Updated: October 30, 2022

23 Fun Group Activities in Phoenix, AZ

Here is our list of the best group activities in Phoenix, Arizona.

Fun group activities in Phoenix, AZ, are fun experiences you can have in the city. For example, you can explore the Uptown Farmers Market, watch a show at Stand Up Live, or play games at Cobra Arcade Bar. The purpose of these activities is to bring you and your colleagues together in new and fun ways to improve group dynamics.

These experiences are examples of team building events and group activities for adults. The ideas are similar to company outings in Phoenix and Phoenix team building activities.

This list includes:

  • small group activities in Phoenix, AZ
  • large group activities in Phoenix, Arizona
  • group activities for adults in Phoenix
  • fun things to do in Phoenix as a group
  • group activities in Arizona

Let’s get started!

List of fun group activities in Phoenix

Group activities include exercises, programs, and events that can help you relax, communicate better with your colleagues, and enjoy Phoenix’s scenery. From taking a trail ride with Arizona-Horses to exploring the Phoenix Zoo, here are fun activities ideal for groups in the city.

1. Minute Madness

minute madness

Playing Minute Madness is one of the fun things to do In Phoenix as a group. This event is an energetic activity lasting for one hour. During the experience, you will engage in one-minute challenges and win points for your group. The hosts can set up the activity for both large and small groups in Phoenix.

You and your teammates will have fun collaborating and engaging in a friendly competition. In the end, you will find out which team member can overcome the obstacles and keep cool while racing against the clock. This activity is an excellent icebreaker and can launch group members out of the comfort zone.

Learn more about Minute Madness.

2. The Art of Storytelling

The Art of Storytelling is a professional workshop that helps improve your group’s communication skills. The training is fun and educational and includes practical takeaways and action steps. Professional performances will teach you the guiding principles of telling good stories.

The training will last about 90 minutes in your location within Phoenix. Participants of any skill level can attend the workshop. The facilitator presents a framework and examples before breaking groups off to create short team tales. Participants receive real-time feedback from the instructor and peers and get the chance to polish their creations and hone their newfound skills. This valuable ability can benefit workers in many areas of personal and professional life.

Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.

3. Bank Heist

Bank Heist is an exciting activity where you and your colleagues can test your detective skills within 90 minutes. With teamwork and collaboration, your group will strive to solve the mysteries behind a daring robbery.

Your task includes uncovering the identities of the masterminds behind the heist before the criminals escape. Your group will also combine brain power to decipher how the perpetrators breached the vault. Furthermore, you will look into the bank security team’s whereabouts when the heist occurred. This game is like a murder mystery minus the murder and will appeal to the super sleuths in your group.

Learn more about Bank Heist.

4. The Great Guac Off

The Great Guac Off runs a fun contest for groups in Phoenix. Your group members will compete in teams and work together to make the best guacamoles. The competition can run as a BYOB, or you can receive the guacamole ingredients from the host. In the end, the facilitators will decide on the winning team and award prizes.

The Great Guac Off includes team-building activities like House Builder, Punocado, and Happy Cup. At the end of the event, you and your colleagues take a fun group picture. Whether in your office or one of the host’s rental locations, you can decide the space to run the contest. You can also add options like catering and custom trophies.

Learn more about The Great Guac Off.

5. American Paintball Coliseum

American Paintball Coliseum provides fun group activities in Phoenix ranging from paintball to axe throwing. The park features indoor paintball fields measuring about 22,000 feet. Your session in the field will start with a short orientation on the game rules.

During the experience, you can stop for a bite at the center’s snack bar or bring your food and dine at the picnic tables. The park also provides a laser tag arena with a post-apocalypse theme. In addition, you will find an axe-throwing facility with over five lanes.

American Paintball Coliseum caters to large and small groups and provides various event packages to match your desired experience.

Learn more about American Paintball Coliseum.

6. North Valley Escape Room

North Valley Escape Room provides fun escape games in Phoenix. The games offer an exciting experience for players of all ages and levels. You will find the rooms in around ten themes like:

  • Escape from Alcatraz: You and your group will work together to escape to avoid spending your lives behind bars.
  • Big Top Circus: In this room, you will help a circus proceed with a magic show by locating the magician’s wand.
  • Sabotage: You and your colleagues will play as agents and compete in two teams. Your mission is to solve a case to attain a higher agency level.

