Here is our list of the best company retreat ideas in Austin, Texas.
Company retreat ideas in Austin are fun out-of-office locations and activities where your workforce can spend time together and bond. Examples include the Museum of the Weird, Circuit of the Americas, and Texas State Capitol. These activities create stronger teams, boost creativity, and bolster employee morale. These ideas in Austin will also help your team tick their bucket lists and overcome fears.
These ideas work as retreat destinations, retreat group activities, and executive retreat experiences. These activities are similar to company outings in Austin and things to do with groups in Austin.
This list includes:
- corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Austin
- corporate retreat ideas for small groups in Austin
- company retreat entertainment ideas in Austin
- company retreat locations in Austin
- staff retreat activities in Austin
Here we go!
List of company retreat ideas in Austin
As the state capital of Texas, Austin has a variety of entertainment venues, pristine natural parks, and wild mountain ranges. From Congress Avenue Bridge to Lady Bird Lake and Austin Aquarium, here is a list of the best company retreat ideas that you can engage your team in the Austin region.
1. Superhero Academy
Superhero Academy is one of the best staff retreat activities in Austin. Your team will have fun as players immerse themselves in a real-life comic book scenario. For 90 minutes, a high-energy host will administer puzzles and physical challenges that will expose the villain’s evil plan. Superhero Academy will reinforce the importance of collaboration and teamwork among your workers in a non-mundane way.
Learn more about Superhero Academy.
2. The Great Guac Off
The Great Guac Off is an immersive activity that can engage your team in the Austin region. For 90 minutes, a fun host will lead your team in competitive activities that foster team bonding. Before the guac-making event, your team will enjoy fun avocado-themed games that will leave players laughing and having a great time. Then, the professional entertainer will provide all the essentials you need for a fun retreat. Your team will then start the guac-making competition, and the winning team will get bragging rights and prizes. The Great Guac Off works well as a stand-alone event or a supplementary activity in your training or meetings. You can book the event at offices or rental locations in the city.
Learn more about The Great Guac Off.
3. Minute Madness
Minute Madness is an excellent option for staff retreat activities in Austin. The 60-minute competition will force participants out of their comfort zone as players race to complete sixty-second challenges. The high-intensity retreat idea will re-energize your team and teach participants friendly competition. While Minute Madness is more suitable for extroverted teams, you can request the host for challenges that suit a timid group. Since Minute Madness involves high-intensity physical challenges, the competition works best in an outdoor space.
Learn more about Minute Madness.
4. Lady Bird Lake
Also known as Town Lake, Lady Bird Lake is a reservoir that now serves Austin with flood control and recreation. While the City of Austin prohibits motor watercraft on the lake, you can engage your team in kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. You can even take a cruise with your group along the lake. Attendees can cool off at the Deep Eddy Pool, the oldest swimming pool in Texas, or at Barton Springs Pool. Participants who do not want to partake in water sports can walk, bike, or hike one of the many trails around the lake. Your team will enjoy the lake’s nearly six miles of calm waters.
Learn more about Lady Bird Lake.
5. Blazer Tag
Blazer Tag is a good bet if you are looking for fun and competitive corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Austin. As the biggest laser tag arena in Texas, Blazer Tag features three stories of bridges, ramps, and towers. Your team will use a futuristic phaser with a laser light beam to tag opponents through the high-paced activity. Players will receive their scores and stats after the game. You can also let attendees play over arcade 50 high-intensity games such as Fishbowl Frenzy and NBA Hoops. Willing participants can test their bowling skills at the venue’s mini-bowling section. Finally, be sure to let teams grab food and drinks at the in-house eatery.
Learn more about Blazer Tag.
6. Germania Insurance Amphitheatre
Germania Insurance Amphitheatre takes pride in providing a unique outdoor experience that your team will love. The arena is Central Austin’s largest permanent outdoor amphitheatre. Based at the Circuit of the Americas, the venue hosts some of the biggest names in the entertainment and music industry. If you want to offer your team an immersive experience, then be sure to reserve seating at the Tower Club or book premium seats. Attendees will enjoy a premium viewing area with fantastic views. You can check out the list of upcoming shows and book your team tickets.
Learn more about Germania Insurance Amphitheatre.
