You found our list of top company retreat ideas in NYC, New York.
Company retreat ideas in NYC are activities that allow employees to spend quality time together outside of the normal work environment and routines. The retreat creates opportunities for team-building exercises, free time for chitchat, and group projects. Examples include Central Park, Sidewalk Food Tours, and Pizza School. Company retreats are important to build the team’s collaboration skills and increase employee engagement.
New York City is one of the most popular company retreat locations and offers many retreat activity options. These ideas are similar to NYC corporate outings, NYC work events and holiday party ideas in NYC.
This article contains:
- corporate retreat ideas for big groups in NYC, NY
- corporate retreat ideas for small groups in NYC
- company retreat entertainment ideas in New York City
- company retreat locations in New York City
- staff retreat activities in New York
- team retreat ideas in NYC
Let’s get started!
List of company retreat ideas in NYC
From Art Studio NYC to Governors Island, the following is a list of team retreat ideas in NYC.
1. Central Park Scavenger Hunt (Staff Favorite)
Central Park is one of New York City’s foremost attractions, and you can make picture-perfect memories there with the Central Park Scavenger Hunt!
This 90-minute experience features the following:
- a world-class host to share unexpected stories and little-known facts
- a beautiful route from Strawberry Fields to Columbus Circle
- a spirited photo scavenger hunt featuring picture challenges and trivia
- a winning team and a final group photo
Best of all, teams will test their knowledge, creativity, and teamwork during this team building experience. To discover a hidden side of Central Park, be sure to check out this event!
Learn more about the Central Park Scavenger Hunt.
2. Museum Hack Tour: Metropolitan Museum of Art (Top Choice)
The Met is one of New York’s most iconic attractions, and during the Museum Hack tour, a talented host will guide you through the museum. Teams will get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the museum’s best-kept secrets.
Here is what to expect:
- 90 minutes with a knowledgeable host
- a guided tour of eight to ten lesser-known pieces of art
- fascinating stories and facts about the pieces and historical figures
- interactive games and picture challenges
To make planning simple, the cost of museum admission is included in the package. In addition, you have the option to add on a photo scavenger hunt to this tour! Overall, this experience aims to create lasting connections within the team and foster a sense of shared exploration and discovery.
Learn more about the Museum Hack Tour: Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3. The Great Guac Off™️ (Popular)
The Great Guac Off is among the top team building experiences, featuring captivating icebreakers, mini-games, and a guacamole-making contest.
Here is what you can expect:
- 90 minutes with an incredibly entertaining host
- mini-games, competitions, and avocado trivia that boost team engagement
- all the essential guacamole ingredients and chips for dipping
- an optional secret ingredient to challenge the contestants
- a high-energy guacamole mash-off and judging round
Best of all, we will bring all the needed ingredients and supplies to your chosen venue. Overall, The Great Guac Off will boost your team’s relationships and provide great memories.
Learn more about The Great Guac Off.
4. Art Studio NYC
Your team may benefit greatly from taking art lessons together to foster a more collaborative and innovative atmosphere. Inspiring business teams to work together more effectively and with more self-assurance is the primary goal of Art Studio NYC’s group programs. For your staff retreat activities in New York, you can select from various options, including courses emphasizing teamwork, product dedication, and problem resolution. Additionally, your team members will go home with a finished piece of artwork they can display proudly in their cubicles or at home. You may take a lesson at the New York City studio or arrange for one of their skilled teachers to come to your workplace or retreat location.
Learn more about the Art Studio NYC.
5. Cooking by the Book
One of the interesting ways to bond with your team is through a shared culinary experience. With Cooking by the Book, it is time to put work away and whip out the recipe books. This fantastic retreat idea offers two or three-course cooking classes in Tribeca. Like the popular Food Network program, Chopped, you can participate in the Market Basket Challenge as a fun way to test your competitive spirit. The elegant on-site restaurant can accommodate 50 diners. You can host a virtual event in one of the company retreat locations in New York City.
Learn more about Cooking by the Book.
