Here is our list of the best virtual experiences for groups.
Virtual experiences for groups are interactive games and challenges for workers to bond online. You can choose games your group members will love to engage them better. Examples include Donut meetups on Slack, online word games, and virtual escape rooms. The purpose of these games is to improve teamwork and build genuine connections.
Virtual experiences for groups are types of virtual team building activities. These ideas are similar to virtual event ideas, online tours, virtual escape rooms, and virtual field trips.
This list includes:
- virtual experiences for large groups
- virtual experiences for small groups
- virtual team experiences
- online experiences for groups
Here we go!
List of virtual experiences for groups
From teambuilding.com to online cooking classes, here are some of the best online experiences your team can enjoy.
1. Online Office Games
Online Office Games bring remote coworkers together for memorable bonding moments. The events usually last about 90 minutes and are led by an upbeat host.
During that time, your group will play a mashup of games, like:
- icebreakers
- lightning scavenger hunts
- “Can You Hear Me Now?”
You can extend the game time to fit your group’s needs. Also, there is no limitation on the number of participants you can have in your virtual group. The company has hosted more than 150,000 guests in its online office game sessions across over 30,000 teams. Plus, the games are easy to book and feature the best hosts in the event industry.
Online Office Games are suitable for all group sizes. You can always use more rooms or split schedules to host these virtual experiences for large groups.
Learn more about Online Office Games.
2. Donut Meetups on Slack
Donut meetups on Slack are virtual team gatherings on the popular communication platform. The meetups aim to boost bonding among remote or hybrid teams. You can organize meetups as one-on-one video calls on a Slack app called Donut. For this activity, two team members chat for 30 minutes.
During this time, participants can discuss:
- work
- personal interests
- relationships
The idea is to build community within the team. Donut Meetups offer a fun and relaxed way to get to know your colleagues. These sessions are perfect for remote groups with limited face-to-face interaction. Meetups like Donut foster better cross-functional relationships.
Learn more about Donut.
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3. Virtual Coffee breaks and happy hours
One of the best parts of working in an office is socializing. For example, workers can grab coffee or drinks together. Remote work limits such opportunities for bonding. Even so, you can still create simple social experiences with your team.
Various online video tools like Zoom and Skype make it easy to have virtual coffee breaks or happy hours. These event planning platforms allow you to organize 15-minute coffee breaks. You can have these meetups once or twice a week. If possible, you can extend these meetings to an hour after work for a virtual happy hour.
Virtual coffee breaks and happy hours offer a great opportunity to:
- catch up with colleagues
- chat about nonwork topics
- build relationships
It is best to keep these virtual gatherings social rather than discussing work. These casual conversations help employees feel connected. In addition, virtual coffee breaks and happy hours bring remote workers a bit of the social office atmosphere.
Check out more virtual happy hour ideas and virtual coffee break ideas.
4. Mario Kart Tour
Mario Kart Tour is a mobile racing game by Nintendo. The iOS and Android game has a collection of karts, characters, and gliders. Mario Kart Tour’s creators modeled these characters and kart races after real locations.
In the game, participants control classic characters like Mario and Luigi. From the comfort of their homes, coworkers compete in multiplayer or daily challenges.
The tour events help bring virtual teams together in a competitive but fun setting. You can also compete in teams against other teams or departments. More so, playing in friendly competitions like this game helps build a positive company culture.
Learn more about Mario Kart Tour.
5. Online word games
Online word games make excellent and accessible virtual experiences for small groups. The games test vocabulary, spelling, and quick thinking.
Some great examples of online word games include:
- Scrabble
- Boggle
- crossword puzzles
- word searches
Scrabble is a fun and challenging multiplayer game. The game tests players’ vocabulary and spelling skills. Players spell words on a game board using letter tiles. The values of the letters used in the spelling determine the players’ points.
Boggle is a timed game. Players search for words in a grid of letters on a virtual board. The game tests vocabulary and quick thinking.
In crossword puzzles, players fill in blank squares with words to complete a grid. The words intersect and must match the corresponding answers provided by clues. The clues can be in the form of definitions, synonyms, or any other type of word hints. The puzzles range in difficulty and size. Larger puzzles are often more challenging.
All of these games are fun and sometimes challenging. Most of all, these virtual team experiences can be ongoing. If you can afford it, then set a reward for the team that wins the most at the end of a month or quarter.
Play Scrabble, Boggle, and crossword puzzles, and check out more fun word games for adults.
6. Virtual escape rooms
In virtual escape rooms, players must work together to solve puzzles and unlock a virtual room. Participants combine communication and problem-solving skills to find important clues and keys. The rooms are great online experiences for groups of friends, family, and coworkers.
Virtual escape rooms can also have themes, including:
- mystery
- adventure
- horror
- science fiction
Solving challenges requires collaboration, critical thinking, and strategy. Also, players must finish a challenge within a set time. Besides, virtual escape rooms offer a unique and exciting form of team building. Players of all ages will find the game enjoyable.
Check out this list of virtual escape rooms.
7. Virtual trivia night
Virtual trivia night is a multiplayer quiz-style game. The quiz covers various topics, such as pop culture and history. The game tests players’ knowledge and quick-thinking skills.