7. Circuit of the Americas
A team visit to Circuit of the Americas is one of the most fascinating company retreat locations in Austin for speed lovers in your company. The 3.41-mile motor racing track is home to the Grand Prix of the Americas, Texas Grand Prix, and Formula One United States Grand Prix. You can let your team enjoy the Cota Karting experience, where participants will race at thrilling speeds of up to 55MPH. If you want a private racing experience, then book a private race and watch your team unleash their competitive sides. You can also book the Soarin’ Eagle Flight where attendees will soar above the Circuit of the Americas and the karting track on a zipline. Organizations looking for a unique camping experience can book the venue’s campground, where attendees can watch races.
Learn more about Circuit of the Americas.
8. Texas State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol is the seat of government and capitol of the American State of Texas. Based in downtown Texas, the capitol is the sixth tallest state capitol building in the U.S, surpassing the famous Washington D.C Capitol. A tour is a fantastic way for your team to experience the grand architecture and learn the history of Texas. While the venue offers self-guided tours, the guided tours will provide a better learning experience for your workforce. Some significant places in the Texas State Capitol that you should check out include the Senate Chamber, the Rotunda, the Governor’s Public Reception, and the South Foyer. After the tour, you can enjoy food and drinks at the capitol Grill or the Star Café.
Learn more about Texas State Capitol.
9. Congress Avenue Bridge
If you are looking for corporate retreat ideas for small groups in Austin, then you must visit the Congress Avenue Bridge. The bridge cuts across Lady Bird Lake and offers visitors mind-blowing views. Congress Avenue Bridge currently houses the biggest urban bat colonies across the globe. Visitors can view over one million bats from the crannies and the nooks of the concrete structure. If you want to see the spectacular bats soaring through the sky, then plan a team retreat at the bridge at sunset.
Learn more about Congress Avenue Bridge.
10. Zilker Botanical Garden
Zilker Botanical Garden is a great retreat option for teams that want to experience nature. You can find the 280-acre garden within Zilker Metropolitan Park. The garden offers visitors a shady and lush escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Besides the wide variety of gardens, your team will enjoy panoramic views of downtown Austin. The sections include The Mabel Davis Rose Garden, the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, and The Hartman Prehistoric Garden. The gardens feature streams, pathways, and Koi ponds that create an urban oasis of shaded hideaways.
Learn more about Zilker Botanical Garden.
11. Austin Zoo
A team tour to Austin Zoo tops the list of company retreat locations in Austin that you can use to teach your team the importance of conservation. The 15-acre zoo is home to over 300 animals from more than 100 species. Your team will see animals such as Bengal tigers, African lions, monkeys, porcupines, and birds. The zoo helps animals through education, rescue, and conservation. While Austin Zoo is not the largest zoo in Austin, the animal collection includes animals that need rehoming due to age or health complications or those from cruelty cases. You can also host your corporate retreats at the zoo’s private venues, such as the peacock barn, the private pavilion, or the picnic grove.
Learn more about Austin Zoo.
12. Austin Aquarium
A team visit to Austin Aquarium is one of the best interactive marine life adventures you can offer your team. The for-profit aquarium features fish, birds, and amphibians. You can expect to see animals such as sharks, stingrays, coatimundis, and lorikeets. For a more immersive experience, you can let attendees hand-feed sharks, birds, and rays. Willing participants can even pet animals like lemurs and lizards. A team retreat to Austin Aquarium will give your workforce an up-close experience with underwater creatures.
Learn more about Austin Aquarium.
13. Mount Bonnell
Boasting being the highest point in Austin, Mount Bonnell is a great team retreat idea. With an elevation peak of about 755 feet above mean sea level, the mount offers visitors incredible views of Austin, surrounding hills, and Lake Austin. Participants will climb the 102 staircases to reach the top to enjoy the view. The mount has a pavilion and a view deck where attendees can catch a breath and soak in the views. The venue is also a fantastic spot for picnicking and stargazing. Mount Bonnell does not charge an admission fee, so be sure to add the area to your list of free company retreat ideas in Austin.
Learn more about Mount Bonnell.
