Updated: July 25, 2022

23 Fun Group Activities in San Jose, CA

You found our list of fun group activities in San Jose, California.

Fun group activities in San Jose are excellent team-building and skill-building opportunities that team members can engage in for fun. Examples include visiting the Mountain Winery, checking out some museums, or hiking on Los Gatos Creek trail. These activities enhance team bonding, inspire creativity, and increase productivity. Building strong teams is vital for any successful organization.

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

This article contains:

  • small group activities in San Jose, CA
  • large group activities in San Jose, California
  • group activities for adults in San Jose
  • fun things to do in San Jose as a group
  • group activities in California

Here we go!

List of fun group activities in San Jose

From Break Stuff and Silver Creek Sportsplex to San Jose Museum, you will find a handful of group activities to enjoy in San Jose, CA.

1. Bank Heist

Thieves have just raided the vault. Your team’s mission is to identify the criminals behind a daring bank heist. This game turns your group into super sleuths. Together, players puzzle to answer questions such as where the bank’s security staff members were and how the burglars could evade the cutting-edge security procedures to secure the vault. Your hosts will lead you through puzzles and challenges to find answers to key questions and uncover new information before the robbers get away with their heist for good. The activity will continue for around an hour and a half and can entertain over 300 participants.

Find out more information on Bank Heist.

2. The Art of Storytelling

The team that will instruct you in the fundamentals of storytelling consists of actors, comedians, academics, and “nerds.” Your group will learn to relate with their audience after learning a simple structure for telling engaging stories better.

One of the most important and valuable skills your employees need is the ability to tell a good story, which they can use in their personal and professional lives. Employees in all departments may benefit from developing their storytelling abilities, from frontline workers and salespeople to those in marketing, support, management, and HR. Participants of varying levels of experience will find this program not only amusing but also welcoming. This 90-minute program is sure to be a highlight of your large group activities in San Jose.

Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.

3. ScavBoss

These scavenger hunts are not without their difficulties. ScavBoss combines story-driven gameplay with puzzles that test your team’s problem-solving skills. Scavenger hunts are fun for folks of all ages and adaptable to fit various themes and locations. You may be surprised if you assume the scavenger hunts would be easy. Most groups are unable to cross the finish line. However, you will still have a great time while playing ScavBoss.

ScavBoss may be perfect for your team.

4. The Great Guac Off

Competitions like “Trivia-cado” and “House Builder” are only warmups for The Great Guac Off’s main event, a high-stakes guacamole-making contest. These games will be a lot of fun if avocados are a favorite snack of your squad.

You will have all the essentials for your event, such as a humorous host, guacamole-making supplies and dipping devices, humorous prizes, and photography. The Guac Off works best in a rental or office space.

Find out more about The Great Guac Off.

5. San Jose Museum of Art

San Jose Museum of Art has a world-class collection of Western modern and contemporary art. The historic wing of the San Jose Post Office dates back to 1892 and was in service until 1937. The City of San Jose Public Library called this structure home from 1937 to 1969. The Fine Arts Gallery Association purchased it in 1991, the same year a new wing of the museum opened. Not many museums are dedicated solely to showcasing the work of West Coast painters, but this one fits the bill. In addition, the facility is a great way to inspire creativity in teams and start some thought-provoking conversations about the exhibits within the walls.

Learn more about the San Jose Museum of Art.

6. Valley Painting Parties

Valley Painting Parties provides private, on-site painting activities for groups in the workplace or at a rented location, so every team member can learn to paint like a pro. Whether you and your group paint a collaborative canvas based on your company’s emblem or submit a picture of your pet to be pre-sketched into the canvas, you will end up with a work of art you can be proud of. One teacher works with 20 participants, and attendees are welcome to bring snacks and beverages to enjoy during the event.

Learn more about Valley Painting Parties.

7. Silver Creek Sportsplex

At the Silver Creek Sportsplex, energetic and active groups may spend the day playing games like kickball and dodgeball to more unique sports like archery tag and bubble soccer. With a capacity of 5,000, this location is a fantastic choice for group activities for adults in San Jose. You can play on the grass fields, multi-sport rinks, and inflatable obstacle course. You can also complete some work in the comfort of one of the several breakout rooms equipped with Wi-Fi and audiovisual equipment.

Learn more about Silver Creek Sportsplex.

8. Mount Hernon Adventures

Mount Hernon Adventures’ ropes courses, set among the redwoods, are a fantastic option for fun-loving groups in San Jose. You may choose from three different group activities, including the Redwood Canopy Tour, which has many zip lines and sky bridges, and the Sequoia Aerial Adventure, which features more than 30 different high-course obstacles. In addition, the facility offers packages for parties of 25 or less, and includes a variety of ground and tree-based activities.

Learn more about Mount Hernon Adventures.