Virtual trivia nights are a fun and engaging way for remote coworkers to bond and build teamwork. Players take part in these events using a virtual platform. A trivia expert hosts the game. Music, sound effects, and visual aids can enhance the experience further.
This game also provides entertainment and mental stimulation for players. Trivia nights remain one of the best virtual team experiences for remote workers.
Here are more trivia night ideas for teams.
8. Virtual reality games
Virtual reality games provide immersive and interactive experiences for players. Players use VR headsets and controllers to explore the virtual world together. Teams can work together to complete tasks and progress to the next level. Virtual reality games offer a wide range of gaming options. The games are available on various platforms, including gaming consoles and PC.
Virtual reality games enhance communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. In all, the activities provide a form of entertainment and mental stimulation. These benefits make the games ideal for remote workers looking to unwind and have fun with their team.
Check out multiplayer VR games like Werewolves Within and The Playroom VR.
9. Online cooking class
Organizations can customize online cooking classes for team building purposes. This activity offers a hands-on experience that encourages teamwork and collaboration. During the course, a chef provides guidance and instruction on cooking or baking.
Online cooking classes are increasingly popular since more employees are working from home. The culinary courses offer a convenient and accessible way for remote teams to learn and bond over a shared activity. Expert cooks in the group can show their skills, and newbies can learn a few new techniques.
Cooking classes are great for:
- developing your cooking skills
- promoting healthy eating habits
- mental stimulation
- having fun
You can find cooking classes on various online platforms. If you hire a chef to lead the group, then you can also take classes over conferencing software like Zoom and Skype. Of course, one of the group members can also volunteer to lead the group. Your team will learn new kitchen skills, have fun, and socialize.
Get more online cooking classes.
10. Digital card games
In digital card games, players use collectibles or virtual cards to defeat their opponents. These games often require a sense of strategy. Players build and change their decks over time.
Some popular digital card games that promise teams a great virtual experience include:
- Hearthstone
- Magic: The Gathering
- Gwent: The Witcher Card Game
Hearthstone is a collectible card game set in the Warcraft universe. The game features cards that represent spells, weapons, and minions. Players can use these cards to defeat their opponents. Hearthstone has single-player and multiplayer modes. The game is free, but there are in-game purchases for extra cards. The game is best for players new to gaming in general.
Magic: The Gathering is a strategy-based collectible card game. The cards have figures that represent spells, creatures, and lands. Players try to defeat the opponent with these cards. Players can add new cards to the game by obtaining new sets. Magic: The Gathering is more complex than Hearthstone and will be best for experienced gamers.
The popular game Witcher 3: Wild Hunt inspired Gwent: The Witcher Card Game. Players win by gathering cards that are more powerful than other opponents. Gwent is a good game for groups already familiar with The Witcher franchise.
Check out Hearthstone, Magic: The Gathering, and Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, and check out more online card games.
11. Virtual icebreaker games
Virtual icebreaker games unite players over video calls to promote interaction and bonding.
The games are great for remote teams and include popular variants, including:
- icebreaker questions
- two truths, one lie
- trivia
- virtual charades
In icebreaker questions, participants take turns asking each other questions. These queries are usually personal.
Examples of icebreaker questions include:
- What is the next thing you want to do on your bucket list?
- Where do you picture yourself in five years?
- What is your favorite vacation location?
In two truths, one lie, a team member lists three facts about themselves. Two of those statements are true, and one is false. The other participants then try to guess which is the false statement.
Virtual charades is also a guessing game that gets the adrenaline flowing. The game requires one member of the team to act out a prompt. The other participants then try to guess what the actor is miming.
Virtual icebreaker games are perfect for easing work stress and tension.
Check out more virtual icebreaker ideas.
12. The Art of Storytelling
Effective communication is of the essence in any corporate setting. Corporations spend thousands of dollars every year to train staff on communication. One surefire way to communicate well is to present information as a story. A good storyteller is an effective communicator, and good stories engage listeners.
This workshop helps build crucial communication skills. The engaging course is available for corporations with six to 300 employees. Using the Museum Hack methodology, hosts teach participants a storytelling framework designed to captivate audiences.
Although educational, learning storytelling together is often fun for groups. The exercises are amusing, and the workshop is interactive. The game is ideal for both beginners and expert storytellers.
Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.
13. Online fitness challenge
Working from home can make it challenging to stay active and healthy. However, an online fitness challenge can help remote workers maintain their physical well-being.
Starting a fitness challenge involves simple steps:
- Choose a goal, such as the total number of steps to take or workouts to complete.
- Pick a timeframe, like a week or a month.
- Add your coworkers to the challenge.
- Track progress using a fitness app or a shared spreadsheet.
- Celebrate milestones and the end goal together.
An online fitness challenge is a fun and effective way to stay active while working from home. The challenge improves your health, builds camaraderie, and provides motivation and accountability.
Here is a list of online team fitness ideas.
14. Social media challenge
Social media challenges are a fun way for remote team members to stay connected. Social media activity offers a familiar channel for remote coworkers to engage with each other. This challenge involves groups carrying out simple tasks on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter. Coworkers can showcase nonwork-related interests to their colleagues.
