements and one false statement about themselves.
  • The group then guesses which is the lie.
  • This activity can be done via video call without any special tools.

Key Benefit: Breaks the ice and builds camaraderie in a fun and casual way.

10. Virtual “show and tell”

Give your team a platform to share what’s meaningful to them. Each member presents something personal—whether it’s a hobby, an interesting object, or even a pet. It’s a simple activity that helps your colleagues bond over shared interests.

Price Range: Free

Organisation Level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Schedule a short session where each team member shares something meaningful from their home—a book, a souvenir, or even a pet.
  • Give each participant a specific time to talk about their chosen item.

Key benefit: Encourages personal sharing and strengthens interpersonal connections.

11. Team coffee chat roulette

If your team loves their water cooler chats, why not bring it to the virtual world? Pair your employees randomly for one-on-one casual conversations, mimicking those spontaneous office moments that are often lost in remote work.

Price Range: Free

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Randomly pair team members for 10-minute one-on-one coffee chats.
  • You can use a platform like Zoom or Slack to facilitate conversations.
  • Rotate pairs regularly to encourage broader team interaction.

Key benefit: Fosters relationships and improves communication across departments.

Creative virtual team-building ideas for small groups

Even your small teams need big ideas to keep them engaged! These activities are designed to maximise engagement and collaboration in intimate group settings.

12. Online DIY craft session

Get crafty and creative with your small team by hosting a virtual DIY session. Pick activities like painting or making desk organisers. Your group will love this activity if they like to explore their creative side.

Price range: $

Organisation level: **

Step-by-step guide:

  • Share a materials list in advance.
  • Guide your team through the craft live on a call.

Key benefit: Promotes relaxation and teamwork in a non-work setting.

13. Virtual murder mystery party

Bring your team’s snooping skills to life with a virtual murder mystery! This immersive game assigns roles to participants who must work together to solve the case. A live, in-person version also works great for a team away day, adding energy and collaboration to your off-site experience.

Price range: $$

Organisation level: **

Step-by-step guide:

  • Get an online murder mystery kit.
  • Assign roles to your employees.
  • Send them instructions, and let the game unfold on a video call.

Key benefit: Encourages teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.

14. Themed “guess who?” game

Spice up your team’s usual catch-up sessions with a guessing game! Ask your teammates to submit fun facts anonymously, and the group guesses who they belong to. It’s a lighthearted way to reveal hidden talents and quirks.

Price Range: Free

Organisation level: *

Step-by-Step guide:

  • Collect facts using an online messaging platform in advance.
  • Share them during the video call session, and let the guessing begin.

Key benefit: Builds curiosity and strengthens team bonds.

Top online team-building activities for conference calls

Is your team bored of those long video calls? Make them more fun and engaging with interactive activities that bring energy to the (virtual) room.

15. Virtual charades

A timeless favourite, charades are a lively way to energise your team. Employees act out words or phrases while their teammates try to guess what they portray. This game guarantees laughs and a boost in your team’s morale.

Price Range: Free

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Divide your group into (preferably) two teams.  
  • Use a free charades generator for prompts.
  • Keep points and award the winning teams bragging rights!

Key benefit: Adds energy and laughter to team calls.

16. Digital drawing game

Who doesn’t love Pictionary, right? Well, you can bring Pictionary right into your Zoom calls. Use online tools like Skribbl.io to create and guess each other’s drawings. This game is the perfect blend of fun and teamwork that your team will love!

Price range: Free or $ (depending on platform)

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Set up the game online using a platform like Skribbl.io
  • Ask the participants to take turns drawing while others guess.

Key benefit: Encourages creativity and team interaction.

17. Workplace general knowledge quiz challenge

Turn your conference call into a quiz arena! Create questions about your company, team members, or industry to foster knowledge sharing and team pride.

Price range: Free

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Compile trivia questions or ask your team members to contribute
  • Split the group into teams and host the challenge.

Key benefit: Boosts team pride and sparks fun conversations.

Quick virtual icebreaker activities for teams

These activities are great for new teams trying to figure each other out. Break the monotony and start your meetings with quick, simple activities that help your team feel more connected and engaged.

18. Emoji check-in

Start your meeting with an emoji roll-call! Ask each participant to share an emoji that reflects their current mood or how their day is going. It’s a fun and informal way to set the tone.

Price range: Free

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Ask participants to type or show their emoji in the chat.
  • Ask them for brief explanations to get the ball rolling.

