10 Squid Game Inspired Team Building Activities in San Francisco

If you’re searching for out-of-the-box team-building ideas, why not draw inspiration from the global phenomenon that is Squid Game? This cultural hit captivated audiences with its thrilling challenges—but that doesn’t mean your team has to risk it all. Instead, imagine transforming those iconic games into safe, playful, and innovative group activities, right in the heart of San Francisco! Below, you’ll find ten creative ways to adapt the show’s memorable competitions into dynamic, city-inspired experiences that foster teamwork and camaraderie. Whether it’s through in-person VR (Virtual Reality) team building, “Red Light, Green Light” at Golden Gate Park or a Ddakji tournament in Union Square, these fresh concepts will ignite your team’s cooperative spirit and sense of adventure—without any of the life-or-death stakes. Let the (fun) games begin!

🎮 1. VR Team Building Adventures

Locations:

• Santa Clara: VR Squid Game Team Challenge Santa Clara
• San Mateo: VR Squid Game, Immersive Team Challenge San Mateo
• San Francisco: VR Squid Game in San Francisco

These immersive VR experiences offer fully interactive team-building adventures where participants can work together to complete missions, solve puzzles, and overcome challenges in a virtual environment. Each location offers different room capacities to accommodate various group sizes:

• Santa Clara: 1 room (2–36 people)
• San Mateo: 1 room (1–6 people) or 2 rooms (7–12 people)
• San Francisco: 1 room (1–6 people) or 2 rooms (7–12 people)

These VR team-building adventures are a great way to foster teamwork, enhance communication, and provide a fun, engaging environment for team bonding.

2. Red Light, Green Light … in Golden Gate Park

How It Works:

• Head to a spacious, open area in Golden Gate Park (e.g., near the Music Concourse or Lindley Meadow).
• One person is the “traffic light,” standing about 30 feet away from the rest of the group.
• When the “traffic light” shouts “Green Light!”, players move forward; when they shout “Red Light!”, everyone must freeze.
• The first to tag the “traffic light” wins.

Team-Building Angle:

• Communication & Quick Thinking: Teammates can strategize on how to start and stop quickly, boosting their reflexes and coordination.
• Ice-Breaker: This lighthearted, familiar game breaks the tension and lets everyone loosen up.

San Francisco Twist:

• Incorporate local trivia: instead of simply shouting “Red Light” or “Green Light,” say famous SF landmarks (“Alcatraz!” for stop, “Golden Gate!” for go). The theme adds an extra dose of local flavor.

3. Sugar Honeycomb Challenge at a Local Café

How It Works:

• In “Squid Game,” participants must carefully carve out a shape from a delicate sugar honeycomb candy.
• For a safer, more relaxed version, host this in a café or coworking space.
• Provide premade sugar cookies or easily-carved candies, along with toothpicks. Challenge team members to cut out a specific shape without breaking it.

Team-Building Angle:

• Patience & Precision: This challenge forces participants to focus and avoid rushing—skills that are valuable in high-pressure work situations.
• Encouraging Peer Support: Team members can share tips and techniques, fostering a cooperative spirit.

San Francisco Twist:

• Make your shapes San Francisco-inspired: the Golden Gate Bridge, a cable car, the Painted Ladies, or a tiny sourdough loaf!

4. Tug of War with a View at Crissy Field

How It Works:

• Split the group into two teams.
• Mark a center line in the sand at Crissy Field.
• On “Go!”, each team pulls on opposite ends of a rope. The first team to pull the other across the line wins.

Team-Building Angle:

• Collaboration & Coordination: Teammates must pull in sync to succeed.
• Camaraderie: The act of physically working together creates a strong sense of shared purpose.

San Francisco Twist:

• Enjoy panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The stunning setting adds a motivational boost—especially if there’s a reward like a Ghirardelli treat for the winning team.

5. Ddakji (Tile Flipping) Tournament in Union Square

How It Works:

• In the show, participants try to flip each other’s folded paper tiles by slamming their own tile onto the opponent’s.
• For a team-building version, craft sturdy origami squares or small cardboard tiles.
• Form pairs or small teams who compete in short “best-of-three” matches.

Team-Building Angle:

• Friendly Competition: This quick game gives everyone a chance to cheer each other on in a low-stakes environment.
• Dexterity & Strategy: Participants experiment with different angles and techniques to flip tiles efficiently.

San Francisco Twist:

• Set up a mini “street game corner” near Union Square or on a rooftop lounge overlooking the city. Combine the tournament with a coffee or snack break from a nearby café.

