Two people in helmets sitting in go-karts at an indoor racing track in Santa Clara, California.

10 Fun Group Activities in Santa Clara That Aren’t Just Dinner

Discover fun group activities in Santa Clara beyond typical dinners. From thrilling go-kart racing and immersive virtual reality experiences to competitive game shows and rock climbing, find a refreshing way to connect with colleagues or friends.

Visiting Santa Clara for a business trip or conference? There’s plenty to do once the workday wraps up. Let’s face it, after a full day in a stuffy boardroom, the last thing you need is another stiff dinner where everyone’s still talking business.

Why not switch things up?

From friendly competition and immersive gaming to hands-on experiences, Santa Clara offers plenty of ways to have fun with friends and colleagues. Whether you’re planning a team outing, entertaining clients, or just looking for something different to do after work, these 10 group activities offer a refreshing break from the usual routine.

1. Bring Out Your Competitive Side at Great Big Game Show

Ever wondered what it would be like to compete on a television game show? At Great Big Game Show, you and your group can find out.

Located at Westfield Valley Fair, this interactive experience puts participants in the spotlight with trivia, challenges, and games inspired by popular television competitions. Complete with a live host, lights, and a game-show atmosphere, it’s a chance to put your knowledge and competitive instincts to the test.

Bring your coworkers, challenge your friends, and prepare for plenty of laughs, unexpected moments, and some friendly rivalry.

Best for: Team outings, friend groups, and competitive personalities.

A colorful, neon-lit game show studio with a large prize wheel and contestant podiums in Santa Clara, California.
Guests race in race cars at K1 Speed Racing in Santa Clara, one of the best things to do.

2. Put the Pedal to the Metal at K1 Speed

If your group has a need for speed, K1 Speed is ready to deliver. This indoor electric go-kart racing experience lets participants compete for the fastest lap on a professionally designed track.

First-time racer or self-proclaimed Formula 1 driver? There’s nothing quite like racing your coworkers for first place. And judging by some of the drivers we’ve seen on Highway 101, we know a few of you have been practicing!

With electric karts and an indoor setting, K1 Speed offers an activity that doesn’t depend on the weather.

Best for: Corporate outings, competitive groups, and adrenaline seekers.

3. Enter Another World at Sandbox VR

Forget the conference room. At Sandbox VR, you can step into an entirely different world.

Located at Westfield Valley Fair, Sandbox VR combines immersive technology, motion tracking, and virtual reality to create interactive experiences where players work together to complete missions and overcome challenges.

Depending on the experience selected, your group might find itself fighting off zombies, exploring unfamiliar worlds, or working together to survive a virtual mission.

It’s an especially fitting activity for visitors who want to experience Silicon Valley’s connection to technology in a more playful way.

Best for: Tech enthusiasts, small groups, and collaborative adventures.

People wearing VR headsets and vests holding motion-tracked controllers in a gaming arena in Santa Clara, California.
A man demonstrates a climbing move on a wall for a group of observers in Santa Clara, California.

4. Reach New Heights at Movement Santa Clara

Climbing the corporate ladder isn’t the only climbing you’ll be doing this week.

Movement Santa Clara offers indoor rock climbing and bouldering for those looking to trade their office chairs for climbing walls. With routes for different skill levels, the facility offers opportunities for experienced climbers and newcomers alike.

Climbing also encourages participants to cheer one another on, solve problems, and challenge themselves. It’s an activity that combines physical movement with a bit of teamwork.

Best for: Active groups, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurous coworkers.

5. Sing Your Heart Out at Magpie and Tiger

Some of the best group memories start with someone confidently grabbing a microphone.

At Magpie and Tiger, your group can settle into a private karaoke room and take turns performing favorite songs, whether that means delivering a flawless performance or completely butchering a classic. (Yes, we see you, Greg from accounting. We still love you, though!)

Pair the singing with Korean food and drinks for a laid-back social outing that gives everyone a chance to loosen up.

