Winter vs Summer Teambuilding Ideas at UP Events

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

When it comes to building stronger teams and creating unforgettable memories, the season can make all the difference. At UP Events, we specialize in delivering dynamic, customized team-building experiences in Amsterdam and Weesp — no matter the weather. But how do winter and summer teambuilding ideas compare, and what trends are shaping the future of corporate events in the Netherlands? Let’s dive in.

Why Seasonality Matters in Team Building

Seasonal shifts aren’t just about temperature — they influence mood, engagement, and the types of activities that work best for your group. According to recent research, companies in the Netherlands are increasingly seeking purposeful, hybrid, and tech-enabled experiences that maximize inclusivity and ROI, regardless of the season. The key is to leverage the unique advantages each season offers, while aligning activities with your organization’s goals and values.

Winter Teambuilding Ideas at UP Events

Winter in Amsterdam brings crisp air, festive lights, and the perfect opportunity to bring your team together indoors for warmth, creativity, and connection. At UP Events, our indoor facilities are designed to accommodate both small and large groups, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all.

Top Winter Activities

  • VR Team Challenge: Step into immersive virtual worlds where collaboration and problem-solving are essential. Tech-enabled experiences like these are trending, offering measurable outcomes and high engagement.
  • Expedition Robinson (Indoor Edition): Inspired by the hit TV show, this challenge tests your team’s resilience and creativity in a controlled, weather-proof environment.
  • Cocktail Workshops & Culinary Challenges: Warm up with hands-on workshops that foster creativity and teamwork. Culinary activities are ideal for diverse groups and can be tailored to dietary needs.
  • Escape Rooms & Gamified Workshops: Indoor escape rooms and hackathons are perfect for winter, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration in a fun, competitive setting.

Expert Insight: “In-person activities that mix fun with purpose can help reignite that sense of connection and camaraderie,” says Jules Joyce, President of Outback Team Building.

Why Choose Indoor Winter Events?

  • Weather-proof and accessible for all participants.
  • Tech integration allows for innovative, gamified experiences.
  • Scalable for large or diverse groups, making them ideal for corporate events and school activities.

Explore more winter activities: UP Events Activities

Summer Teambuilding Ideas at UP Events

When the sun is shining, Amsterdam’s outdoor spaces come alive. Our 45,000 m² private event location in Amsterdam West and flexible venue in Weesp offer endless possibilities for summer teambuilding.

Top Summer Activities

  • Outdoor City Games: Explore Amsterdam with interactive scavenger hunts and AR challenges. These gamified experiences are not only fun but also promote collaboration and strategic thinking.
  • BBQ Parties with Live Entertainment: Nothing says summer like a BBQ! Combine great food, music, and outdoor games for a memorable team outing.
  • Eco-Friendly Retreats: Sustainability is a growing trend. Organize nature-based retreats or adventure races that align with your company’s environmental goals.
  • Sports Tournaments & Adventure Races: Leverage the good weather for physical engagement, stress relief, and team bonding.

Professional Tip: Outdoor activities are linked to wellness and stress reduction, making them a powerful tool for boosting morale and productivity.

Discover more summer options: Outings in Amsterdam

Outings in Weesp

Hybrid and Tech-Enabled Experiences

The future of team-building is hybrid. At UP Events, we offer activities that blend in-person and virtual participation, ensuring everyone can join — no matter where they are. From synchronized virtual games to cross-location competitions, our tech-enabled solutions are designed for flexibility and maximum engagement.

Learn more about our hybrid options: Meetings & Corporate Events

Corporate Events

Customization: The UP Events Advantage

No two teams are alike. That’s why we offer fully tailored events, from activity selection to catering, decorations, and entertainment. Whether you’re planning a corporate party, product launch, or school event, our experienced team ensures every detail aligns with your objectives.

  • Scalable for groups from 15 to 5,000
  • Inclusive and accessible venues
  • Personalized quotes and consultations

See how we can customize your next event: Event Agency Amsterdam

Trends and Best Practices for 2025

Purposeful and Measurable Activities

Modern team-building is about more than just fun — it’s about achieving real workplace objectives. Activities are increasingly designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and wellbeing. Using gamification and digital tools, we help you track participation, completion rates, and feedback for continuous improvement.

Sustainability and Inclusivity

Eco-friendly and accessible events are in high demand. We prioritize sustainability in our outdoor activities and ensure all venues are accessible to participants of all abilities.

Flexibility and Last-Minute Planning

With the rise of hybrid work, flexibility is key. We offer last-minute booking options and adaptable event formats to accommodate distributed teams and changing needs.

Aligning with Company Values

Choose activities that reflect your mission — whether it’s innovation, sustainability, or diversity and inclusion. As Sherlocked notes, “Activities should connect to core values, like problem-solving for innovation-driven firms or community projects for socially responsible ones.”

Indoor vs Outdoor: What’s Best for Your Team?

Aspect

Indoor Events

Outdoor Events

Advantages

Weather-proof, accessible, tech integration

Physical activity, nature connection, eco-focus

Best for

Winter, large/diverse groups, tech activities

Summer, wellness, sustainability, adventure

Customization

Easier to control environment, scalable

Unique locations, team challenges, retreats

Success Stories: Making Memories at UP Events

With over 15 years of experience and a 4.8 Google review score from more than 2,600 clients, we’re proud to be a leading event organizer in Amsterdam. Our clients consistently highlight the seamless experience, creative activities, and genuine connections formed during our events.

  • “The VR Team Challenge was a hit — everyone was engaged, and it really brought out our team’s creativity!”
  • “Our summer BBQ party was perfectly organized, from the food to the entertainment. We’ll definitely be back next year.”

Read more about our workshops and team-building: Workshops

Team Building

Planning Tips: Maximizing Engagement and ROI

  • Start with your goals: Define what you want to achieve — better communication, innovation, or simply fun.
  • Mix it up: Combine active and quiet options to cater to all personalities.
  • Leverage technology: Use gamified platforms to track engagement and outcomes.
  • Plan for flexibility: Be ready to adapt to weather or last-minute changes.
  • Celebrate success: Incorporate recognition and rewards to boost morale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular winter team-building activities at UP Events?

Our most popular winter activities include the VR Team Challenge, indoor Expedition Robinson, cocktail workshops, and escape rooms. These activities are designed for warmth, creativity, and maximum engagement.

Can UP Events accommodate large groups for summer events?

Absolutely! Our Amsterdam West venue can host up to 5,000 participants, with extensive outdoor facilities perfect for BBQ parties, sports tournaments, and city games.

Are your events customizable for specific company goals?

Yes, all our events are fully customizable — from activities and catering to decorations and entertainment. We work closely with you to align every detail with your objectives.

How do you ensure accessibility and inclusivity?

We prioritize accessible venues and offer a mix of activities to suit diverse backgrounds and abilities. Our team is experienced in accommodating special requirements.

Do you offer hybrid or virtual team-building options?

Yes, we offer a range of hybrid and tech-enabled experiences, allowing participation from multiple locations and remote teams.

Ready to Plan Your Next Team-Building Event?

Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy winter workshop or an energetic summer adventure, UP Events is your partner for memorable, impactful, and fully tailored experiences. Let’s create something extraordinary together.

Further Reading

  • Harvard Business Review: Why Team Building Matters
  • Forbes: The Future of Corporate Events
  • Dutch Chamber of Commerce: Event Planning Guidelines
  • EventMB: 2025 Event Trends

Let’s make your next event the highlight of the year — rain or shine!