18 Free Online Team Building Activities

Team Building Resources

February 01, 2023

Here is our list of the best free online team building activities.

Free online team building activities are games, activities, and exercises you can do with your online group without paying a fee. Examples include Online Meditation, Sudoku Races, and Virtual Scavenger Hunts. You can do these activities using a web conferencing app, a group chat, or your company’s message board. These activities aim to develop good communication in a remote team while fostering fun.

These ideas are examples of virtual team building activities, Zoom meeting ideas, and online games to play on Zoom with coworkers.

This list includes:

• free online team building activities for work
• free online team building activities for students
• free online team building activities for adults
• free online team building games

Let’s get to it!

List of free online team building activities

Spending time with your team while doing a meaningful activity does not have to be costly. Here are free team building activities you can do with your remote team, from Snack and Learn to Improv Storytelling.

1. Virtual Debate

Virtual Debate is one of the free online team building activities for students. You can consider this activity if you are looking for ways to inspire students and promote healthy competition. First, you will need to decide on the debate topic. There are many options, for example, controversial issues in society or academic-related topics. Also, decide on the judges, including a few teachers from your school.

Participants can work in teams during the activity. You can send the topic to students weeks before the scheduled date for adequate preparation. If you prefer a less formal session, then you can give out the issue on the same day. Without prior preparation, students will come up with arguments to support their grounds on the provided topic. This activity is a great way to help students build communication skills.

The protocols for a virtual debate are similar to an in-person discussion. However, be sure to instruct attendees, except the debaters, chairperson, and judges, to put off their cameras and microphones. This step will ensure that the judges can focus their screens only on the debaters. Also, set clear rules of when a participant can politely interrupt. For example, you can restrict any uncalled interruption or ask participants to use the wave function on Zoom to interrupt.

2. Online Book Club

If you have employees who are big fans of reading, then you can host an online book club at no cost. First, decide on the platform for the activity and how often members will meet. You can also compile a list of books to read within a specific time. The books can range from novels to motivational and leadership books.

The idea is for participants to read the books at their own pace. Then on a scheduled date, all members will meet to discuss their opinions on the book. You can also talk about the book’s author and writing style. For a more engaging session, compile a list of questions beforehand. Furthermore, you can create a group chat so members can ask questions anytime before the general meeting. Whether you organize a book club for your colleagues or students, you can expect a productive and fun session.

Pro tip: Members can borrow books from the library instead of buying physical copies. Be sure to pick titles likely available at most libraries to avoid employees having to pay out of pocket.

3. Storytelling Improv

Storytelling Improv is among the free online team building activities you can do with teammates. The host will assign random topics to a participant. Then the participant will tell a coherent story within the given topic. You can use a free word generator online to generate topics.

Consider setting the game’s rules and a time limit for participants to tell their stories. A short time frame, like 30 to 60 seconds, can make the activity engaging for all participants. Also, if a player takes back any statement or says an irrelevant story, then that player wins no point for that round.

After several rounds, you can sum up the points and award the winner “the best storyteller.” This activity can improve participants’ creativity as well as mental flexibility.

4. Scattergories

Scattergories is a free online categories game. The game’s goal is for players to list words fitting into different categories but starting with the same letter. You can create as many categories as you like, such as food, animal, and town. Then the program will randomly pick letters for you. A proper Scattergories game site will automatically calculate all points at the end of the game. Then, the player that earns the most points wins.

After creating a game, invite your team members to join through a displayed link. You can customize the number of players allowed in the game. You can also choose how to end each round, which can be after an allotted time expires or by clicking on the “STOP” button.

Learn more about Scattergories.

5. Icebreaker Bingo

You cannot go wrong with playing icebreaker Bingo with your colleagues. This game is one of the best free online team building activities for work. To play online Bingo, you must create a Bingo card or download an already-made template.

Here are fun prompts you can use for your card:

After making a Bingo card, send a copy to all participants. You can play online icebreaker Bingo in two ways. First, players will play individually and mark an “X” in boxes containing a relatable action or trait. On the other hand, you can divide players into teams and send each team into a breakout room. Team members have to chat and mingle to find those who once performed the actions on the card. Regardless of how you play, the first player or team to mark the boxes horizontally or vertically wins.