6. The Marble Exchange in a Chinatown Alley

How It Works:

• In “Squid Game,” the marble game is a tense, personal showdown.
• Adapt it into a group challenge by distributing small bags of marbles and having teams come up with creative games: guessing, trading, or flicking marbles into targets (chalk circles or plastic cups).
• The team with the most marbles at the end wins.

Team-Building Angle:

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encourage the group to invent marble mini-games together.
• Trust-Building: The show’s version highlights betrayal, but here you flip the script—teams share strategies and resources to ensure group success.

San Francisco Twist:

• Host this in a tucked-away Chinatown alley—like Ross Alley—famous for fortune cookie factories and street art. You’ll experience a cultural gem of the city while playing.

7. San Francisco Scavenger Hunt with a “Squid Game” Twist

How It Works:

• Create a short list of clues referencing iconic SF spots or cultural elements.
• Challenge teams to find or photograph each item within a set time (30 minutes to 1 hour).
• Incorporate “Squid Game” style levels: after each clue is found, teams must complete a simple mini-challenge (like a mini “Ddakji” flip or a quick “Red Light, Green Light” round) to unlock the next clue.

Team-Building Angle:

• Team Coordination: Everyone plays a role—navigator, puzzle-solver, communicator.
• Boosts City Knowledge: Colleagues new to SF get to explore while forming deeper bonds with their team.

San Francisco Twist:

• Highlight top spots like the Ferry Building, Lombard Street, or the Palace of Fine Arts in your clue list.

8. Costumed “Masked” Photo Booth

How It Works:

• One of the show’s striking visuals involves masked guards and players in uniforms.
• Adapt this into a harmless costume station where team members can grab masks, jumpsuits, or even silly accessories.
• Snap group photos or short video clips, awarding prizes for the funniest or most creative takes.

Team-Building Angle:

• Lighthearted Fun: Dressing up breaks down formal barriers, letting teammates be playful together.
• Shared Memories: Team photos or videos can be posted on an internal channel, reminding everyone of the fun time.

San Francisco Twist:

• Stage the photo booth with a backdrop of the Bay Bridge or iconic SF street art. If you’re hosting indoors, add some local flair like cable car props or mini Golden Gate Bridge cutouts.

9. “Red Light, Green Light” Fitness Remix on a Wharf

How It Works:

• Adapt the traditional game to incorporate fun exercises like squats or jumping jacks.
• When “Green Light!” is called, everyone advances; when “Red Light!” is called, they must freeze in the middle of an exercise move.
• A good spot might be a less crowded area at Fisherman’s Wharf (near Aquatic Park).

Team-Building Angle:

• Promotes Health & Wellness: Adds a quick workout element, energizing your team.
• Fun Challenge: Pausing mid-jump or mid-squat often elicits laughter, reducing stress and tension.

San Francisco Twist:

• Reward your group afterwards with local seafood chowder or sourdough bread bowls from the Wharf. A well-earned treat doubles as a bonding moment.

10. End with a “Team Victory” Dinner in a Private SF Venue

How It Works:

• In “Squid Game,” winners share a final meal (though under grim conditions).
• Transform that into a celebratory team dinner at an SF restaurant or a private dining room.
• Decorate with subtle references to the show: shapes on napkins or playful signage.
• Present “awards” to teams for their successful completion of challenges throughout the day.

Team-Building Angle:

• Celebrating Shared Achievement: Recognizing everyone’s efforts ties the day’s activities together.
• Reflection & Gratitude: A meal fosters conversation, letting teammates recap challenges and lessons learned.
• Long-Term Connection: Culminating in a group feast leaves a lasting impression and encourages ongoing camaraderie.

San Francisco Twist:

• Choose a spot that captures the city’s personality: a historic Chinatown banquet hall, a Mission District eatery, or a modern SoMa loft space.

Safety, Fun, and Community First

While “Squid Game” might be known for its dark, high-stakes plot, these team-building adaptations focus on safety, creativity, and positive group experiences. By combining the thrill of competition with the collaborative spirit of San Francisco’s diverse culture, you’ll deliver an unforgettable day of bonding—one that aligns more with high-fives and laughter than actual peril.

Whether you’re doing in-person VR (Virtual Reality) team building, racing to avoid a “Red Light!” freeze in Golden Gate Park or carefully carving out a mini Golden Gate Bridge cookie, remember: the goal is to spark camaraderie, sharpen problem-solving, and deepen your team’s sense of unity in the city you love. Embrace your inner child, put on your game face, and let the (friendly) games begin!