6. NYC Outward Bound
NYC Outward Bound is an organization that helps underprivileged children in New York City’s public schools. The organization also collaborates with businesses to organize outings in which young people pair with adult mentors for team building and adventure in the city.
With Outward Bound, you can include some volunteer work as part of your company retreat. In fact, you may sponsor specific initiatives and events or do volunteer projects at the schools. These group activities can help your staff bond while promoting corporate social responsibility and expanding your company’s network in the local area.
Learn more about NYC Outward Bound.
7. Governors Island
Glamping on Governors Island with the Collective is a great way to get away from work without traveling far. You can see Midtown Manhattan from your tent, but you will feel like you are in another universe as soon as you get inside your luxurious lodgings. You can take a bike ride or a walk around the island to see its offerings. The facility also offers meal options for different times of the day.
This option works if you are searching for a unique activity on your New York City retreat. Attending a yoga class or getting a massage at this spa is a great way to unwind while you are at the location.
Learn more about Governor’s Island.
8. Tarrytown House Estate
Teams visiting the Tarrytown House Estate on the Hudson River have many activities to choose from. This 26-acre retreat location is about an hour north of the city and features culinary competitions, cake-decorating contests, and casino nights. Restaurant Wars challenges teams to design and run their own restaurant, while Brilliant Bicycle Build guides them through the process of building a functional bicycle from scratch for a kid. This location is great for corporate retreat ideas for big groups in NYC, NY. You could spend the day, or even decide to stay the entire weekend since there are so many activities to do!
Learn more about Tarrytown House Estate.
9. One World Observatory
You and your team can visit One World Observatory if you are searching for company retreat entertainment ideas in New York City. Located at the World Trade Center’s 100th story, this observatory offers breathtaking views of the city below. Even though there is more to do at the observatory than just looking out, it is one of the few low-cost activities to do in Manhattan.
You can enjoy a thrilling ride in the 102-story sky pod, enjoy an amazing cinema experience, or explore the multimedia exhibition. You can also learn about the history of Manhattan with the help of interactive tour guides as they lead you through some of the city’s most impressive exhibitions. Additionally, One World Observatory is home to an outstanding bar and restaurant from whence the stunning city skyline is your background.
One World Observatory offers an opportunity to enjoy an educational and entertaining experience.
Learn more about One World Observatory.
10. Central Park
Central Park is one of the top event sites in the city and a good location for your next company retreat. Like other outdoor locations, Central Park lends itself perfectly to scavenger hunts, fantastic races, and picnics. New York City’s Central Park spans 843 acres and is visited by approximately 42 million people annually. The famous park sports horse-drawn carriages, boat rides, and a prime view of downtown Manhattan. If you decide to have a picnic for your company retreat, be sure to bring along some outdoor games like playing cards or sports balls to enjoy while outdoors.
Find out more about Central Park.
11. Court 16
You probably have a handful of tennis players and fans on your team. Court 16 turns tennis into an exciting and engaging team building activity. You may organize a friendly workplace competition amongst different departments or teams competitively and cooperatively. If your workplace is more athletic and you would want to go out of the building and work up a sweat, then Court 16 would be a nice choice for your company retreat.
Learn more about Court 16.
12. Sidewalk Food Tours
Sidewalk Food Tour offers an opportunity for your employees to take a stroll around the city they love while sampling local food. The guides at Sidewalk Food Tours will take you to the finest local restaurants to sample delicious cuisine, and you can even order beverages on the side if you would like. Your team will enjoy delicious cuisine and get insight into the background and cultural significance of the dishes they are trying.
Learn more about Sidewalk Food Tours.
13. North Branch Inn
The North Branch Inn in the Catskills may be farther from the city, but it is well worth the trip for a weekend retreat. This lodge offers 14 rooms, a large conference area, and delicious meals prepared right in the hotel. The location is great for corporate retreat ideas for small groups in NYC. A two-lane bowling facility is also available. This retreat venue will allow your staff to unwind with some free time on the premises, or organize activities like guided hikes, yoga classes, and spa treatments.
Learn more about North Branch Inn.
