Our best 20 team building activities for small groups

When you’re working with a smaller team, it can be tempting to think that team building activities won’t have much of an impact. But actually, that’s where they shine the most. With fewer people involved, you can create more meaningful connections, improve communication, and really tailor the experience. Whether you’re looking for quick icebreakers or half-day experiences, there’s a huge variety of team building activities for small groups that are just as impactful—if not more—than the big-scale corporate events.

We’ve rounded up 20 of the best options below—perfect for team building activities for work, workplace socials, short-term events or even just a Friday afternoon pick-me-up.

Bring your team together, cohesively.

Icebreaker and communication games

1. Two truths and a lie
   Each person says two true things about themselves and one lie. The group guesses the lie. Great as an icebreaker and a fun way to kick off a session.
2. Office trivia
   Create a quiz with fun or quirky facts about your team or workplace. A fantastic way to spark conversation and laughter in a small group setting.
3. Desert island game
   Each person shares three items they’d take to a desert island and why. Promotes discussion and insight into people’s personalities.
4. Show and tell
   Everyone brings an item from home and shares the story behind it. Simple and heartfelt, it encourages empathy and connection.
5. Word association game
   Start with one word and go around the group quickly saying the first word that comes to mind. Funny, fast-paced, and great to kick off a creative session.

Problem-solving and creative challenges

1. The marshmallow tower challenge
   Teams build the tallest structure they can using spaghetti, tape, string and a marshmallow. A great team building exercise to spark creativity and teamwork. As far as team building activities for small groups go, we LOVE this!
2. Escape the room (DIY style)
   Create a series of clues or puzzles around the office or venue that lead to a final goal. Perfect for problem-solving and time-sensitive thinking.
3. Puzzle competition
   Set a timer and challenge teams to complete a small jigsaw puzzle. Great for building patience and collaboration in a fun, low-stakes way.
4. Reverse brainstorming
   Rather than solving a problem, ask teams “how can we make this worse?” It flips the perspective and encourages creative thinking.
5. Blind drawing
   In pairs, one person describes an object while the other draws it without seeing it. A great activity to test and build communication skills.

Creative and light-hearted team building ideas

1. Creative storytelling
   One person starts a story with a sentence, and each person adds a line. It’s a fun, unpredictable way to get people laughing and contributing.
2. Guess the emoji sentence
   Use emojis to describe a film, song or phrase. The group has to guess. It’s light, entertaining and perfect for small teams.
3. Group mural
   Each person draws a piece of a larger picture, then you piece them all together. Ideal for creative teams and a relaxed setting.
4. Team playlist challenge
   Each person submits a song anonymously. The group guesses who submitted what. A great way to discover shared music tastes.
5. Build your own logo
   Small groups design a new logo for the team or company. It can be serious or silly—but it’s guaranteed to get the ideas flowing.

Competitive fun and energisers

1. The paper plane contest
   Who can build the best plane? Add distance or accuracy challenges for a quick and engaging team game.
2. Permainan team building: Mystery word
   Assign each person a word they must sneak into conversation. Others try to guess. Ideal for a cheeky, relaxed team bonding session.
3. Workplace scavenger hunt
   Hide clues or small objects around your venue or office and create a series of challenges. Great for physical movement and teamwork.
4. Office Olympics
   Set up mini challenges like paper toss, speed typing or chair races. Award medals or prizes for a bit of friendly competition.
5. The compliment circle
   Each person gives a compliment or acknowledgement to the person next to them. It boosts morale and builds trust in smaller teams.

Why small group activities work so well

Smaller groups allow for better conversations, deeper relationships, and activities that feel more inclusive. With fewer people, there’s more flexibility and less pressure—making it easier to experiment with creative ideas and adapt in real time. That’s why team building activities for small groups are always a good idea.

Whether it’s a one-off team event or part of a longer-term programme, the right mix of games and exercises can create lasting positive change in how your team works together. That’s why team building activities for small groups are always a popular choice!

Tailor your approach to your team

Different teams have different vibes. Choose team building activities for small groups that suit the personalities involved. For example, creative teams might enjoy storytelling or logo design, while analytical teams could lean towards puzzles and strategy games.

You can also blend in competitive elements for sales or performance-based teams, or keep things light for wellbeing-focused days. The key is reading the room and offering a mix of activities to suit everyone.

And if you’re planning to hold the session off-site or make a day of it, Event Hire UK can help with hire furniture, catering equipment, glassware and more to bring your setup together—indoors or outdoors.

Planning a small team building event in London, Manchester or Birmingham?

We support corporate team building activities nationwide, including popular hubs like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. These cities are packed with amazing spaces to run small group events—from rooftop terraces and coworking courtyards in London to warehouse-style venues in Manchester and green outdoor spaces around Birmingham.

In London, we’ve worked on riverside sessions and open-air team events in Southbank and Shoreditch. In Manchester, creative studios and local pub gardens make perfect spaces for relaxed, interactive games. In Birmingham, our clients love the options around Digbeth and the canal for unique but accessible venues.

Wherever you are, we’ve got the hire kit to support your plans—from chairs and tables to glassware, display boards, mobile bars, and even LED furniture.

Final thoughts on our team building activities for small groups

Team building activities for small groups are powerful, flexible and super effective when planned well. Whether you’re just looking to boost morale, improve communication, or simply have a bit of fun together, the options are endless.

Keep it light, keep it varied, and most importantly—keep it people-first.

If you need a hand with logistics or equipment, Event Hire UK is here to make your planning easier. We offer short-term, one-off hire for everything you might need to run your event smoothly and stylishly.

Let your team shine—wherever they are, and however small.