9. San Jose Brew Bike

The San Jose Brew Bike is a pedal bar with enough room for 15 passengers. This activity will take your team on a two- to three-hour tour around San Jose. San Jose is a terrific place for local and visiting teams to bond via shared experiences, such as a cuisine tour, treasure hunt, or simple sightseeing. You can bring your own snacks and beverages for a relaxing day trip as you ride to previously undiscovered areas of the city. You could rent two bicycles for a group of up to 30 people. The bike ride is one of the preferred small group activities in San Jose.

Learn more about San Jose Brew Bike.

10. Infuse Glass Studio

One of the fun activities to try is making beautiful glassware at one of Infuse Glass Studio’s team-building workshops instead of shattering it in the break room. You will get the tools and guidance to create beautiful pieces of fused glassware like plates and bowls. You may bring your food and drink to their studio for a team-building session lasting two hours and fifteen minutes. Your final products will be ready for pickup one week after the event.

Learn more about Infuse Glass Studio.

11. Break Stuff

After a long day at the office, bringing your San Jose team to Break Stuff, which bills itself as a “Stress Relief Demolition Center,” is a great way to unwind and bond as a group. In this secure and regulated setting, you may smash TVs, laptops, and glass bottles. Group rates are available, and each room can accommodate five guests. You may bring objects or choose from the items already there. You can also bring in music to set the appropriate mood for breaking things!

Learn more about Break Stuff.

12. Winchester Mystery House

The Winchester Mystery House, built between 1884 and 1922, is a popular tourist destination in San Jose. Sarah Winchester, who became wealthy from her family’s firearms business, commissioned the construction of this magnificent home. The 161-room mansion with 47 fireplaces and 17 chimneys is a sight. Modern group tour options at the Winchester Estate include an ax-throwing competition in the stables, an escape room, and an immersive horror experience. This venue offers some of the best and most unique group activities in California.

Learn more about Winchester Mystery House.

13. Intel Museum

This leading semiconductor chip maker provides the greatest overall tour experience among all of Silicon Valley’s tech giants. If you have ever wanted to know more about the inner workings of your mobile device, computer, or tablet, then this location is for you. By wandering at your own pace around the futuristic visitor center, you may learn about how modern technology has altered our ability to interact socially, professionally, educationally, and recreationally. The museum is in Santa Clara, about 15 minutes from San Jose.

You will also learn about the history of the semiconductor and how this technology has evolved by visiting Intel’s ultra-clean, fully-automated silicon factory. Numerous hands-on displays let you try your hand at coding and writing your name in binary, while historical components and chips are on display to demonstrate how far technology has evolved.

Learn more about Intel Museum.

14. Municipal Rose Garden

The prune orchard that is now home to San Jose’s award-winning rose garden came to be in 1937. This location is common for many wedding and graduation photo shoots, which is a testament to its beauty. Approximately 3,500 shrubs from 200 unique species are arranged formally around a central fountain and basin. The vibrant springtime hues are a sight to see, and the giant redwoods that line the edges provide welcome shade in the warmer months.

The only test garden of its type in North America, the All-America Rose Selections sends its prize-winning roses here for evaluation before they are available to the general public.

Learn more about Municipal Rose Garden.

15. Levi’s Stadium

Since their debut season in 2014, the San Francisco 49ers have called Levi’s Stadium, also known as “the Field of Jeans,” their home field. Super Bowl 50, won by the Denver Broncos against the Carolina Panthers, took place at this 68,500-capacity stadium, which cost an estimated $1.3 billion and replaced the 49ers’ fog-shrouded Candlestick Park.

The premium suites at Levi’s Stadium have bamboo wood fittings, while the stadium is the first to obtain a gold LEED certification for sustainability, suitable for its Silicon Valley setting. In addition to free Wi-Fi at every seat, the venue has standard international food and drink offerings, such as curries, premium steaks, and specialty cocktails.

The 49ers Museum is open from Friday through Sunday and offers public tours for groups interested in behind-the-scenes.

Learn more about Levi’s Stadium.

16. The Los Gatos Creek Trail

You and your group can hike or cycle nearly ten miles of trail. The path funs south from Meridian Avenue on the outskirts of Downtown San Jose to the Lexington Reservoir in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Los Gatos. A paved route runs beside Los Gatos Creek and is accessible by foot or bike.

The area between the cities of Campbell and Los Gatos, to the south of San Jose, is controlled by Santa Clara County. Vasona Lake County Park is a pleasant visit if you stroll through Los Gatos. You will find mountain vistas, water sports like kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, and the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, a miniature railway that operates on weekends and throughout the summer.

Learn more about Los Gatos Creek Trail.

17. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts

Nearly half a century after its completion, the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts continues to be a focal point of Almaden Boulevard. The center is the home of two major local performing arts organizations, Broadway San Jose and the San Jose Dance Theatre. This 2,677-seat theater offers a year-round roster of performances by its resident companies.