14. Museum of the Weird
The Museum of the Weird is one of the best company retreat entertainment ideas in Austin. Featuring various oddities and curiosities, the museum boasts of being America’s strangest attraction. You can expect to see unusual attractions such as monsters, Fiji mermaids, shrunken heads, freaks of nature, and mummies. You will also come across the globally renowned Creature of Ice, UFOs, Bigfoot, and paranormal subjects such as ghosts. Be sure to take advantage of the bright yellow walks with vintage style and splashy decorations for team pictures.
Learn more about Museum of the Weird.
15. Wonderspaces
Wonderspaces is the perfect retreat idea for art lovers in your workspaces. The venue features extraordinary art installations of conversation-provoking and interactive pieces year-round. Your team will experience diverse art pieces with varied installations of technology, light, and pure imagination. Wonderspaces also has virtual reality and optical illusion exhibits. The 28,000-square-foot space also has a full-service bar that serves signature cocktails.
Learn more about Wonderspaces.
16. Escape Hour Austin
Escape Hour Austin offers players escape rooms that will challenge even escape room pros among your workforce. Participants will figure out clues, solve puzzles, and escape the rooms within 70 minutes. The venue is one of the most immersive escape room venues in Texas.
Examples:
- The Crypt- You will uncover a mystery that proves to be difficult for historians and explorers. You must get the courage to ascend into The Crypt, get the history of the ethereal location, and come back before time runs out.
- The Manor- Elrich has a collection of beautiful artifacts from around the globe. However, the golden amulet is not just a pretty piece but a terror-striking artifact. With Elrich now dead, his spirit is still captive in the ruins of his home. You will enter the manor, retrieve the artifact, and save the town from experiencing Elrich’s fate.
Escape room games at Escape Hour Austin will strengthen your team’s relationships and boost communication skills.
Learn more about Escape Hour Austin.
17. Uncharted Adventures
If you are looking for corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Austin, then Uncharted Adventure is a must-try. The venue offers a wide range of activities that enhance team bonding and relaxation. You can let attendees choose activities they want to experience at the venue. For example, team players who want to release any pent-up anger and stress can opt for the rage gooms and smash objects such as bottles, TVs, or cars in a controlled environment. Other on-site activities include escape rooms, axe throwing, splatter paint, and zombie airsoft. Attendees can also enjoy their drink of choice and watch sports at the venue’s lounge.
Learn more about Uncharted Adventures.
18. Lake Austin Spa
Lake Austin Spa is a great option if you want your team to enjoy the Austin waters and still get a pampering session. The spa features a complete resort with wellness and fitness programs, 40 rooms, and various dining options. You can let attendees experience the company’s exclusive water taxi service that picks visitors from private or public docks in Austin. Your team can enjoy massages, facials, signature aquatic specials, and integrated wellness specials. Willing participants can also opt for the services with an Eastern influence, such as the abhyanga massage. The venue has an array of dining options featuring nourishing recipes that your workforce will enjoy.
Learn more about Lake Austin Spa.
19. Sixth Street
Sixth Street tops the list of fun company retreat entertainment ideas in Austin. The entertainment district and historic street features tons of clubs, bars, shopping destinations, and music venues. The venue is also renowned for its thriving nightlife, which includes drinks, food, and dance bars. Teams can enjoy music and film festivals such as biker rallies and the Pecan Street Festival at East Sixth Street. Be sure to let attendees sample Austin’s cuisine at the eateries throughout the street.
Learn more about Sixth Street.
20. Paramount Theatre
As the oldest theatre in Austin, Paramount Theatre hosts musicals, movies, and even film premiers. The theatre, which has a classical revival structural style, is a historical place where you can catch a show or event with your team. Besides the Paramount Theatre Anniversary Gala, you can check out the list of events and reserve your team tickets before they sell out. Attendees can also support the theatre by purchasing totes, mugs, and ornaments from the Paramount Theatre store.
Learn more about Paramount Theatre.
Conclusion
Company retreats in Austin will encourage your employees to work towards a common goal. Retreats will also foster cross-departmental collaboration and re-energize your workforce. As one of the most popular cities in Texas, Austin offers teams tons of retreat ideas. From live music venues to nature reserves and a diverse restaurant scene, you will understand the idea behind the slogan “Keep Austin Weird.” While in town, be sure to try Austin’s smoked BBQ and the world-famous Tex-Mex cuisine.
Next, check out Austin corporate events and Austin team building events.
Grace He