You found our list of the best group activities in San Francisco, California.
Fun group activities in San Francisco are first-rate experiences that help employees strengthen bonds and develop new skills in novel and enjoyable ways. Examples include taking a bay cruise, visiting fascinating museums, strolling over the Golden Gate Bridge, or seeing a show. These activities improve team bonds, stimulate innovation, and increase output.
These ideas are examples of group activities for adults and team building events. The activities are similar to corporate events in San Francisco and Bay Area team building activities.
This article contains:
- small group activities in San Francisco, CA
- large group activities in San Francisco, California
- group activities for adults in San Francisco
- fun things to do in San Francisco as a group
- group activities in the Bay Area
Here we go!
List of fun group activities in San Francisco
The following is a list of activities to do in San Francisco as a group.
1. Chinatown
While there are other Chinatowns around the United States, San Francisco’s is the best. This Chinatown was the first, and for over 150 years, it has been home to immigrants and their descendants. Chinatown, San Francisco, is a great place to experience a wide variety of unique activities. The stores and restaurants in this district are incredible. If you are looking for a taste of another culture while still in the United States, then a visit here should be at the top of your list of fun things to do in San Francisco as a group.
Learn more about San Francisco’s Chinatown.
2. Espionage! (Team Favorite)
Your team can go on an exhilarating adventure with Espionage! Participants will unravel the mysteries, expose hidden spies, and accomplish daring mission objectives. This captivating game of social deduction will put your team’s instincts and intellect to the ultimate test!
Here is what to expect:
- 90 minutes with a skilled host who will guide players through each activity
- high-energy puzzles, challenges, and strategic maneuvers
- covert teams of spies and agents
- group discussions to unravel secret identities and expose the truth
Also, you can choose any location, and we will bring all the necessary game materials. During this captivating experience, prepare to sharpen your communication and critical-thinking skills.
Learn more about Espionage!
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3. Field Day (Top Choice)
Field Day is a dynamic outdoor experience that brings colleagues together. Participants go head-to-head in exciting field games!
Here is what you can expect:
- 90 minutes with a world-class host
- nostalgic games and thrilling competitions
- chances to capture candid team photos for office mementos or social media
- childhood activities that spark great memories
In addition, we will meet you at the venue of your choice with all the game equipment. Each game in Field Day fosters teamwork, effective communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
Learn more about Field Day.
4. The Flyer Thrill Zone
The Flyer Thrill Zone is a top place for group activities for adults in San Francisco!
You can check out the following attractions:
- The Flyer: Motion seats that lift up to 20 feet off the ground and a 50-foot screen that showcases San Francisco’s biggest attractions
- 7D Experience: An interactive 3D movie with blasters, motion seats, and four ride options
- Escape Rooms: Two escape rooms themed after Alcatraz and mobster hangouts that are great for beginner to advanced skill levels
- Virtual Reality: A virtual wingsuit experience featuring mountains and canyons
- Laser Challenge: A crisscrossing maze of laser beams that you can solve to beat the clock
You can also book different packages for group events, including catering, drinks, and attractions.
Learn more about The Flyer Thrill Zone.
5. Steinhart Aquarium
Steinhart Aquarium is home to over 60,000 animals, making it one of the most diverse aquariums in the world. You can see more than 1,000 unique species in several biodiverse environments. Steinhart also houses the world’s oldest aquarium fish, Methuselah, which is around 92 years old.
Exhibits cover topics such as the California coast, the Osher rainforest, and the twilight zone. In these displays, you will see creatures like sharks, butterflies, and deep-sea fish. Further, the aquarium puts on daily dive shows. Visiting this aquarium is a great way to learn more about local wildlife!
Learn more about the Steinhart Aquarium.
6. Heart of the City Farmers Market
Farmers markets are one of the top ways to explore a city’s food scene, so consider stopping by the Heart of the City Farmers Market. This market aims to support local farmers and help families at all income levels get access to fresh food. You can visit year-round, rain or shine, aside from major holidays. Some of the available vendors include Far West Fungi, M.A. Farms, and Medina Berry Farm. You can also reach out to the market directly to organize a guided tour. Best of all, shopping at this market helps support their food assistance programs.
