You found our list of the best company retreat ideas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Company retreat activities in Philadelphia are games, seminars, and events organized by corporations to increase employee cooperation, engagement, and respect. Examples include Treetop quest, Reading Terminal Market, and Franklin’s Square. These activities help workers who collaborate closely to get to know one another outside work and learn to communicate more effectively.
These ideas can inspire company retreat venues and retreat activities for groups. These experiences are similar to Philadelphia company outings and fun things for groups to do in Philly.
This article includes:
- corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Philadelphia
- corporate retreat ideas for small groups in Philadelphia
- company retreat entertainment ideas in Philadelphia
- company retreat locations in Philadelphia
- staff retreat activities in Philadelphia
- team retreat ideas in Pennsylvania
Here we go!
List of company retreat activities in Philadelphia
The community spirit earned Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the nickname “The City of Brotherly Love,” which is palpable throughout this historic U.S. metropolis. With so many historical sites and modern attraction points, many locations for staff retreat activities in Philadelphia abounds.
1. Gingerbread Wars
When it comes to Holiday-based team building exercises, Gingerbread Wars is in a class of its own. This 90-minute event can help bring the festive spirit to your workforce if your company has an annual holiday retreat. Teams will compete to see who can make the best gingerbread home in this exciting event. You can decide whether you want snacks or catering and bring your own drinks. Before the tournament starts, organizers of the Gingerbread Wars will bring kits to your Philadelphia office or leased space and set up games to keep the group entertained.
Learn more about Gingerbread Wars.
2. The Great Guac Off
This guacamole-themed event is perfect for your next corporate retreat. Participants break into small groups and compete to create the finest guacamole recipe in Philadelphia. However, squishing avocados together is just the beginning of this group exercise. The Great Guac Off includes side activities, trivia competitions, challenges, and avocado puns. You and your team may bring your own beverages, and the pricing is reasonable. You should consider including The Great Guac Off when looking for a productive and entertaining team-building activity for your company in Philadelphia.
Find out more about The Great Guac Off.
3. Bank Heist
Bank Heist is a fantastic option if your team wants to practice their detective skills. Groups will lay down their phones and tablets and instead use investigative tools to prevent bank theft. Your team’s goal is to find the thief responsible for the crime by discovering how they breached the state-of-the-art security systems. The host will provide the participants with clues and riddles to solve to identify the heist’s perpetrator. If your team works together, you may stop the theft before it is too late and have a great time doing it.
Find out more about Bank Heist.
4. The University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum
Morris Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania is one of the greatest locations to visit for reconnecting with nature. This Philadelphia arboretum provides a deeper connection with plants. This arboretum has many interesting features, including the fernery, the Horticulture Center, and the Japanese Garden.
To get the most out of your visit, come prepared with a list of must-sees, or let the sights sweep you off your feet. Visitors can see and learn about plants at Penn’s Morris Arboretum.
Learn more about Morris Arboretum.
5. Franklin Institute
The best time to visit the Franklin Institute, one of Philadelphia’s finest museums, is at sunset. Each Science After Hours season has a unique theme, such as a speakeasy, a celebration of pride, and a wizard school. The events, demonstrations, and displays revolve around this central theme. The speakeasy event, for instance, included magic shows, cabaret acts, specialty cocktails, and displays detailing the era of Prohibition. Plus, fun costumes are part of the experience.
Learn more about Franklin Institute.
6. On the Goga
On the Goga offers workshops that mix yoga with other health routines to assist your team members to flourish, making for a more enjoyable company retreat. On the Goga emphasizes doable practices like “desk yoga” to maintain flexibility even when you do not have time to roll out the yoga mat.
In addition, the company provides culinary demonstrations, such as “DIY Overnight Oats,” that will teach you and your team how to prepare a quick and nutritious breakfast for the weekdays. If you prefer corporate retreat ideas for small groups in Philadelphia, then consider hosting a personalized event at your workplace or rented retreat location.
Learn more about On the Goga.
7. Full & Happy
Lack of motivation to cook at the end of the day is a common complaint among employees with full-time jobs. Therefore, the culinary lessons at Full & Happy are about more than simply having a good time with coworkers. A major focus is on providing guidance on how to make delicious, nutritious meals at home.