Key benefit: Promotes emotional awareness and lightens the mood.

19. Fast “would you rather” round

If you are looking for a quick conversation starter, then this classic question game is your best option. It takes just a few minutes but sparks lots of laughter and interesting conversations. Use it to start your online meetings for a dose of light-hearted fun!

Price range: Free

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Prepare a list of fun “would you rather” questions.
  • Take turns answering or voting in the chat.

Key benefit: Gets the team laughing and comfortable.

20. Speed networking

If you have several new members in your team, try speed networking. Quickly pair team members for five-minute one-on-one chats using breakout rooms. It’s a great way to foster connections in a short amount of time.

Price range: Free

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Use your video conferencing tool to set up random breakout rooms.
  • Rotate every five minutes to give each participant a chance to interact.

Key benefit: Builds rapport and cross-departmental relationships.

Are you interested in contributing to employees’ daily wellness?

Virtual team-building experiences for adults

These activities cater to a more mature audience, focusing on skill-building and meaningful connections.

21. Virtual wine or coffee tasting

You can create a refined experience with a guided wine or coffee-tasting session for your team members. Participants can sample drinks from their own homes while learning from an expert.

Price range: $$-$$$

Organisation level: **

Step-by-step guide:

  • Send tasting kits to participants.
  • Hire a sommelier or barista for a guided session via video call.

Key benefit: Fosters a relaxed, social atmosphere.

22. Online book club

You can set up a team book club if your team prefers intellectual engagement. Choose a book, schedule discussions, and create a space for employees to share insights and ideas.

Price range: Free or $ (depending on the book)

Organisation level: *

Step-by-Step guide:

  • Ask your team members to vote for a book
  • Set a timeline, and meet virtually to discuss it.
  • Give each team member time to share key takeaways from the book.

Key benefit: Builds deeper connections and stimulates thoughtful conversation.

23. Professional development webinar

You can combine team bonding with skill-building by hosting a professional webinar on a relevant topic. Invite an industry expert to deliver insights and engage your team in discussions.

Price range: $$-$$$

Organisation level: **

Step-by-step guide:

  • Identify a speaker or facilitator.
  • Schedule the session.
  • Prepare a Q&A segment

Key benefit: Develops skills and enhances team knowledge.

Innovative virtual team-building concepts

If you need a dose of creative inspiration for your next team-building activity, here are a few options you can try:

24. Interactive virtual art gallery

This activity works best for teams that have a creative streak in them. Let your employees submit their digital art, photos, or designs to be showcased in a virtual gallery.

Price range: Free

Organisation level: **

Step-by-step guide:

  • Use a shared platform like Google Slides or Padlet to compile submissions.
  • Host a virtual gallery tour.
  • Ask your team members to vote for the best contribution.

Key benefit: Encourages creativity and personal expression.

25. Virtual hackathon

A virtual hackathon is a great activity to get your team to channel their innovative spirit. Give your team a workplace challenge or create new challenges to boost their problem-solving skills.

Price Range: Free

Organisation level: ***

Step-by-step guide:

  • Set a theme or challenge.
  • Allocate time for brainstorming and presentations.
  • Ask the team members to vote for the most innovative or most elegant solution.

Key benefit: Sparks creativity and problem-solving.

26. Online film screening and discussion

Host a virtual movie night for your movie-buff team members! Pick a film, stream it together, and hold a group discussion afterwards. Select a theme that resonates with your team for added impact.

Price range: Free or $ (for rentals)

Organisation level: *

Step-by-Step guide:

  • Choose a movie by taking a poll of your team members.
  • Sync the watch time so everyone has a synchronous experience
  • Hold discussions via video call.

Key benefit: Promotes relaxation and thoughtful dialogue.

Virtual team building activities for large teams

Managing a big group? These activities ensure everyone feels included, engaged, and connected, no matter the size of your team.

27. Home tour challenge

This activity is an excellent alternative to a scavenger hunt. Your employees showcase a favourite corner, item, or quirky feature in their home, creating a mix of storytelling and team bonding.

Price range: Free

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Set a time limit for presentations.
  • Encourage humour and personal anecdotes to make the activity light-hearted.

Key benefit: Strengthens personal connections and sparks creativity.

28. Virtual talent show

Showcase your team’s hidden talents with a virtual talent show. You can ask the participants to showcase any talent they have, from singing to storytelling. Let your employees take centre stage to entertain and inspire their colleagues.

