Updated: August 01, 2022

21 Unique Company Retreat Ideas in Houston, TX

You found our list of the best company retreat ideas in Houston, Texas.

Company retreat ideas in Houston are events that help participants learn about one another while also providing fun and learning opportunities. Examples include the Boston Harbor Island, Gingerbread Wars, and Archery Games. These retreats are essential to help team members get more comfortable with one another and encourage camaraderie.

These experiences can be executive rereat ideas, company retreat locations, or group retreat activities. The ideas are similar to company outings in Houston and things to do with groups in Houston.

This article contains:

  • corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Houston
  • corporate retreat ideas for small groups in Houston
  • company retreat entertainment ideas in Houston
  • company retreat locations in Houston
  • staff retreat activities in Houston
  • team retreat ideas in Texas

Let’s get started!

List of corporate retreat ideas in Houston

From The Great Guac Off to Texas TreeVentures to Menil Park and Neighborhood, Houston has no shortage of staff retreat activities.

1. The Great Guac Off

The Great Guac Off is a delicious and hilarious corporate retreat activity in Houston. Although the event’s format, a guacamole-making competition coupled with a team-building exercise, may seem unusual, it is interesting, fun, and fruitful. The Great Guac Off fosters healthy competition, cooperation, and teamwork by dividing your group into smaller teams.

Next, your group members will compete in a series of mini-challenges, such as “House Builder” and “Avocado Trivia,” before making their best guacamole. The Great Guac Off corporate events lasts about 90 minutes and can take place in your preferred location, such as a conference room or a rented retreat center.

Learn more about The Great Guac Off.

2. Gingerbread Wars

When it comes to business events, Gingerbread wars is one of the top options for holidays. Participating in this activity at your company’s Christmas event will spark friendly competition. In addition to holiday-themed quizzes, challenges, and team activities, Gingerbread Wars has a tournament where teams unleash their creativity to create and decorate gingerbread houses.

Every team member will finish the activity in such a good mood that it will set the tone for the remainder of the Christmas season. Snacks, cookies, and a BYOB policy allow you to tailor the celebration to your preferences. You may only play Gingerbread Wars from October to December.

Learn more about Gingerbread Wars.

3. Ultimate Trivia Showdown

trivia night in nyc

Ultimate Trivia Showdown will be the most exciting and memorable 90 minutes of your business retreat. This trivia tournament spins the traditional quiz game format with inventive challenges. Each host is a professional performer who provides entertainment as well as guidance. Your group will rely significantly on its ability for teamwork and inventiveness if it hopes to win the multiple-round trivia battle. This Ultimate Trivia Showdown will be a thrilling and productive team-building trivia game for your organization.

Find out more about Ultimate Trivia Showdown.

4. Texas TreeVentures

One of the best corporate retreat ideas for small groups in Houston is doing a ropes course. Over 72 different mental and physical rope challenges are available at Texas TreeVentures in Houston. These challenges foster growth as an individual and as a team. Your team members will appreciate the flexibility the three tiers of difficulty offer. Some tasks emphasize cooperation among team members, while others give each person a chance to try something new and succeed.

Your group will appreciate the opportunity to work in a natural environment away from the office. In addition, your team’s productivity and cohesion will both increase after having fun together.

Learn more about Texas TreeVentures.

5. Habitat for Humanity

Corporate partnerships with Houston-area charities like Habitat for Humanity are a great way to strengthen the company’s community ties. Your staff members get to help those in need while bonding with each other. In addition, your business helps provide a public service.

Habitat for Humanity is a well-known organization for building houses for individuals in need of shelter. Creating a community may take many forms. One of the options lets your staff sign up ahead of time for a forthcoming project. Another option is to have a “frame-up” event in your company’s parking lot, where employees work in teams to construct a house’s frame and other parts offsite.

Employees may benefit from the knowledge and experience gained from a team build activity. Teams will learn to cooperate and accomplish goals. In addition, participants will leave with the satisfaction of knowing that their work has made a positive difference in the lives of a family.

Learn more about Habitat for Humanity.

6. In Home Paint Party

A painting class should be on your list of team retreat ideas in Texas. First, the team can pick a picture to paint. Popular options include landscapes, flowers, and signs. While many paint party services rather have your group visit their studio, In Home Paint Party can host events directly in your workplace.

One of the company’s experienced instructors will bring artwork from their gallery to use as inspiration for your group’s own painting. Your group members will get all the resources required to make their replicas. Post-session, you can display the employees’ artwork in a visible area such as the break room or above desks. Be sure also to take pictures to share on social media.