Each participant will receive hands-on instruction from a professional chef on preparing a seasonal dish using only the freshest local ingredients. Also, you will get a high-resolution picture album documenting your time in the kitchen, along with a recipe and shopping list. You may be confident that every team member will enjoy this team retreat activity and get tangible benefits.
Learn more about Full & Happy.
8. Treetop Quest
Many cities hardly have zip lines within their borders. However, Treetop Quest is in scenic Fairmount Park, just a 15-minute drive from the city center. With over 60 obstacles placed among the trees, your team can spend hours playing on the zip lines and ropes courses. This location has great corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Philadelphia, so you can request a tailored estimate to include a workshop and team-building activities in your event. This activity is a wonderful way to get away from the workplace without going too far out of town.
Learn more about Treetop Quest.
9. Thirsty Dice
When another round of drinks specials at the local bar does not suffice for your next company retreat, take the gang to Thirsty Dice. You and your team can play some of your favorite board games while enjoying tasty drinks and local beer. More than 800 board games are available at Thirsty Dice, the first board game café in the city. If you have a group of 12 people or more, you may reserve the whole shop for your party. You can play classics like Apples to Apples or more modern strategy games like Pandemic or Ticket to Ride.
Learn more about Thirsty Dice.
10. Libertee Grounds
At Libertee Grounds, you may experience a unique spin on a classic pastime. You can bring your team and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this mini golf course, which gives off a welcoming, yet casual warehouse vibe. You can reserve an exclusive space for your company’s retreat. Alternatively, you can schedule activities for late afternoon and swing over for a game. After a game, you can enjoy the local beer and their excellent Pan-Asian foods. This option is one of the simplest team retreat ideas in Pennsylvania since not much preparation is needed.
Learn more about Libertee Grounds.
11. Science History Institute
Philadelphia, PA, is an amazing place for any science lover to spend time. Curious minds of all ages will find a wealth of resources at the Science History Institute. These displays include several one-of-a-kind items that many visitors will find exciting. The Scientific History Institute contributes to Philadelphia’s reputation as a city for thinkers since it is among the top ten science museums in the United States.
The Science History Institute emphasizes the significance of preserving scientific research, particularly in chemistry, the biological sciences, and chemical engineering.
The Science History Institute provides a wealth of information on how science as an endeavor evolves across time. Your group can visit the Science History Institute for the finest options in entertainment and education.
Learn more about Science History Institute.
12. The Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market is a wonderful place for locals and visitors to mingle. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, this vast marketplace has served the city for over a century. Many sightseeing and shopping opportunities abound. At Reading Terminal Market, over a hundred different sellers offer their wares. The delicious cuisines at this Philadelphia market are not its only major highlights. You will also find books, arts & crafts supplies, and even garments. If you are looking for fun activities as a group, you should visit the market.
Learn more about Reading Terminal Market.
13. Franklin Square
Franklin Square is a fantastic spot for people of all ages to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Established by William Penn himself, this location is among the city’s most popular tourist destinations. You will understand why the square gets so much reverence when you visit. This square is perfect for company retreat entertainment ideas in Philadelphia, with options like miniature golf and carousel rides. You also need to experience the wonder of Franklin Square up close. This destination has a brilliant design that many visitors find alluring.
Learn more about Franklin Square.
14. Philadelphia Museum of Art
When it comes to art museums, the Philadelphia Museum of Art ranks as one of the best. You will find hundreds of thousands of art collections, many of which are works from “masters of the craft.” This impressive Philadelphia Museum has works by such luminaries as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Jasper Johns.
Even if you do not see the entire exhibit in one visit, the museum should still provide a comprehensive learning experience. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a great institution deserving of its robust reputation.
Learn more about the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
15. The Oval
The Oval in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the best locations to be on a sunny day. With the largest outdoor beer garden in the city, a 108-foot-tall movable Ferris wheel, and other family-friendly attractions, the possibilities for enjoyment are almost endless. The park and green space is located directly across from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and features exhibits honoring Philadelphia-area chefs, artists, musicians, and business owners.