6. Online Meditation

Hosting an online meditation is a great way to build a positive virtual work environment. The best part is that you can organize this activity for free. First, invite your group members to a virtual meeting. You should ensure that the time you choose is the most convenient for attendees. Any distraction on the attendees’ side can easily ruin the moment. Therefore, inform your group about the need for a “quiet time” and switch off all phones. You can start by asking icebreaker questions to help your group members loosen up.

For example:

1. How often do you meditate?
2. How do you stay calm in tense situations?
3. What is your favorite between mindfulness and movement meditation?
4. Can you give five benefits of meditation?

Playing soothing background music is a great idea to set the mood right. Also, you can follow a pre-recorded guided meditation session on YouTube for a seamless experience. You should choose a particular meditation focus, such as mindfulness or deep relaxation, to help you select the best video guide.

7. Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Virtual Scavenger Hunts are one of the most fun free online games you can play with colleagues. In this game, a host calls out several items or clues which participants can use to find an object. Of course, you can customize the game rules to your liking. For instance, you can send a list of all the items participants must retrieve. Then, the first person to find the most items before time runs out wins.

On the other hand, you can call out items one after the other in a lightning scavenger hunt format. Having called the first clue, players will have just a few seconds or minutes to present the item. The first player to give the object onscreen wins a point for that round. You can also award bonus points for extra fun finds. When the game ends, sum up all points and crown the player with the most points as the winner.

Read more about online scavenger hunts.

8. Skribbl

Skribbl is one of the best free online team building games you can play with your teammates. This game is a fast-paced online version of Pictionary. With Skribbl, you can create a private game room just for you and your colleagues. The game’s features allow users to set a time limit for players to draw and guess a particular word.

You will have several random words to choose from and draw with your cursor during your turn. But you can customize your own words if you create a private game room. You will win points for each round, depending on how fast you input the correct answer. The player with the highest point wins the game.

Learn more about Skribbl.

9. Tea and Coffee Session

If you need to spend time with your team in a simple yet fun way, then you can host a tea and coffee session. This activity requires team members to chat and mingle while sipping their favorite tea or coffee.

During the session, you can ask icebreaker questions like:

1. Do you prefer to drink tea or coffee?
2. What is your favorite tea flavor?
3. Do you like to have your coffee black or with cream?
4. What is your favorite coffee bean blend?
5. Green tea or black tea?
6. How much sugar do you add to your tea?

The idea is for team members to bond over their favorite beverage. Also, team members who do not take coffee and tea can join the conversation and discuss their favorite beverage.

10. Online Trivia

Trivia is one of the best free online team building activities that test how smart you and your colleagues are. In the game, the host will simply ask a series of questions. Since trivia can come in different variations, you should set clear rules for your game. For instance, decide when a team gains a point, how players will take turns answering the questions, and how to judge the winner.

Participants can play in teams or individually. Before the activity starts, you can create a question-and-answer card for the host. You can also ask general questions about history, movies, and songs. Questions relating to curricular courses will be great for students. You can do the activities on a video conferencing platform like Zoom, WebEx, and Skype. But if you choose to use a group chat instead, then you can have participants answer the questions based on the “fasted finger.” In other words, the first player to type and send the correct answer wins.

Kahoot! is also a great way to facilitate trivia games online with teams. This app allows players to answer on their mobile devices and automatically keeps score and names a winner.

Here is a list of online trivia games for Zoom.

11. Sudoku Race

Sudoku is quite popular among many puzzle fans. You and your team members can engage in a fast-paced online Sudoku race for free. You will find many online programs you can use to play this game for free. This software feature lets you chat with your friends while playing the game. Depending on your program, you can create a private multiplayer game for you and your colleagues. If not, then ask players to start a Sudoku puzzle simultaneously and screenshot their results when the game ends. The first player to complete the puzzle wins.

Usually, online Sudoku games are available in different difficulty levels, ranging from easy to complex. You can set the game to match your team members’ skill level or based on the challenge you are willing to take.

12. Online Karaoke

Online Karaoke is one of the free online team building activities for adults. All you need is an interesting playlist, a video conferencing platform, and colleagues ready to sing their hearts out. First, appoint a host who will be in charge of the music. Before the karaoke party, participants can send their favorite songs to the host. Then attendees will take turns singing.