And don’t worry, nobody needs to be a professional singer. Sometimes the worst performances make the best memories.

Best for: After-work outings, birthday celebrations, and groups looking for a night of laughs.

Two young women laughing while singing karaoke together in a dimly lit room in Santa Clara, California.
The storefront of The Escape Game located inside a shopping mall in Santa Clara, California.

6. Put Your Teamwork to the Test at The Escape Game

Think your group works well under pressure? The Escape Game is ready to put that theory to the test. This immersive escape room experience challenges participants to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and complete an assigned mission before time runs out.

Each themed room presents a different story, requiring players to communicate, think creatively, and work together to progress through the experience.It’s a great opportunity to see who’s the problem solver, who’s the natural leader, and who’s just there for moral support. Let’s be real, every role matters, both in the escape room and back at the office.

Best for: Team building, puzzle lovers, and groups that enjoy collaborative challenges.

7. Get Cooking at Eataly Silicon Valley

Dinner is great, but what if your group learned how to make it?

At Eataly Silicon Valley, food lovers can explore Italian cuisine through hands-on cooking classes and culinary experiences. Depending on the class schedule, participants may have the opportunity to learn techniques for preparing dishes such as fresh pasta or pizza.

The experience brings everyone together around a shared activity, with the added satisfaction of learning something new. Whether you’re a confident home cook or someone with a PhD. in ordering DoorDash, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Best for: Food lovers, social gatherings, and groups looking for a hands-on experience.

10 Fun Group Activities in Santa Clara That Aren't Just Dinner
An aerial view of a driving range surrounded by trees and a suburban neighborhood in Santa Clara, California.

8. Tee Off at Pruneridge Golf Club

Looking for a group activity that combines a little fresh air with some friendly competition?

Pruneridge Golf Club provides an opportunity to practice your swing at the driving range or enjoy a round of golf.

From experienced golfers to first-timers who can barely tell a putter from a driver, the driving range offers a relaxed way to spend time together while trying something different

And if your swing could use some work, at least you’re not stuck answering emails.

Best for: Golf enthusiasts, smaller group outings, and visitors looking for outdoor recreation.

9. Get Creative at Jiaren Cafe

Not every group activity needs a scoreboard.

At Jiaren Cafe, visitors can explore creative workshops and hands-on experiences that encourage them to learn something new.

Depending on availability, activities may include latte art, matcha preparation, or other creative classes. It’s an opportunity to spend time with others, practice a new skill, and potentially discover a hidden talent.

Best for: Creative groups, casual outings, and visitors looking for a relaxed hands-on activity.

A group of six people wearing aprons and holding coffee cups gather around a table filled with various coffee-making equipment in a cozy café setting in Santa Clara, California.
A bowling alley with colorful balls on racks and neon lighting in Santa Clara, California.

10. Strike Up Some Friendly Competition at Lucky Strike Valley Fair

Sometimes all it takes to bring a group together is a little friendly competition.

Lucky Strike Valley Fair combines bowling, arcade-style entertainment, and a social atmosphere for groups looking to unwind after a busy day.

Challenge your coworkers to see who can bowl the highest score, test your skills at arcade games, or simply enjoy spending time together outside the usual work setting.

It’s an approachable option for groups with different interests and experience levels.

Best for: Casual team outings, birthday celebrations, and after-work entertainment.

Find Your Next Group Activity in Santa Clara

Conferences, business trips, weekend getaways. Whatever brings you to Santa Clara, there’s no shortage of ways to make your visit memorable.

From friendly competition and immersive gaming to hands-on experiences, Santa Clara offers plenty of ways to have fun with friends and colleagues. Planning a team outing, entertaining clients, or just looking for something different to do after work? These 10 fun group activities in Santa Clara offer a refreshing break from the usual routine.

So once the meetings wrap up, close the laptop, gather your group, and see what Santa Clara has to offer beyond the conference room.

Planning a meeting or group event in Santa Clara?

Visit our groups and meetings page to learn more.

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