Price range: Free

Organisation level: **

Step-by-step guide:

  • Make sure you communicate about the event in advance.
  • Encourage sign-ups, then host the show during a team call.

Key benefit: Highlights individuality and builds appreciation within the team.

Additional virtual team-building ideas

When the usual activities don’t cut it, try these bonus ideas to keep your team engaged and motivated.

29. Rapid-fire debate challenge

Replace trivia night with a fun and fast-paced debate game. Assign teams at random and provide quirky topics (e.g., “Is pineapple on pizza genius or madness?”) and have one minute to argue their case.

Price range: Free

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Share topics and divide participants into teams.
  • Give each participant one minute to put their points across.
  • Use a poll to vote on the winners.

Key benefit: Encourages quick thinking and hones persuasive communication skills.

30. Mindfulness meditation session

A meditation session can be a great way to help your team recharge and rejuvenate. A professional coach can lead the session, or you can use free resources online. This activity is perfect for reducing stress and boosting focus.

Price range: Free or $ (for a coach)

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Choose a platform like Headspace or Calm.
  • Schedule the session and share the link.
  • Encourage participants to find a quiet spot and follow along.

Key benefit: Improves mental wellbeing and focus.

31. Digital wellness bingo

Engage your team with a wellness-focused bingo game. Tasks could include “drink a glass of water,” “stretch for 2 minutes,” or “take a 10-minute walk.”

Price range: Free

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Create bingo cards with wellness activities and distribute them digitally.
  • Set a time frame for completion and offer small prizes for winners.

Key benefit: Encourages healthy habits while fostering a fun, low-pressure competition.

Virtual community engagement strategies

Encourage your team to give back to their communities with activities that make a difference and foster unity.

32. Online charity auction

An auction for charity gives a social angle to your team-building efforts. Host an online auction where employees donate services, handmade items, or other valuables to raise funds for a good cause.

Price range: Free

Organisation level: **

Step-by-step guide:

  • Collect donations from employees
  • List the donations online
  • Run a live auction during a video call.

Key benefit: Encourages generosity and strengthens team bonds.

33. Virtual volunteer day

Organise a day where team members volunteer remotely for a cause they care about, such as mentoring students online or writing letters to seniors.

Price range: Free

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide

  • Share options for remote volunteering using VolunteerMatch or United Nations Volunteers  
  • Provide resources and encourage participation.

Key benefit: Boosts team morale and fosters social responsibility.

34. Crowdsourced fundraiser

Organise a collective effort, such as a virtual run or a charity drive, to get your team involved in raising funds for a local or global cause.

Price range: Free

Organisation level: **

Step-by-step guide:

  • Choose a cause after polling your employees
  • Set up an online fundraising page
  • Track contributions as a team.

Key benefit: Builds team spirit and supports community engagement.

Virtual team outing suggestions

Even when physical outings aren’t an option, these virtual alternatives deliver the same sense of fun and adventure.

35. Virtual museum tour

Several museums around the world offer free virtual tours. Explore iconic museums and galleries from around the world without leaving your home. Virtual tours offer cultural outings for your team to enjoy together.

Price range: Free or $ (depending on the museum)

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Choose a museum offering virtual tours.
  • Share the link during a call.

Key benefit: Expands cultural horizons and sparks creativity.

36. Virtual karaoke night

Let your team members relax and belt out their favourite tunes with a virtual karaoke session! It’s a lively and fun way to unwind with your team.

Price range: Free or $ (for karaoke platforms)

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Use a platform like Watch2Gether or share audio through video conferencing.
  • Take turns singing.
  • Host polls for the best singer(s).

Key benefit: Boosts morale and creates lasting memories.

Interactive online team-building games

Infuse some fun and teamwork into your virtual meetings with engaging online games that challenge and entertain your team.

37. Masquerade mixer

Add a touch of mystery and glamour with a virtual masquerade party. Encourage participants to wear masks and share themed backgrounds at your next Zoom meeting!

Price range: Free

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Announce the theme in advance.
  • You can even provide DIY mask tutorials.
  • Host fun activities like a costume contest.

Key benefit: Elevates team spirit and creativity.

38. Virtual mixology class

Learn to craft the perfect cocktail (or mocktail) with a professional mixologist guiding the session. Your participants can show off their creations, and the best drink wins a fun title!

Price range: $-$$

Organisation level: **

Step-by-step guide:

  • Send an ingredients list in advance.
  • Follow the expert’s instructions during the session to make and customise your drink.