The most important lessons to learn during a paint party are how to listen attentively and understand that mistakes are temporary. Team members develop their ability to think outside the box and adapt to new situations.

Learn more about In Home Paint Party.

7. The Cookery Houston

The Cookery Houston offers private cooking classes for teams. These classes are a fun and productive way to bond with your group. Your group will learn how to prepare a delicious three-course feast from a trained chef. Your team members will improve their ability to listen actively and process instructions. Developing one’s culinary abilities is a great way to boost morale and teamwork in the workplace. After finishing your meals, you may all celebrate a job well done.

Learn more about The Cookery Houston.

8. Houston Improv

An evening at a Houston comedy club is an excellent option for company retreat entertainment ideas in Houston. This activity allows your team members to unwind, have fun, and get back on track. You can break the ice and avoid awkward conversations as you watch the hilarious performances of standup comedians. This activity is particularly great if some of your members are new to the group or do not know each other very well. In addition, humor can do wonders for morale in the workplace.

Learn more about Houston Improv.

9. Menil Park & Neighborhood

Menil Park & Neighborhood are among Houston’s most unique attractions. This 30-acre park has many incredible sites. You could call it a tranquil oasis in the middle of a bustling metropolis, yet with its own exclusive thrills to offer.

The Menil Collection is an absolute must-see for art enthusiasts. Works by great artists like Picasso and Duchamp are among the over 15,000 pieces in the collection. Alternatively, the Menil Park & Neighborhood campus is a fun location to explore, as it is considered one of the most beautiful in Texas.

Learn more about Menil Park & Neighborhood.

10. Hobby Theater for the Performing Arts

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is another Houston institution that exhibits support for the arts and is a fantastic location for corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Houston. The view of the building’s glass design on the outside is stunning. Their incredible shows are also impressive. Several fantastic Broadway shows often stop through the Hobby Center.

When planning your retreat, you should check out the forthcoming performances and decide whether you can get tickets. Just being among such committed artists can make anybody feel like a celebrity.

Learn more about Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

11. Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club

Perhaps “The Big Easy” best describes New Orleans. However, Houston, Texas’s Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club should also get some adoration and praise. Many talented blues musicians perform here. The drinks at the club are as enjoyable as the live music.

While watching performers, you can enjoy a nice glass of beer, wine, or a mixed drink. This location is a great option to ease off with your team after completing a major office project. The reputation of the Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club is as impressive as its name.

Learn more about Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club.

12. 1940 Air Terminal Museum

Located in William P. Hobby Airport, the 1940 Air Terminal Museum in Houston, Texas, is a fascinating destination for history and science buffs. Organizing a trip to this location could forever alter your team’s perspective on aviation. The museum houses some of aviation’s most prized objects. In addition, the facility has a movie theater where visitors may see documentaries and other educational films. Seeing the aircraft take off and land at Hobby Airport is another highlight of a retreat there. The 1940 Air Terminal Museum attests to the significance of aviation in modern society.

Learn more about the 1940 Air Terminal Museum.

13. Cockrell Butterfly Center

The Cockrell Butterfly Center in Houston is a wonderful place to appreciate the exquisiteness of butterflies up close. Aside from butterflies, the center showcases various insects and offers excellent learning opportunities for its guests. Some of the tiniest species are among the most amazing in the world.

The Brown Hall of Entomology at the facility provides lessons on insects’ vital roles in human culture. You may satisfy your hunger and sense of adventure by buying from the Insect Vending Machine.

Learn more about Cockrell Butterfly Center.

14. Speedy’s Fast Track

Speedy’s Fast Track is a perfect option if you want to get the thrill of a theme park without breaking the bank. Miniature golf, pool, and other fun games are available at Speedy’s Fast Track. The go-karts are perhaps the most entertaining part of the day. You will even find two-seater karts. Speedy’s Fast Track may put you in the fast lane to a world of thrills and excitement. If you want endless excitement, this option is one of the best company retreat locations in Houston.

Learn more about Speedy’s Fast Track.

15. Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a fantastic retreat idea for groups in Houston. Even if you have been to many science museums and believe you have seen it all, this facility will still blow your mind. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is impressive because it demonstrates the broadness of field science.

The museum covers several periods, from the millions of years that passed before paleontologists unearthed dinosaur fossils and bones to the solar system far out in space. The planetarium is only one example of what makes this museum so popular. The Houston Museum of Natural Science proves that fun and education do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Learn more about the Museum of Natural Science.