While the highlight of the season for the San Jose Dance Theatre is their yearly production of The Nutcracker at Christmastime, Broadway San Jose will present Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Riverdance, and Waitress. Symphony Silicon Valley performances, touring musicals, stand-up comedians, prominent recording artists, and family programs fill the gaps.

Learn more about San Jose Center for the Performing Arts.

18. Great America Amusement Park

Great America, an amusement park in San Jose, opened its doors for the first time in 1976. The park, which is now operated by Cedar Fair and spans 100 acres, is often regarded as Northern California’s best entertainment destination. A wide variety of roller coasters are available to choose from, including the Gold Striker, which has set a new standard for wooden coasters, and the Rail Blazer, which is the newest addition and has a unique design.

The amusement park contains family-friendly activities such as a water park called Boomerang Bay, and thrill coasters, family rides, and carnival games. In addition, planet Snoopy has attractions such as rides, shows, playgrounds, and meet-and-greets with the Peanuts gang for its youngest guests. The park is only open at certain times of the year.

Learn more about Great America Amusement Park.

19. Mountain Winery

The Mountain Winery, formerly the Paul Masson Wineries, is a popular destination for wine tasting and live performances year-round, thanks to its outdoor amphitheater. This winery has significant historical significance, and these summer concerts have been their claim to fame. Beginning with a three-course gourmet supper at La Cresta Restaurant, the evening continues with performances by classic and contemporary rock bands and pop music’s biggest stars.

For more unique activities, go to the Wine Deck for a variety of wines matched with cheese, charcuterie, and other nibbles, or go all out with a seafood buffet. It is advisable to make reservations for both the restaurant and the wine terrace on music evenings. This activity is one of the most fun things to do in San Diego as a group.

Learn more about Mountain Winery.

20. Villa Montalvo

The Montalvo Arts Center is in the Santa Cruz Mountains, right on the outskirts of San Jose. The home is a cultural center and a good place to visit if your group is up for a short trip outside town. You will discover gardens full of ornate marble sculptures, other garden buildings, and several hiking routes.

Although the mansion is usually closed to the public, save for special occasions like weddings, it is worth your time to check out the rest of the property.

Learn more about Villa Montalvo.

21. Cantor Arts Center

The Cantor Arts Center, founded in 1891 along with the university, underwent a massive expansion and refurbishment after the Loma Prieta Earthquake. The structure, initially designed in a Neoclassical style, now bears the names of its primary benefactors, Iris and B. Gerald Cantor. Cantor Arts Center offers world-class collections. The over 40,000 items span several periods and geographic locations. You will find images by Warhol, Tiffany furnishings, ancient Mesoamerican pottery, and artifacts from the Americas, Africa, and Oceania or Indonesia here.

The museum’s Rodin Sculpture Garden and indoor galleries house the world’s biggest Auguste Rodin’s sculpture assemblage outside of Paris’s Musée Rodin.

Learn more about Cantor Arts Center.

22. Shoreline Lake Park

Shoreline Lake Park, conveniently located off the beautiful Skyline Blvd, is a fascinating venue in San Jose. The park offers many fun things to do in San Jose as a group. The park has an aquatic facility that lets you hire sailboats, windsurfers, kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and rowboats. You can also play on an 18-hole golf course and miles of paved and unpaved paths and explore a wildlife refuge. Additionally, the area is home to a protected wildlife sanctuary.

Learn more about Shoreline Lake Park.

23. San Jose Improv

In 2002, The Improv franchise purchased this downtown theater and filled it with nonstop comedy shows on Tuesdays through Sundays. In addition to open mic nights and live podcast tapings, the program is packed with performances by established and up-and-coming stand-up comics, sketch troupes, and open mics. If you add in the cozy setting, delicious cuisine, and stylish drinks, then you are certain to have a nice time.

Plus, the building has a rich history and is known for its hilarious anecdotes. The Jose Theater has entertained audiences in San Jose since its opening in 1904, when it first hosted vaudeville shows and stock companies. The venue’s sumptuous decor dates back to an Art Deco renovation in 1933, when it first opened with a four-person orchestra.

Learn more about San Jose Improv.

Conclusion

Taking your team on an enjoyable outing in San Jose is a great approach to increase morale and foster team unity. These events can boost efficiency and morale. When team-building exercises happen regularly in the work environment, productivity increases dramatically. It is advisable to note that the event was successful if everyone on the team left feeling satisfied and content.

For more CA fun, check out group activities in San Francisco and group activities in Mountain View.

FAQ: Fun group activities in San Jose, California

Here are frequently asked questions about fun group activities in San Jose.

What are some good fun group activities in San Jose?

Some good fun group activities in San Jose include Great America Amusement Park, Levi’s Stadium, and Municipal Rose Garden. These activities allow team members to develop and have fun in ways that go beyond what they do at work.

How do you plan fun activities for groups in San Jose?

Your team members will show interest if they have a hand in planning the activities. You will also reap the biggest organizational benefits from activities that help people grow professionally and personally. To this end, it is important to identify what employees value most in their work experiences.

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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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