But there are some games and concepts that never go out of fashion. Of course, we iterate and inject new life into them, but at their core, they’re the same things we’ve been doing for decades. Why? Because healthy competition and effective teamwork are timeless. They never get old, and they never cease to bring people closer together.
So, by popular demand, here’s a list of five of our most booked outdoor activities.
For IP reasons, we couldn’t call this game what it actually is, but if you haven’t guessed, it’s based on a popular ‘90s TV show featuring a big dome full of flying cash, *coughs* and something about a maze.
We’ve been setting this up activity for years, and despite some younger generations having no clue why we have a bald, harmonica-playing presenter dancing around in leopard print, like a budget Tiger King, by the time it’s over, they’re well and truly embracing the magic.
There are many reasons this is our most popular game (we did four in one day last week), but a key factor is there’s something for everyone.
The games are divided into four categories: skill, physical, mental and mystery.
If you’re athletic and powerful, we have physical games that will test your endurance. If you prefer to use your body and your head, our skill games will make you think on your feet. If you’re better with your brain – or are restricted in your body movements – mystery and mental can put your mind at centre stage.
Another throwback, Successopoly, is our giant board game for kids and adults. You choose your mascot – maybe a dog or an iron – roll your giant dice, and head off on your journey.
But they’re some hurdles along the way. Every square instigates a unique activity for the team to fulfil. Only once you’ve achieved your mission can you collect enough cash to buy the spaces. Why buy them? You guessed it because when other teams land on them, they have to pay you rent! (It’s optional to look very smug at this point.)
If you get a Chance card, you can challenge another team to a competition. If you end up on a Railway, all the teams come together and compete at the same time.
Wonderfully simple and interactive, we can have over 200 people playing at once (on four or more boards). And, of course, no game is complete without a Top Hat-wearing host to lead the event.
This one is great for people who haven’t been together for a while. It’s great for global teams as it brings international elements.
You split into different groups and rotate around different countries (we currently have 20 to choose from), doing various activities relevant to each nation.
You might be racing NASCAR-themed go-karts in the United States, navigating giant spider webs in Australia, or being squidged onto a packed tube in England (that last one’s a joke).
The aim is to collect as much fun money as possible as you tour the globe.
Split into separate teams, but in this game, each team is working collaboratively.
A giant canvass is broken down into several pieces and randomly split amongst the teams. Each group is then asked to recreate their section of the picture without ever seeing what the puzzle looks like when complete. (A bit like when your mum used to complete a jigsaw without even looking at the box).
Once you’ve drawn your images, you work with the other teams to join the pieces and try and get as close to the original as possible.
If you’ve ever seen Scrapheap Challenge and said to your housemate, “I could do that,” well… now’s your chance to prove it.
You’ll start with cryptic tabletop challenges: Balance ten nails on one nail’s head, for example. Winning these tasks allows you to collect money. Once you have enough cash, you can put it to use in the prop shop. You must purchase enough pieces to build an aesthetically pleasing go-kart, complete with a team flag.
Of course, there’s no point in building a vehicle if you’re not going to take it for a spin. You’ll compete in individual races, team relays, and vie for the fastest lap.
So, strap in and have fun; win or lose, it’s all about the journey.