Most of the escape rooms can accommodate up to eight players. Depending on the escape room you reserve, your entire experience at the venue can last up to 90 minutes. You can book multiple time slots if you have a larger group.

Learn more about North Valley Escape Room.

7. AMF Desert Hills Lanes

Bowling at AMF Hills Lanes is one of the large group activities in Phoenix. With over 30 lanes and a lounge where you can relax, you can have a great time bowling at the alley. The center also features an arcade with classical games ranging from Mario Kart to Jurassic Park. In addition, you can play a game with your colleagues at the billiard tables or chat over a drink at the sports bar.

If you want a competitive experience, then you can join or create a bowling league at the center. You can also reserve an event package customizable to match your group’s needs. The center hosts special events daily, like After Party Fridays, Monday Mayhem, and Sunday Funday. On Wednesday evenings, you can enjoy unlimited bowling and pay half price for arcade games.

Learn more about AMF Desert Hills Lanes.

8. LumberjAxes

LumberjAxes is a competitive axe-throwing venue serving the Phoenix area. An axe-throwing session can last one to two hours, with the pricing starting at around $20 per player. Before your group throws, an expert will take you through the game’s basics and safety rules.

You can also invite spectators to watch your group tournament. From axes and targets to lanes and beverages, the center will provide the essentials to make your experience successful. The center also organizes an axe-throwing league tournament lasting for eight weeks. Your group can sign up for the league, even if you have no experience in the game.

Learn more about LumberjAxes.

9. Cobra Arcade Bar

One of the exciting group activities for adults in Phoenix is playing classical games at Cobra Arcade Bar. You will find the arcade bar in downtown Phoenix. The bar provides an extensive list of arcade games and rotates the selection regularly.

Also, you can stop for grabs at a food truck around the location. The bar opens daily and allows guests to reserve tables within a specified timeframe. Entrance into the bar is free.

Learn more about Cobra Arcade Bar.

10. Arizona-Horses

Going on a thrilling ride with Arizona-Horses is one of the fun things to do in Pheonix as a group. The horseback ride packages come in different experiences. For instance, a Trail Ride will take you through different Arizona routes while offering a scenic view of South Mountain Park.

Your group can start the day with the Early Riser Breakfast Feast, which combines a one-hour guided ride with breakfast at the location. You can also take a steak dinner or lunch ride, with the pricing starting at around $75 per guest. The experience will take you on an immersive horseback ride to the desert southwest. Furthermore, the ranch hosts group cookouts, with rides included in the package.

Learn more about Arizona-Horses.

11. Breakthrough Smash Room

Breakthrough Smash Room provides a safe environment for groups to have fun while venting negative emotions on objects. During the smash therapy session, you can throw items against the wall or break objects with tools like hammers, baseball bats, and crowbars. Also, the company provides Bluetooth speakers in the rooms, so you can prepare a playlist of your favorite songs before your visit.

If you make a reservation for about six to 40 guests, then you will have a dedicated attendant for your group. The venue also allows events within the premises, with an option to decorate the venue, bring a cake, and even have private catering arranged for your group.

Learn more about Breakthrough Smash Room.

12. Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix Zoo represents more than 400 animal species from different continents. Touring the zoo is one of the small group activities in Phoenix. The zoo organizes different tour experiences for groups having no more than ten members.

With the Discovery Tour, you will get an up-close view of the zoo’s exhibit and take amazing pictures. The Backstage Adventures allows you to meet, greet, and touch the zoo animals while relating with the caretakers.

You can walk the zoo’s trails to explore the museum’s exhibits. For instance, the Arizona Trail features native plants and animals like Mexican grey wolves, mountain lions, and turkey vultures. The Tropical Trail showcases Asian elephants, jaguars, and orangutans.

Learn more about Phoenix Zoo.

