When it comes to team building activities in Fort Lauderdale, there’s one word that captures the essence of this incredible city: Sophisticated!
I’m Missy, and I’ve been facilitating corporate events in and around Fort Lauderdale for years. In that time, I’ve come to realize that this city brings a unique blend of elegance and excitement to team building that you’re just not going to find anywhere else—it’s pure magic!
We’re talking beautiful weather, stunning waterways, and the unmistakable Fort Lauderdale charm that all come together to create a perfect backdrop for simply unforgettable experiences.
If you’re looking for the best team building activities Fort Lauderdale, FL, has to offer, this is the guide for you. I’ll give you the insider scoop on everything this vibrant city has to offer.
I’ll share the best team building events Fort Lauderdale has to offer, along with the best venues, activities, and tips to capture the spirit of South Florida. And if you’re interested in exploring nearby options, we also have a guide covering the best team building activities Miami has to offer.
What Makes Team Building Activities in Fort Lauderdale So Special?
The way I see it, Fort Lauderdale team building activities stand out because of three key elements that make this city unlike anywhere else:
The Weather Factor
Fort Lauderdale’s climate is a game-changer for corporate events and team building. Average temperatures in the “winter months” are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the summer the average temp hovers around the high 80s. You just can’t beat it for corporate events.
This means that your team can enjoy outdoor activities almost any time of the year. The sunshine alone seems to boost everyone’s morale and general mood before we even start the first activity.
Waterway Access That Can’t Be Beat
Known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale boasts over 300 miles of navigable waterways! Having pristine beaches and an intricate canal system just minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale opens up possibilities you just can’t find in other cities. You can go from a conference center to the beach to a waterfront restaurant to a yacht excursion in no time at all, and the versatility that adds to activities blows my mind.
Corporate events along the Fort Lauderdale coastline and waterways are just better thanks to this incredible accessibility. After all, beaches and water activities are proven to reduce stress, which is great for preventing employee burnout!
Seriously, I’ve watched countless teams transform during beach-based and water-based activities. There’s just something so magical about the ocean breeze, sand between your toes, and the gentle sound of waves! It just melts away office stress and helps team members view each other in a different light.
Fort Lauderdale Vibes
There’s a sophisticated yet laid-back energy here that’s hard to describe but impossible to ignore. Perhaps it’s the yacht culture, the world-class dining scene, the walkable Las Olas Boulevard, or simply the fact that people come here for both business and pleasure—whatever it is, teams thrive on these Fort Lauderdale vibes, which makes events more memorable.
From outdoor activities on the Intracoastal to quirky and fun events to people-focused corporate social responsibility projects, everything benefits from the elegant, tropical, and energetic atmosphere in and around Fort Lauderdale.
Seasonal Considerations for Fort Lauderdale Team Building
Unlike other cities where you have to plan around harsh winters or unpredictable weather, Fort Lauderdale keeps things relatively simple. That said, here’s what I usually tell people about timing events and activities here:
Best Times to Visit (October through April): This is the peak season, and with good reason! During this time of year, the humidity drops, temperatures are perfect, and you avoid the summer heat. Teams from colder climates especially love escaping to Fort Lauderdale during these months.
Summer Considerations (May through September): Summer in Fort Lauderdale means heat—and I mean HOT! While it’s still doable, I always recommend at least some indoor activities during the afternoon hours. Also, plan beach events for early morning or evening. The upside? Hotel rates are often lower, and you’ll have the beaches more to yourself.
Hurricane Season (June through November): Okay, reality check—hurricane season is a real concern, and you should keep it in mind, but don’t let it scare you off! Most storms miss us entirely, and when they don’t, you’ll typically have plenty of warning to adjust plans.
My Favorite Team Building Activities in Fort Lauderdale
After years of facilitating events across South Florida, I’ve found some activities that consistently blow teams away. Any of these make for fantastic team building activities in Fort Lauderdale.
Built-A-Boat
This is hands-down my favorite activity to facilitate in Fort Lauderdale—it’s a perfect choice for Fort Lauderdale Beach or along the Intracoastal Waterway. In our Build-A-Boat challenge, your team will design, build, and decorate (hopefully) seaworthy boats using basic materials, like cardboard, duct tape, and creativity.
The twist? They’ll have to earn extra tools and supplies by participating in mini-challenges to make their boat bigger, better, and more personalized. When they’re done, they’ll race their boats across the water and either paddle across the finish line or take a dip in the ocean.
Before setting sail, they’ll also need to impress a panel of judges with a creative sales pitch, earning points for innovation, teamwork, and design flair.