14. Yoga Yacht
Yoga Yacht offers a nighttime sail from Lower Manhattan to the Rockaways, where participants will practice yoga for 45 minutes on a private beach. This activity is a one-of-a-kind retreat idea for businesses. You may set sail at sunset as part of a daylong business retreat or as a standalone event. Nutritious snacks and live music are also available on board. Yoga Yacht is a fantastic way to take a break from the routine of the work year, but it is only available during the summer.
Learn more about Yoga Yacht.
15. Pizza School NYC
New York City is popular for many reasons, and pizza ranks high on the list. You and your team can spend the day learning how to make one of the city’s most popular desserts. Pizza School NYC is great for a fun and interactive evening out with friends or as a team-building exercise for your company’s retreat. During the Pizza making classes at the school, participants will learn the ins and outs of pizza making before enjoying their own masterpieces at a reception that can include alcoholic beverages. When you book an event at Pizza School NYC, you can be certain that your employees will have a great time while learning how to work together, gaining a new skill, and bonding over delicious pizza!
Learn more about Pizza School.
16. Drum Cafe
The Drum Cafe is a unique idea for your company retreat that makes use of the unifying force of rhythm. The café offers many options for your business retreat. You can try the 15-minute DrumStick Interactive to make your team feel energized and focused. You might also go with a Keynote Address, where every team member in the room shares an inspirational message. Drum Cafe is a fantastic retreat activity for groups of any size in New York City. You can host the activity anywhere, from your workplace to a rented auditorium.
Learn more about Drum Café.
17. Sea The City
Sea The City’s mission is to unite teams throughout the city via a novel and exciting shared experience. Additionally, Sea The City provides an exciting and entertaining experience, with all the makings of a successful exercise for a company retreat. The certified jet ski instructors at Sea The City will get your group and get even those who have never been on a jet ski before ready to cruise the city’s waterways. The sail along the Hudson River will give you unique perspectives of New York City. The event is memorable, entertaining, and unique. Your employees will likely be talking about this company retreat activity for a long time.
Learn more about Sea The City.
18. The High Line
The High Line is a must-see attraction in New York City. The city constructed this roughly one-and-a-half-mile rail trail in 2009, quickly becoming a popular attraction due to its low cost and high entertainment value. This elevated park, located between Gansevoort Street and West 34th Street in Manhattan, was constructed on a former railroad spur.
The High Line, one of the city’s most popular parks, has spectacular vistas of New York City and its most cherished historical buildings and offers fantastic options for outdoor sports. The park is a beautiful green space that was created by repurposing the area surrounding the former railroad lines. Notable features of the park include picnic sites, a great walking or biking track, and seats suitable for relaxing and soaking in the scenery. Informative walking tours of the park’s history are also available.
Learn more about The High Line.
19. Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers is the go-to spot to study, train, and compete in over 25 sports. The venue, situated on the beautiful Hudson River, is home to several recreational facilities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, event halls, and various sports leagues for both children and adults. Traditional team-building exercises such as bowling may be just what you need for your next company retreat and Chelsea Piers may be the perfect place to host these activities. The facility is great for team trips and all group activities. You can spend about two or three hours at this location, and with the available refreshments, you can take care of your nutritional needs and your fun pursuits in one place.
Learn more about Chelsea Piers.
20. Bryant Park
Located close to Times Square, this park is a favorite among New Yorkers. Nearly ten acres in size, this park in the heart of Manhattan is a wonderful spot for leisurely strolls, shopping, dining, and retreats.
You will also find other little cafés, a bar, and a wonderful carousel scattered around the park. During the winter months, an ice skating rink attracts many visitors. Bryant Park is open all year but is especially charming during Christmas. You and your team can enjoy the sights and sounds of the season in Manhattan with a day filled with ice skating, hot chocolate, holiday shopping, and the Christmas lights.
Learn more about Bryant Park.
Conclusion
Employers in New York City have access to a global pool of top-tier talent. When planning a company retreat in New York City, it is important to choose activities that appeal to every employee in the office. These team retreat ideas in NYC are essential for maintaining enthusiasm and creativity among employees.
Next, check out NYC team building ideas and executive retreat ideas.
Grace He