13. Hammer and Stain Phoenix

Hammer and Stain Phoenix is a DIY store located in Tempe. The store serves as a source of entertainment and fun workshops for groups in the Phoenix area. You can host a private party at the venue and choose from the store’s numerous projects like gallery signs, everyday door hangers, single planks, centerpiece boxes, and porch planters.

Hammer and Slain Phoenix also hosts public workshops with different focuses. For example, in the 3D Liquid Glass Workshop, you will create artwork with a look similar to glass. You can learn how to customize sneakers in the Custom Sneaker Workshop. Whether you visit the location for a group offsite or to attend a public workshop, you and your colleagues will have an unforgettable experience.

Learn more about Hammer and Stain Phoenix.

14. Phoenix BBQ and Grilling School

Learning to cook at Phoenix BBQ and Grilling School is one of the best group activities in Arizona. Located in Mesa, the cooking school teaches students how to deep fry like a pro. Depending on the season, you can take various culinary classes at the institution.

In The Gourmet Burger Class, your group will learn to make and assemble delicious burgers. You can learn how to prepare tasty seafood in the fish and Seafood BBQ Class. In the Steak Class, you can also master the nitty-gritty of making steaks on charcoal, gas grills, and pellet grills. After the class, you will enjoy the creation with your group. You can also bring your beverages.

Learn more about Phoenix BBQ and Grilling School.

15. Gecko Climbing Gym

Gecko Climbing Gym is a fitness center with challenging rock climbing routes. The climbing center features stunning, hand-painted murals, a yoga studio, and more than 5,000 climbing holds. If you are visiting for the first time, then you should expect a brief orientation about the facility.

Your group members can earn top rope certificates if you take an Introduction to Top Rope Class. If you want to advance your climbing skillset, then you can take the Movement Clinic class.

Aside from climbing, the gym also offers yoga classes. From Restorative Yoya to Hatha and Aerial Yoga, you will find a variety of styles to try out. In addition, the yoga studio features hand-painted murals and a super relaxing environment enhanced by the blackout curtains.

Learn more about Gecko Climbing Gym.

16. Uptown Farmers Market

Uptown Farmers Market provides a commercial ground for residents, vendors, tourists, and groups. The market’s vendors include Community Exchange, Edible Phoenix, Los Muertos Salsa, Mediterra Bakehouse, and Our Thai Vegan Delights.

You can have a great dining experience during your visit, learn harvesting techniques, or master a new recipe. You can also stop by Baby Plants to learn more about locally grown succulents, rare shrubs, and trees. The Meals of Life serves tasty food selections that suit different dietary requirements.

Learn more about Uptown Farmers Market.

17. Musical Instrument Museum

Touring the Musical Instrument Museum is one of the most fun things to do in Phoenix as a group. The campus is home to more than 15,000 musical instruments representing different parts of the world. You can go on a guided group tour to explore the museum’s collection. The museum also offers a VIP tour for a behind-the-scenes experience of the backstage actions at the MIM Musical Theater.

After the guided tour, you and your colleagues can further explore the galleries at your own pace. At the Geographic Gallery, you will find rare musical instruments from around the world. You can also immerse yourself in different musical sounds and play the instruments in the Experience Gallery. Furthermore, the Artist Gallery displays the favorite instruments of many musicians.

The museum also offers a special experience in collaboration with Hot Air Expeditions. Your group can start the day with a balloon ride, have champagne, and explore the musical world inside the museum.

Learn more about the Musical Instrument Museum.

18. Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden provides an ideal environment for a scenic stroll with your group. You can visit the Butterfly Garden to learn about the creatures, including stories on how plants and insects relate. Walking through the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail, you can also get a beautiful perspective of the city’s mountains. On the Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail, you will learn about the Sonoran Desert plant’s usefulness to the natives.

The garden is home to the Schilling Library, with an extensive collection of over 9,000 books. After an immersive walk, you can stop for a meal at one of the garden’s dining areas.

Learn more about Desert Botanical Garden.

19. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa provides opportunities for fun group activities in Phoenix. The resort is home to the Wildfire Golf Club, with a driving range, two 18-hole courses, and a putting green.

The resort also offers heated swimming pools and luxurious cabanas with an occupancy capacity of six guests. During your visit, you can exercise at the fitness center inside the Revive Spa. You can also experience a series of satisfying treatments at the spa, from facials to massages and body scrubs.