Some ideas for a social media challenge include:
- Daily challenges: Post a picture or video of something new every day
- Fitness challenge: Share a workout video or post progress updates
- Cook-off: Share recipes and cooking videos
- DIY challenge: Share a step-by-step process of a DIY project
- Pet show: Share photos and videos of pets
Participants can choose a challenge theme and duration for added competition. For example, the target can be to post videos daily for a week or a month. Group members can cheer each other on by engaging with the posts. Also, always celebrate teammates’ progress and noticeable wins. A small gift, even a plaque, can make members happy.
15. Virtual coworking
Transitioning from on-site to remote work is challenging for some employees. These workers may need help adapting to the reality of remote work. To ease the transition, companies can find ways for their staff to interact while working from home. A coworking setting has employees keep a video channel open all day as they work.
Virtual coworking allows workers to:
- have a quick chat with their colleagues
- request help when needed
- help colleagues out
- take instructions from superiors in real time
Even though virtual coworking has many advantages, it also may have some drawbacks. For example, some workers see the open channel as a distraction that hampers productivity. Hence, you should check in with the group on how long to keep the channel active.
Check out Walkabout Office and Sococo.
16. Virtual casino night
Online casino nights let group members test their luck and skills while having fun and socializing. This virtual experience offers a similar ambiance to traditional casinos. Even though the team members are not together, the group can play online poker or other games for fun or real money.
You can start by selecting an online casino you like. Then, you can run it by the group to set a convenient time for the event for all participants. You can host the event via a video conferencing platform like Facebook Live or Google Meet.
If you are playing for real money, then remind players to bet safely. Otherwise, you can cap your bets to protect all participants. It is safer to play with fake money so group members can have the best time.
Experience the thrill of a Las Vegas casino online at Fun Casino Nights.
17. Virtual birthday party
A virtual birthday party is a good reason for remote groups to celebrate. The event is an easy way to mark the occasion while staying connected despite physical distance.
Here are some ideas to make the party a success:
- Decorate the virtual background to match the theme.
- Play games such as trivia, Bingo, or charades.
- Have a virtual cake-cutting ceremony.
- Send virtual gifts through an e-commerce platform.
- Have a virtual dance party with music and a video call.
Encourage your colleagues to dress up and share photos during the party.
Virtual birthday parties allow remote workers to celebrate and have fun together. The parties bring attendees closer, create memories, and make birthdays special despite the distance.
Check out our list of online birthday party ideas.
18. Virtual jam sessions
Virtual jam sessions bring group members together through music. You can organize virtual jams for your colleagues over a video conferencing tool. Members join the session at the agreed time, and the party starts.
Diversity in music tastes among team members can enhance the jam session experience, as can mini karaoke sessions or talent shows. During these get-togethers, listeners can perform on their favorite instruments. Two or more members can also deliver a joint performance.
Even if some of your colleagues do not play musical instruments, most are likely music lovers. Music calms the nerves and relaxes the mind. Jam sessions are usually great for morale and ease the stress of a long working day.
You can host one of these gatherings online through sites like JamKazam.
19. Virtual karaoke
One great way to unwind after work is to organize a virtual karaoke party for your team. Virtual karaoke allows groups to sing along to all kinds of songs.
To host virtual karaoke, you need a music streaming platform with a lyrics feature. Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and YouTube Music suit this purpose. Most streaming platforms have SharePlay built into them so you can stream seamlessly. You can also use a video conferencing platform that allows screen sharing, like Google Meet and Zoom. Screen sharing lets your colleagues see your playlist and lyrics in real-time.
Here is how to host virtual karaoke:
- Ask your teammates to submit song requests.
- Create a playlist on a music platform with these requests.
- Create a meeting link, and send it to your colleagues to join the karaoke party.
- During the party, participants will take turns picking a song and singing along as it plays.
20. Virtual Retirement Party
If you have remote coworkers who will soon leave your team, then consider throwing them a virtual send-off. Teambuilding.com offers a Virtual Retirement Party event to take the burden of planning off your shoulders.
The party lasts 90 minutes. You can rest assured that attendees will enjoy every bit of that hour and a half. The departing employee will also feel honored. By the end of the party, you would have created lasting memories for the participants.
This virtual online experience for groups has games like:
- retirement trivia
- mini scavenger hunts
- icebreakers
- team formations
- fun trivia
Teambuilding.com provides a secure video conference link. The company also offers reputable virtual hosts for your event. This host will ensure that there is no dull moment throughout the hangout.
Learn more about virtual retirement parties.
Conclusion
Online group activities promote interaction among its members. Connection is important whether among a group of friends or in a remote team scattered all over the globe.
Group virtual experiences bring members together seamlessly to create powerful and memorable moments. A group of friends can reunite over activities they love. Coworkers can bond and build meaningful relationships that translate to increased productivity.
The best part is that many virtual experiences are fun and cost little or nothing. For bespoke activities, draw up a budget. These customized games are affordable, so you do not have to break the bank.
Next, check out our lists of virtual team building kits, virtual offsite ideas, and virtual team events.