16. Twilight Epiphany Skyspace

The term “Twilight Epiphany” seems like it might be the title of a poem, and the experience intends to spark your imagination. Located at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, this facility combines a number of sensory delights. The venue has a certain kind of awesomeness that words fail to do justice.

Experiencing the work of creative genius James Turrell called Twilight Epiphany Skyspace is unique and moving. The building has a fantastic pyramidal form and was built with meticulous attention to detail. The lights are in sync with the sunrise and sunset. A visit to the Twilight Epiphany Skyspace is one of Houston, Texas’s most memorable retreat locations.

Learn more about Twilight Epiphany Skyspace.

17. Discovery Green

Discovery Green in Houston, Texas, is a fantastic park with various exciting outdoor activities. Discovery Green is a great place to have a picnic or play soccer ball. Spanning approximately 12 acres, you can enjoy other activities like hiking along its scenic trails. Another option at Discovery Green is to enjoy a movie night. This location is great for staff retreat activities in Houston.

Learn more about Discovery Green.

18. Escape Hunt

Escape rooms are a great time and provide extra excitement in Houston, Texas. The Escape Game is a great idea for escape room veterans and first-timers alike. If you fall into the second category, you will become a true convert. At The Escape Game, you will have one hour to figure out a puzzle. You and the other escapees must work together as much as possible.

This entertaining activity simultaneously challenges your cognitive abilities. Between two to eight participants can play in an escape room simultaneously. The Escape Game offers some of the most thrilling activities, including simulations of art theft and jailbreaks.

Learn more about Escape Hunt.

19. Texas Rock Gym

You can have a great time in Texas Rock Gym while keeping your body fit. This indoor facility offers the exhilaration of rock climbing without the danger. The harnesses and well-trained personnel will keep you safe at Texas Rock Gym. You can also try climbing some ropes if you feel up to it. Non-climbing activities, such as yoga, are also available. Rock climbing helps teammates learn critical team-building skills like trust, communication, feedback, and cooperation.

Learn more about Texas Rock Gym.

20. Miller Outdoor Theater

Going to an outdoor concert enhances the experience greatly. Lightening bugs illuminating the summer sky and the balmy night air make every song seem much better. Miller Outdoor Theater is an important part of Hermann Park. This theater offers live performances from early spring to late autumn.

The music offerings at Miller Outdoor Theater are superb, especially the excellent classical performances. The stage productions are also outstanding. While at the location, you can watch performances like “The Adventures of Pinocchio.” Ballet productions at Miller Outdoor Theater are even more whimsical and full of good spirits. For your retreat, you should remember to bring a blanket and some picnic food to sit on while appreciating one of these performances. Getting caught up in the shows, the enthusiastic crowd, and the breathtaking scenery is easy.

Learn more about Miller Outdoor Theater.

21. Sheldon Lake State Park

Sheldon Lake State Park is one of the most beautiful public spaces in all of Texas. At this park, visitors may enjoy various land-based and aquatic activities. Hiking, boating, and studying the ecosystem’s many animal species are possibilities.

These activities can help your team learn more and appreciate the natural world. Sheldon Lake State Park also has an observation tower. The beauty of nature, from sea to prairie to metropolis, is visible at this location. At the top of the John Jacob Observation Tower, you might feel like you are floating above it all. Visiting the study room also provides improved mindfulness.

Learn more about Sheldon Lake State Park.

Conclusion

This list of company retreat ideas in Houston, Texas, is a good starting point if you are planning a retreat. Yet, this list is not exhaustive, considering Houston features many quality museums, restaurants, and scenic spots. You can have an incredible and memorable time on your retreat. Your group members will also bond while learning new team-building lessons in communications, productivity, and coordination.

Next, check out Houston team building ideas and ideas for corporate events in Houston.

FAQ: Company retreat ideas in Houston, Texas

Here are some frequently asked questions about company retreat ideas in Houston.

What are some good company retreat ideas in Houston?

Some good company retreat ideas in Houston include Miller Outdoor Theater, Texas Rock Gym, and The Escape Game. Your team members will develop personally and collectively while having a great time and making new friends.

How do you plan a fun team retreat in Houston, TX?

Planning a fun and productive team outing requires careful consideration when deciding on an activity. Establishing your goals is the first step in organizing a successful business event. From there, you may choose the team-building service that offers the program that best meets your needs.

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People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.
Grace is the Director of People & Culture at TeamBuilding. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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