Key benefit: Combines creativity, learning, and socialising in a relaxed atmosphere.

Themed virtual team-building experiences

Take your virtual team-building to the next level with creative themes that add excitement and variety.

39. Retro game night

Revisit the classics with retro-themed games like Pac-Man, Tetris, or Mario Kart. Teams compete for high scores or tackle challenges together.

Price range: Free or $ (depending on game access)

Organisation level: **

Step-by-step guide:

  • Choose retro games that are accessible online or through emulators.
  • Organise competitions and share screens during play.

Key benefit: Evokes nostalgia and strengthens team bonds.

40. Holiday celebration event

Whether it’s Halloween, Diwali, or Christmas, host a themed celebration to match the season. Incorporate games, trivia, and costume contests for added fun.

Price range: Free or $ (depending on extras)

Organisation level: *

Step-by-step guide:

  • Plan activities related to the festival.
  • Share decoration ideas with your team.
  • Encourage themed outfits or virtual backgrounds.

Key benefit: Builds camaraderie while celebrating diverse traditions.

How to organise successful virtual team events?

You now have plenty of virtual team building ideas to choose from. However, a successful virtual team event requires preparation, attention to detail, and follow-through. According to Harvard Business Review, the social aspect of team-building activities improves collaboration, engagement and morale.

Whether you’re staging a fun icebreaker or a serious training session, here is the step-by-step guide to making your virtual team event a success.

Step 1: define the purpose and objectives

Your first step when planning a virtual event should be to its purpose. Are you aiming to improve team bonding, provide training, or simply have fun? Your objectives will shape your event’s format, activities, and tone.

For example:

  • For team bonding: Choose interactive games or activities that promote collaboration.
  • For professional development: Opt for workshops or expert-led sessions.
  • For relaxation and fun: Consider creative themes or stress-relief activities like virtual wellness sessions.

Once you’ve pinpointed the goal, list the outcomes you want to achieve, such as increased engagement or improved communication.

Step 2: choose the right platform

The success of your virtual event ideas will depend on the platform you select. Consider tools that match the event’s needs.

For instance:

  • Use platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for large meetings with breakout rooms.
  • Opt for apps that support features like polls, leaderboards, or activity tracking.
  • Choose platforms with features like whiteboards, live chats, and screen-sharing options for interactive sessions.

Always remember to test the platform in advance to troubleshoot potential issues and ensure smooth execution.

Step 3: plan activities that match your team’s interests

Your most important job is to keep your team engaged. If you choose an activity that does not get your team excited, then your event won’t be a success.

Tailor activities to your team’s preferences and dynamics. Conduct a quick survey to gather input on what activities they would enjoy.

Here are a few suggestions that can give you an idea about your team’s interests:

  • Ask for suggestions using messaging apps. You can also offer to keep the suggestions anonymous to encourage more enthusiastic participation.
  • Narrow down the topics and take a poll of your employees to arrive at a consensus.

Keep the activities varied so your event can cater to team members of different interests and energy levels.

Step 4: set a realistic budget and timeline

As we saw in the ideas above, you can find virtual events in almost any budget. If you know your budget, you can allocate resources wisely.

Some events may be free, while others might require investments in facilitators or materials. So, keep that in mind as well.

Also, don’t forget to create a timeline with key deadlines, such as sending invitations, confirming speakers, and testing technology.

Step 5: promote the event and encourage participation

 Communication is key to ensuring your team is excited about the event. Use email, Slack, or other apps to share event details.

Make sure you include the following information:

  • The date, time, and agenda.
  • A sneak peek of activities.
  • Clear instructions on how to join.

Highlight the benefits of the activity and offer incentives like shoutouts or prizes to mobilise your team.

Step 6: engage during the event

The last thing you want is to have your team members lose interest during your event. Use icebreakers to start on a fun note and maintain momentum with engaging activities.

Ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate by using polls, breakout rooms, or Q&A sessions.

Step 7: gather feedback and follow up

Lastly, don’t forget to gather feedback from your team after the event. Ask them what went well and what they liked (and disliked).

This information can help you plan even better events in the future. Follow up with a summary or event highlights to keep the positive energy going.

Organising successful virtual team activities is all about planning, creativity, and engagement. With the right approach, you can foster strong connections and boost morale, even from afar. 

Book a free Teamupp demo today and take your team-building efforts to the next level!

Want to host a virtual team-building event?

written by

Teamupp

The employee wellness platform that drives engagement.

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