After the event, consider hitting up Shooters Waterfront for excellent seafood, stunning Intracoastal views, and fantastic cocktails. They have plenty of room for groups and a fun, relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for celebrating your team’s nautical achievements.
The Big Picture
Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant art scene is growing every day, and we tap into that creative energy with The Big Picture. Your group will work together to create a large-scale mural made up of several separate canvases, all guided by facilitators like me who will assist your team every step of the way.
We tailor this exercise to help teams stay mindful of seeing the bigger picture in their professional lives. Like so many other things, it’s all about communication, collaboration, and working together toward a common cause!
The finished mural is absolutely huge! I suggest permanently displaying it as a reminder of what we can accomplish through the power of collaboration. And since we often try to incorporate company values in the artwork, it’s also a symbol of everything your organization stands for.
Want somewhere fun to eat after the event? Check out America’s Backyard—it features vibrant outdoor seating, delicious American cuisine, and live music on weekends. It’s a great spot to unwind after a creative day.
You can also explore the FATVillage Arts District if you’re in town on the last Saturday of the month for the monthly art walk. This neighborhood is Fort Lauderdale’s creative hub with galleries, studios, and street art that your team will love exploring together!
Polaroid Scavenger Hunt
This one’s a total throwback—the Polaroid Scavenger Hunt offers a perfect way for your team to explore Fort Lauderdale and its incredible neighborhoods. Just pick a spot you’re excited to check out, or ask us to choose a great location around Fort Lauderdale for you.
Your team might end up going through Fort Lauderdale’s most iconic neighborhoods. From the upscale shops and restaurants of Las Olas Boulevard to the historic Riverwalk to the gorgeous views of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and beyond. Here are some other fun, photo-worthy stops you could make:
- Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
- Fort Lauderdale Beach & Promenade
- NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
- Stranahan House (Fort Lauderdale’s oldest structure)
We’ll divide your team into smaller groups, equipping each one with a unique scavenger hunt list tailored to your company and a Polaroid instant camera. After the event, we’ll do an 80s-themed crafting session to create picture boards before celebrating the winners at an award ceremony.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat after the event, try Burlock Coast at the Ritz-Carlton. It has waterfront dining with views of the Intracoastal, exceptional craft cocktails, and locally-sourced seafood, making it a perfect spot to reflect on a fun-filled day.
Global Music Festival Game
Fort Lauderdale is a hub for music festivals and events, with tons of them going on throughout the year. From Tortuga Music Festival to concerts at the Hard Rock Event Center, there’s always something happening. Our Global Music Festival Game offers a perfect way to embrace this culture while helping your team strengthen their bonds and unwind.
Your team will enjoy an exciting journey using our GPS app to navigate to stages that symbolize different members. They’ll also explore the Festival grounds, where seven distinct music genres come alive on captivating stages.
Each location includes challenges, riddles, and opportunities to capture the experience through photos and videos, all while competing for the chance to be crowned the winner.
If you happen to be here during a festival, I’d suggest checking it out before or after the game to embrace the musical spirit! The energy in Fort Lauderdale during festival season is absolutely electric.
For a meal afterwards, head to Glitch Bar or Revolution Live to continue exploring Fort Lauderdale’s music culture while your team reflects on the day.
Team Building Activities in Fort Lauderdale: Insider’s Tips
Fort Lauderdale is almost always a good time, no matter what, but planning is essential for successful team building. Fort Lauderdale, FL, is a busy place with so much to do, after all.
Here are my top tips:
Start Early: Fort Lauderdale’s energy is only rivaled by the summer heat. Unless you’re here during the cooler months, schedule outdoor activities for morning hours if possible.
Plan for Photos: Fort Lauderdale is incredibly photogenic, from the yacht-lined Intracoastal to the pristine beaches. Team members tend to remember experiences better when they can share them on social media, so build photo opportunities into your activities!
Consider the Commute: Plan for travel time and potential traffic delays unless your events are located within one walkable area. Las Olas Boulevard and the beach area are particularly walkable and great for consecutive activities.
Embrace the Water: With all those waterways, consider incorporating a yacht charter, water taxi ride, or gondola tour into your itinerary. It’s a unique Fort Lauderdale experience your team won’t forget!
Ready To Plan Some Unforgettable Team Building Activities in Fort Lauderdale?
Whether you’re planning events in Fort Lauderdale or elsewhere in South Florida, your team is sure to feel energized and connected after a good team building event here—trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this energy!
And, honestly, creating the perfect event is easier than you might think. We have a catalog of over 200 programs that can be customized based on your goals, team size, timeframe, and company for guaranteed results.
Contact us today, and let’s create an experience where your team can enjoy the beautiful weather, stunning waterways, and those unmistakable Fort Lauderdale vibes!