If you visit The Oval, you may choose from various exciting activities, including playing the giant versions of traditional games like chess and checkers. In addition, the Oval is a great spot to relax and unwind with the rest of the team. Aside from the live musical performances, the venue also offers fitness activities, educational events, and movie nights.
Learn more about The Oval.
16. Adventure Aquarium
You can bask in the sight of amazing marine life and landscapes without needing a snorkel at Adventure Aquarium. Exploring Adventure Aquarium is an exciting experience. The marine animals here include sharks, penguins, eels, and octopi. Experiences like swimming with sharks and stingrays are among the unique interactions on offer. Although the aquarium is in Camden, New Jersey, it is close to downtown Philadelphia, making it a convenient stop for your team.
Learn more about Adventure Aquarium.
17. Elfreth’s Alley
Elfreth’s Alley is undoubtedly among the most historically significant neighborhoods in any American city. You and your team will experience what life was like for the pioneers of Philadelphia. Elfreth’s Alley is fascinating since it is one of the first residential streets in the United States and the first in Philadelphia.
The diversity of its residents contributed to the vitality of its culture. Elfreth’s Alley enabled Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to become the incredible metropolis that it remains. Exploring this neighborhood is one of the best ways to enjoy your time here. The significance of Elfreth’s Alley as a Philadelphia attraction is without dispute. This idea is excellent if your team is visiting Philadelphia for a company retreat.
Learn more about Elfreth’s Alley.
18. Talula’s Garden
Talula’s Garden is a unique restaurant in Philadelphia that offers its dishes with style and substance. If you seek a restaurant in Philadelphia that can reawaken your sense of taste, then you should eat in the garden. Talula’s Garden has a way of making visitors feel at home from the moment they step foot inside.
The menu will only serve to reinforce your suspicions. This Pennsylvania eatery’s menu changes with the seasons, but you can always bet on high-quality food. Enjoying a meal at Fond is like something out of a culinary fairytale. For your company retreat in Philadelphia, plan an unforgettable evening for your team by attending an event like a concert and enjoying the entire experience.
Learn more about Talula’s Garden.
19. Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge is famous as the location where American forces dealt with harsh winter during the Revolutionary War. Listed among the top historical sites in Pennsylvania, Valley Forge National Historical Park is a great retreat venue.
The park offers almost 30 miles of trails for hiking if your team craves physical activity. If you want to learn more about the history, then a park ranger can describe the ordeal George Washington and the Continental Army experienced. Visiting Valley Forge National Historical Park is one way to honor the soldier’s sacrifices and honor their memory.
Learn more about Valley Forge National Historical Park.
20. Split Rock Resort & Golf Club
Lake Harmony in the Pocono Mountains is home to Split Rock Resort & Golf Club, a beautiful retreat location that will help you and your team recharge. This location is about two hours from Philly and is a great option if you want to take a road trip. The conference rooms at Split Rock can accommodate anywhere from 15 people in a more intimate setting to 1,500 people for more significant events like expos, tradeshows, and summits.
Split Rock is an excellent option for companies organizing a retreat to strengthen the group dynamic, thanks to its extensive roster of team-building activities. Some group-oriented activities include culinary competitions overseen by the resort’s chefs, continuing fitness challenges, and inspirational art workshops.
Learn more about Split Rock Resort & Golf Club.
21. Penn Museum
The museum has nothing to do with the city’s most famous son, William Penn. Instead, the Penn Museum focuses on the cultural insights and anthropological marvels that make up our world. The broad range of cultures and traditions portrayed one of the most intriguing company retreat locations in Philadelphia.
Extensive study and travel have culminated in a museum that vividly conveys the beauty of our planet. If you want to develop a deeper knowledge of the world, visiting the Penn Museum is a great place to start.
Learn more about Penn Museum.
Conclusion
Philadelphia offers several company retreat locations. While a day at the bowling alley could be up one team’s alley, another group might find an afternoon at The Oval a perfect alternative. Corporate retreats help develop soft skills like communication, creativity, and problem-solving, as well as productivity, morale, and work satisfaction.
Next, check out Philadelphia team building activities and corporate events in Philly.
Grace He