JW Marriott resort is a great destination to spend your day and engage in exciting outdoor activities like yoga, tennis, or an evening walk. The resort also features over 15 pickleball courts and a qualified instructor to guide your group.

Learn more about JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa.

20. Puzzle Effect

Puzzle Effect offers themed escape rooms where your group can share an exhilarating experience. The rooms also have fun and unique storylines like:

  • Curse on the Emerald Seas: Your group will take a trip aboard a cursed sea. You have to break the curse before the ship sinks.
  • Grim Stacks: In this room, you and your group have to rescue a mystical creature from a bookshop owner.
  • Pipe Works: You and other escapers will play as Dystopian engineers. The city’s high council appointed you to restore power to the failing station by fixing the energy system.

All the escape rooms have a one-hour duration. Depending on the room you book, you can have up to 12 players sharing the experience. Also, the games are available in varying difficulty levels to suit different players.

Learn more about Puzzle Effect.

21. Century Grand

The relaxing group activities for adults in Phoenix include having a drink at Century Grand. The building is home to three themed bars, The Undertow, Grey Hen Rx, and Platform 18. The bars maintain a fun atmosphere with effects like haze, lighting changes, strobe lights, smoke, and motion graphics.

The Undertow is a ship-themed bar offering guests a 90-minute opportunity to enjoy rare rums from different parts of the world. Also, your group can go aboard the Platform 18 train bar for a luxurious cocktail experience. Furthermore, the Grey Hen Rx is a chemist-themed bar where guests can get the right dose of fun and cocktail recommendations.

Learn more about Century Grand.

22. Stand Up Live

Stand Up Live is a comedy theater located in downtown Phoenix. The theatre showcases outstanding performances of different comedians in Phoenix, including Chingo Bling, Michelle Wolf, Dusty Slay, and Eddie Griffin. The shows will last around 90 minutes.

You can also attend the National Spelling Buzz, a spelling bee contest that brings back guests’ childhood memories. Stand Up Live features a private dining room, a good audio and visual system, VIP reserved tables, and a customizable menu for group events.

Learn more about Stand Up Live.

23. Day at Encanto Park

Encanto Park is a recreational destination where you can do large group activities in Phoenix. Your team can go fishing at the seven-acre lagoon for species like sunfish, bass, catfish, and trout. The park also features two golf courses and facilities for sports like volleyball, tennis, pickleball, and racquetball.

You will also find a privately-operated amusement park within the location with spacious picnic grounds, various ride experiences, and wall climbing facilities. Furthermore, your group can swim at the Encanto Pool.

Learn more about Encanto Park.

Conclusion

Phoenix remains many groups’ preferred destination for outdoor activities, thanks to the city’s warm climate. The city is one of the most scenic locations in the United States. From trails to mountains and deserts, your group can connect with the natural environment and get a breathtaking perspective of the area. Furthermore, Phoenix is home to top-rated dining areas, cocktail bars with exciting themes, and many recreational centers. Whether your group resides in Phoenix or plans to take a trip down to the city, you will find many indoor and outdoor activities that will make your day memorable.

Next, check out corporate event ideas in Phoneix and outdoor team building activities.

FAQ: Fun group activities in Phoenix, Arizona

Here are answers to questions about fun group activities in Phoenix, AZ.

What are some good group activities in Phoenix, AZ?

Some good group activities in Phoenix include touring the Musical Instrument Museum, having cocktails at Century Gran, spending the day at Encanto Park, throwing axes at LumberjAxes, and playing laser tag at American Paintball Coliseum.

How do you plan fun activities for groups in Phoenix?

When planning fun activities for groups in Phoenix, first, you should consider your group size. You can look into locations that will conveniently accommodate your group. You should also define the activity’s goals, which can be to commemorate an event, learn a new skill, or relax. Then you can decide the best activity to help your group achieve the specific objectives. Also, planning for food and beverages is an excellent step to make the entire experience more fun. Depending on your chosen location, you can come along with your food, stop by a dining area, or make catering arrangements.

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Author:

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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