Spring is when the diary for team days starts to fill, and garden games team building is one of the easiest ways to get a day right. The clocks go forward, the evenings get lighter, and somebody in the office says, “We should do something together this year.” If that someone is you, and you have been handed the job of organising it, this is for you.
We run a lot of full-day corporate events across Scotland, and the ones people talk about afterwards are rarely the most elaborate. They are the ones where everyone, from the new starter to the managing director, ended up laughing at the same thing. Here is how we put those days together.
Why garden games team building works
Giant garden games are the easiest icebreaker we know. Nobody needs instructions, nobody needs to be sporty, and nobody is put on the spot. For example, colleagues who never speak in the office end up on the same team trying to stop a giant Jenga tower falling over.
They also suit mixed groups well. People can dip in and out, chat between turns, and play at their own level. That makes them a good fit for team-building days where the point is getting people talking, not producing a winner. You can see the full range on our giant games hire page.
A simple shape for a garden games team building day
Many of our corporate clients book the whole day, not just the evening. For example, a typical format looks like this:
- Arrival and early afternoon: giant and garden games set out as a relaxed, low-pressure start. People arrive, grab a drink and drift towards a game.
- Mid-afternoon: a team activity, such as a SpeedQuizzing quiz where teams answer on their phones and the leaderboard updates live, or a gameshow-style game like Quizzy Fortunes.
- Evening: when the working day winds down, we move straight into a DJ set, a silent disco or a ceilidh.
As a result, you get one supplier, one setup and no dead time between the team building and the party. Our corporate team building page covers all the formats and packages.
Don’t forget Plan B for the weather
This is Scotland, so a garden games team building day outdoors needs a backup. Most of our games work indoors or outdoors, and for anything outside we always recommend having a covered area available, such as a marquee, canopy or function room. If the weather turns, the games can be moved quickly, and checking the Met Office weather warnings in the days before helps you make that call early. Tell us your venue and we will advise on the best selection for the space.
Garden games team building favourites for staff days
Some favourites from our range, all of which are on the games page:
- Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4 and Giant Chess: easy to learn and good for small groups.
- Boules, Quoits and Garden Darts: relaxed and sociable.
- Tug O’ War and Rounders: louder, and good for bigger teams.
- Cornhole (Plonk) and Limbo: quick, and surprisingly competitive.
There are 21 games in all. In addition, our quick reference rules sheet is handy to print out and leave beside each game on the day.
Making it work for everyone
When planning a garden games team building day, here are a few things we would think about:
- Group size. Our team social packages start at 10 people, and larger days can run to hundreds. Tell us your numbers early.
- Mixed abilities. Choose games that anyone can pick up. Instead, leave the heavy sport for people who ask for it.
- Mix the teams. Put people from different departments together. That is where the real team building happens.
- Think about the evening. If you want to finish with a party, it is much easier to plan the whole day together than to join two suppliers up.
When to book
Garden games team building days are popular from May through September, so we recommend getting in touch at least three to six months ahead for summer events. If you are thinking of a spring or early summer team day in 2027, now is a good time to ask about dates.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do a full day, not just the evening?
Yes. Many of our corporate clients book the whole day, with games or a quiz in the afternoon and a DJ set, silent disco or ceilidh in the evening.
Do the games work indoors?
Most of them do. Some are best suited to outdoor use, so tell us about your space and we will advise.
What if it rains?
Have a covered area available, such as a marquee, canopy or function room. Most games can be moved quickly.
How many people can you cater for?
Groups from 10 to hundreds. Tell us your numbers and venue and we will suggest a format.
Do you provide all the equipment?
Yes. We bring the games, sound, lighting, quiz technology and cabling. You provide the venue and the people.
How far ahead should I book?
As early as you can. For summer events, three to six months ahead is best.
Planning a team day?
Have a look at our corporate team building page or get in touch with your date, venue and group size. We will come back to you with ideas and a quote.
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