During the karaoke session, the host will share their screen and computer sound while playing the requested song. In the end, you can recognize exceptional participants in different award categories like the best singer, best duet, and the most likely to win a Grammy.

13. Open Mic Comedy Night

If you want a comedy night experience without spending to hire a comedian, then you can organize an online open mic. You and your teammates will test how funny you are and find out who can crack the funniest jokes. Aside from saving costs by being your own comedian, open-mic comedy is excellent for bringing team members together and building participants’ improvisation skills.

You can allot a specific time for each participant to perform, especially if you have a large team. Also, attendees can bring drinks to sip during the experience. A web conferencing app will work best for an open mic comedy night. You will also see and hear your colleagues laugh, adding to the fun.

14. Snack and Learn

Snack and Learn is a fun variation of lunch and learn. However, attendees will have snacks instead of a full lunch during the meeting. A snack and learn is an excellent opportunity to build your team and train workers. Also, you can easily do this activity online for free. For a successful snack and learn, select a topic beforehand. To boost engagement, you should choose a topic that is not too complex for attendees. Also, you can host the session as an employee-led workshop, where a team member discusses a passion. On the other hand, you can discuss recent or coming changes at work or teach attendees leadership skills. Furthermore, be sure to find a good presenter from your team to carry attendees along.

15. Online Drawing Session

Online Drawing Session is one of the most fun free online team building activities for students. First, choose an artwork to draw. You can center the drawing around a particular theme. You can also allow students to explore their creativity and make their desired sketches. Also, inform participants to come with their drawing kits days before the activity. Even a pen and paper will do.

If you and other participants are unsure how to go about the activity, then you can watch a sketch tutorial video on YouTube. You can ask participants to come along with their favorite beverage to make the session more fun. A video conferencing platform like Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams will be an excellent choice for an online drawing session,

During your meeting, you can keep students engaged by constantly asking about their work’s progress. Then, in the end, you and your students can sit together to show off your paintings.

16. Yoga

Yoga is a stress-managing activity you can do with your colleagues online. If your team works remotely, then doing online yoga can encourage your workmates to stay fit and build stronger relationships. You should try to get familiar with the basics of yoga, including the types of yoga.

You can have a colleague with reliable knowledge of yoga guide the team or follow a yoga video on YouTube. Before the session, inform participants to bring supplies like yoga mats, blocks, elastic bands, and aromatherapy oil. However, your colleagues do not have to spend much on this session. At-home supplies, like a blanket in place of a yoga mat, will come in handy.

You can further create a playlist of calming songs and play the music while sharing your screen with other participants. Finally, you and your colleagues can reminisce over your experience and share other stress management techniques when the session is over.

17. Words with Friends

Words with Friends is an interactive game you will love, especially if you are a huge fan of playing Scrabble. First, sign up with your email address and create a username. Then, you can play with your friends by searching directly for their usernames. Therefore, ask other team members to create and submit their usernames to a message board.

Like Scrabble, each player will receive seven tiles containing letters for creating words on the board vertically or horizontally. However, after playing a word, the next word you form must relate to the previously played word. After playing a word, you will win points based on the tiles’ value. But if you successfully play with all seven tiles, then you automatically gain extra 35 points.

Learn more about Words With Friends.

18. Typing Games

Typing Games are among the free online team building games to play with your colleagues and students. You can research a free typing website where you and your group members can play the game. Typing Test and TypeRacer are popular options. With TypeRacer, you can challenge up to 200 players to a fantastic typing race.

You can also take a few minutes test using Typing Test. Then each participant will post their results to a message board or a group chat. You can judge the winner as the employee with the highest “words per minute,” “least number of errors,” and “least adjusted words per minute.” This game is pretty fun and helps participants build their typing skills.

Conclusion

Free online team building activities bring groups together for low-cost yet high-quality fun. These exercises enable you to spend time with your colleagues all from the comfort of your home. Team building activities do not have to be expensive to be effective. You can sing karaoke, play online games, or engage in enlightening discussions with colleagues without paying a dime. Of course, you would want to pick an activity that aligns with your group’s interest for maximum engagement. Regardless of the activities you choose, proper planning is crucial in making your team building goal a success.

For more fun, check out online games for large groups.