Learn more about Heart of the City Farmers Market.
7. The Marrakech Magic Theater
Magic fans will love attending a show at the Marrakech Magic Theater! This venue went from a speakeasy to a Moroccan restaurant to the theater. Owner Jay Alexander kept the Moroccan flair by serving dishes like shish kebabs and Bastilla at the Oasis Lounge. After getting a bite to eat, you can relax and enjoy the show. Alexander’s performance begins with sleight-of-hand magic before moving to mentalism and psychological feats. Along with the magic, Alexander uses comedy to keep participants laughing. If you are interested in a venue buyout, then the theater offers a prix fixe menu. This mind-blowing experience is a great way to bond with teams!
Learn more about The Marrakech Magic Theater.
8. Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square is a hub for local San Francisco businesses. This complex began as Ghirardelli’s chocolate factory in the mid-1800s and opened as the square in 1964. Today, over 20 vendors call this space home.
Ghirardelli Chocolate has three locations in the square. You can visit The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience, and Ghirardelli On-The-Go. The original shop serves 15 varieties of hot fudge sundaes, and the to-go shop packages treats for you to enjoy while shopping. The experience has fun features like the world’s largest pick-and-mix selection, wall-to-wall chocolate, and the chocolatier station.
Once you get your chocolate fix, you can check out other local businesses, such as Square Pie Guys, San Francisco Brewing Co., and Subpar Miniature Golf. The venue also hosts events like live music and locals’ nights.
Learn more about Ghirardelli Square.
9. SF City Limo City Tour
You can explore the city in style with SF City Limo’s San Fran city tour! Depending on the size of your team, you can choose between an executive sedan all the way up to a 37-passenger coach bus. Professional chauffeurs will bring you around to see different attractions throughout San Francisco. This tour is incredibly customizable, as you can have unlimited stops. The booking minimum is three hours, so you can plan an entire day tour with this firm! Whether you are interested in heading to the pier or going to a fine-dining experience, SF City Limo can take you where you need to go.
Learn more about SF City Limo.
10. Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the best group activities in the Bay Area. This location dates all the way back to 1894 when it was originally opened as a “Japanese Village” for the California Midwinter International Exposition. Makoto Hagiwara was the site’s caretaker until 1942, and he reportedly brought the original fortune cookies to the US. The garden itself has an on-site tea house that features a custom-designed irori, or farmhouse-style family table. Visitors can enjoy classic tea flavors like sencha, hojicha, and jasmine tea. Additionally, the tea garden serves food like udon, miso soup, and dango. Before heading out, guests can swing by the gift shop to pick up tea sets and collectibles.
Learn more about the Japanese Tea Garden.
11. Urban Putt
Teams looking for a great outing should check out Urban Putt, an indoor mini-golf course and restaurant! Urban Putt is located in a historic Victorian building and takes decoration inspiration from Jules Verne and Rube Goldberg. This course features 14 high-tech mini-golf holes with intricate architecture and exciting themes. Play takes around 40 minutes to an hour. Available meals include sliders, pizza, and tacos. Additionally, Urban Putt offers a full-service bar. If you are interested in hosting a private party, then you can book the entire space.
Learn more about Urban Putt.
12. John McLaren Park
An obstacle course or ropes course is an excellent option for groups in the San Francisco region, especially if your staff enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. Obstacle challenges like this activity foster communication and group awareness. In particular, ropes courses help groups realize which team members need assistance and how to provide it.
Your group will exclusively use the ropes course at John McLaren Park for a private event. The facility’s instructors may modify activities to fit the entire team, not just the skilled few. The ropes course includes low challenges only a few feet from the ground. These tests strengthen both personal confidence and team cohesion.
Team members may try their hand at obstacles several feet from the ground during the “high” climbing activities and can engage in exercises that test teamwork and collaboration. Harnesses are available to keep you safe.
