Team Building Activities for Small Groups That Work

If you’ve ever sat through an awkward icebreaker at work, you’ll know that not all team building activities actually build anything (except maybe second-hand embarrassment). But when you’re working with a small group, the key to real connection lies in experiences that are genuinely fun and hands-on.

Smaller teams have a big advantage when it comes to bonding. With fewer people, everyone gets to join in, share ideas and actually be heard. It’s easier to collaborate, communicate and create something together without the pressure of a crowd. The result? More laughter, more learning and a stronger sense of connection that carries back into the workplace.

That’s where hands-on workshops come in. These team bonding ideas are interactive and designed to bring out everyone’s best side. Whether your team’s into painting, pottery or pizza, these small-group experiences are the perfect recipe for connection that actually lasts.

From neon art sessions in Sydney to bonsai crafting in Melbourne and candle making in Adelaide, here are some of the best small team activities across Australia that actually work.

Paint and sip but make it neon

What it’s all about: Light up your evening with a neon paint and sip session! Teams will explore bright colours under UV lights, paint together and enjoy a drink while they do it. It’s playful, interactive, and all about letting creativity flow, making it a perfect choice for team bonding activities.

Best for: Small teams of 10-30 in Sydney who want a relaxed, after-work activity full of laughs. No painting experience needed..

Team-building win: Painting together with a couple of drinks is the best way to have a casual chat. The focus isn’t solely on the conversation, and there’s a sense of opening up as colleagues see each other's creations come to life.

Try neon paint and sip in Sydney.

Create delicious memories with a pizza making masterclass

What it’s all about: Roll out the dough and top it with teamwork! This hands-on pizza making class teaches your team to craft authentic pizzas from scratch, then enjoy the delicious results together.

Best for: Teams of 10-50 in Sydney looking for a fun, interactive foodie experience. Perfect for a work lunch or dinner.

Team-building win: Cooking together naturally fosters communication and collaboration. Tossing dough, experimenting with toppings and sharing the finished pizzas creates fond memories. Plus, it’s just plain delicious!

Try pizza making in Sydney.

Pinch, press and party at a pottery workshop

What it’s all about: Pinched pots! Your team will get hands-on with clay and put their sculpting skills to the test. Teams can create individual pieces in a casual and relaxed setting. 

Best for: 8-50 guests in Sydney who enjoy trying something new. Perfect for monthly team building or a fun work event.

Team-building win: Working side by side on clay projects encourages patience, collaboration, and creativity. This small group workshop gives teams plenty of time to chat, connect, and create something memorable together.

Try pottery for team building in Sydney.

Build bonsai and mindfulness

What it’s all about: Get your colleagues learning the delicate art of bonsai and practising patience, care and attention to detail. Your team will shape tiny trees into living works of art while learning the meditative side of gardening.

Best for: Melbourne teams of 5-45 looking for a mindful, hands-on team building activity for small groups.

Team-building win: Bonsai is a return to nature, something that is often missed in an office space. It’s calm and meditative and everyone walks away with their own cute bonsai. 

Try this bonsai class in Melbourne.

Paint glass in Melbourne

What it’s all about: Add colour and creativity to the day with glass painting. Teams use glass instead of a canvas to create a cool stained glass effect and design their own unique artworks.

Best for: This class can accommodate 1-30 guests in Melbourne who want a hands-on small group art workshop with a twist.

Team-building win: Painting on glass is a little bit different and the end result is super interesting. Everyone walks away with their own small stained glass piece which they can proudly display in the office (or take home).

Try glass painting in Melbourne.

Hands-on relaxation with punch needle embroidery

What it’s all about: It’s like sewing and art mixed together. Your team will unwind and let their minds wander as their hands are kept busy making textile art. It’s a relaxing and handy skill to pick up.

Best for: Small Melbourne teams of 6-20 who want a creative team bonding activity with tangible results.

Team-building win: Embroidery encourages focus and patience. Quiet yet social, team members can chat, bond and take home something they’ve made together. It’s a perfect low-key team building activity.

Try this punch needle workshop in Melbourne.

Make classic cocktails

What it’s all about: Break the ice and pop it in a cocktail shaker! Your team will learn how to make three classic cocktails—the Long Island iced tea, espresso martini and Tommy’s margarita. They’ll also, of course, get to enjoy drinking them.

Best for: Small groups of 6-30 in Brisbane. The class is held in Fortitude Valley so there’s plenty to see and do either before or after. This is a team building activity with flair.

Team-building win: Cocktail making is inherently social. Teams loosen up as they make their favourite drinks. It’s a great way to start the evening.

Get cocktail shaking in Brisbane.

DIY wellness with essential oils

What it’s all about: Create natural scrubs, sprays and wellness products using essential oils. This hands-on workshop lets your team explore scents, textures and recipes while making useful take-home items.

Best for: Small Brisbane teams of up to 10 who could do with a break. It’s a lovely team building activity to break up the day and reinvigorate the team.

Team-building win: The focus on wellness will have your team feeling refreshed. Plus, they get to make and take home luxury products they can keep using at home for further mental and physical clarity.

Make wellness products in Brisbane.

Pretty in polymer clay

What it’s all about: Mold, shape and design with colorful polymer clay. Teams will craft quirky, imaginative objects such as earrings, magnets or coasters. 

Best for: Teams in Perth of 8-50 who want a playful and colourful mid-week team building activity. 

Team-building win: Everyone is free to show off their own unique style with a choice in what they make. They’re bound to feel proud and accomplished when they see the end results.

Get hands-on with polymer clay in Perth.

Hosting a team event during the warmer weather? Discover the best outdoor team building activities here.

Paint, stick and plant workshop

What it’s all about: Combine ceramic painting, decoupage and gardening in one creative session. Teams create stylish plant displays while exploring design and colour.

Best for: A team building activity in Perth for 1-30 guests.

Team-building win: This workshop blends art and nature, giving team members indoor plant care tips and their own personalised plant pot to take home or display on their desk.

Try this paint, stick and plant workshop in Perth.

Crush glass and make suncatchers

What it’s all about: Assemble dazzling suncatchers from crushed glass. Teams experiment with shape and light to produce beautiful, sparkling art pieces.

Best for: Adelaide teams of 1-30 seeking a bright team bonding activity for the summer.

Team-building win: The glass pieces are pre-crushed, making this a simple and vibrant workshop with beautiful finished results. This is a feel-good activity focused on sunshine and colour.

Make crushed glass suncatchers in Adelaide.

Fake cakes with candles

What it’s all about: If there’s been too much birthday cake at the office, celebrate with cake candles instead! This whimsical workshop blends artistry, chemistry and a touch of fun as teams make candles that look good enough to eat.

Best for: A team of 1-20 in Adelaide who want a playful, hands-on small group workshop with sweet-smelling results.

Team-building win: Mouthwatering candles that smell good! Need we say more? It’s a memorable, unusual way for small teams to bond.

Make cake candles in Adelaide with your team.