Learn more about John McLaren Park.
13. Cobb’s Comedy Club
Your team could go to Cobb’s comedy club for some entertainment. Your employees may learn about each other as they enjoy a night out laughing together at a comedy show. A live show is a social activity without uncomfortable silences since the group will be too busy watching the performances. Viewers will have time to talk in between acts. Sharing a good laugh as a team is a tried-and-true method of fostering a positive work environment.
Learn more about Cobb’s Comedy Club.
14. Parties That Cook
One fun technique to encourage teamwork is to host a cooking class for your staff. Group members may gain new skills and bond over a shared interest in cooking by taking a class together. Parties That Cook organizes and hosts corporate cooking activities all across San Francisco. These events focus on building communication, teamwork, and time management skills.
Your group can participate in one of their competitive courses. For example, you could divide your group into smaller teams and compete in a “Sushi Showdown” or “Cupcake Challenge.” The “Kitchen Challenge” course is like an episode of “Iron Chef.” Each team has access to a complete pantry but may only use three major and occasionally uncommon components to produce their dish.
You can also try their “Small Plates” class to learn how to cook in a low-stress environment. As a team, you may bond while making tasty treats from across the world.
Learn more about Parties That Cook.
15. Play With Clay
This Ceramics Class takes place at the ceramic arts studio in the scenic Nob Hill district of San Francisco, hosted by Clay By the Bay. In this two-hour private workshop, professionals will show your group how to make pottery from start to finish. After the workshop, your group’s clay works will undergo firing and glazing and will be available for pickup four to six weeks later. Up to 25 participants may enroll in any class, making it perfect if you want small group activities in San Francisco, CA.
Learn more about Play With Clay.
16. SF Charters
Sailing lessons that focus on teamwork are available from SF Charters. You can have a more organized event or a less structured event. The lessons can take between six to 48 participants at a time. Each squad member plays a specific role, like trimming sails, steering, and calling tactics. The crew will then switch places so that every participant can experience all the sailing parts.
Team members will learn the fundamentals of sailing and take turns at the helm throughout the challenge. Due to the interdependence of the sails and the steering, the crew must work together to set sail. You should take one of SF Charters’ sailing adventures if you want your team to relax and have fun together while out on the ocean.
Learn more about SF Charters.
17. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art houses some artwork of the highest quality and intellectual depth. The museum has thousands of outstanding works in various forms. Since the museum was the first to dedicate itself exclusively to contemporary art, it has become one of the most popular destinations in the region. You will find innovative sculptures, paintings, buildings, and photographs on display. This museum also has an astonishing variety of fascinating artifacts.
Learn more about the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
18. Flourish
During this activity provided by Flourish, each team member will learn to make their own succulent terrarium to brighten up their desk. The hosts provide you with the necessary supplies, including guidance and tutorials. Team members who did not consider themselves natural plant handlers before the training may leave feeling more at ease in a natural setting. Having a plant or other natural object on one’s desk can significantly reduce stress levels at work.
Learn more about Flourish.
19. Mission Cliffs
Mission Cliffs combines the modern with the classic. While Mission Cliffs may be the oldest climbing gym in San Francisco, they are the ones leading the pack because of their dedication to improvement and innovation. The state-of-the-art facility is perfect for any participant who wants to climb walls five stories high, practice yoga, or lift weights.
Indoor rock climbing at Mission Cliffs is a fun activity. This exercise helps build self-assurance and camaraderie among teammates as they push each other to achieve their personal bests. You can expect your team to have to use their problem-solving talents in an unfamiliar setting during this activity. Rock climbers must plot the most efficient route to reach the highest possible point.
Learn more about Mission Cliffs.
Conclusion
Organizing a fun outing for your group is a terrific way to boost morale and create bonding experiences for every employee. These activities also increase productivity and morale. Team performance will skyrocket when team-building activities are a regular workplace culture. You should remember that the event is a success if every team member is happy and pleased at the end.
Next, check out these lists of scavenger hunt ideas for adults and work happy hour ideas.
