10 Budget Conscious Team Activities in San Francisco

Introduction

The economy is crashing down and valuations are crumbling. 2007 seems right around the corner and you wonder what you could possibly be shuffling for fun with your team on a slim budget? Well, wonder no more, because here is a full list of inexpensive activities to try out and get your team balling on a budget in no time!

Musee Mecanique 

What is it?

Over 200 coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade machines in their original working condition that you can play, a classic and one of the world’s largest privately owned collections from the 1900’s.

Why we like it?

A great way to spend a Friday night with your team in a fun old-school way! Arcades are always entertaining and this place has them all, a real throwback on itself. A great opportunity to take a look in the past and have fun like our parents and grandparents used to back in the days. 

How it works?

Located at Fisherman’s Wharf and open 365 days a year, admission is free, no booking or reservations are required and everyone is welcome to walk in. Prices range from 1¢ to $1 on all coin-operated games. Most games cost 25¢ to 50¢. No need to bring your own quarters, change machines are available throughout the building. 

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory 

What is it?

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory was founded in 1962 and it’s a Landmark to San Francisco’s Chinatown, ever since then they’ve been dedicated to producing handmade, high quality and customizable fortune cookies.The Factory was officially named a “San Francisco Legendary Business” in 2016 and they now have an official  “Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company Day” in the calendar which is June 8th.

Why we like it?

If you consider yourself a fortune cookie lover, this is your place! This Fortune Cookie Factory has all kinds of flavors like matcha, strawberry and chocolate dipped cookies, and not to mention they give out free samples while they’re in the making. Cookies come in different sizes, but a really popular one is the Giant Fortune Cookie with its own big box. They are all fresh and handmade, and they can also have a customizable message or fortune inside. 

How it works?

Best part of it is that you can visit this Fortune Cookie Factory for free! No need to make any type of reservations and it is open from Monday to Sunday. It is Located in Ross Alley in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown. 

The Church of 8 Wheels skating 

What is it?

The story of this cool and funky skate rink started 40 years ago in Golden Gate Park, when a group of friends decided to keep the tradition of reuniting every Sunday for their own skating sessions at the same spot in the park. On rainy days another place to skate needed to be found and It’s not until 4 years ago that a 125 year old abandoned church became what we now call “The Church of 8 Wheels”. David G Miles Jr (considered the Godfather of Skating) made his dream come true of opening a roller disco where everyone in the neighborhood can have a good time, this now remodeled church offers skating lessons and a groovy party you don’t want to miss!

Why we like it?

Just like David G Miles Jr did 40 years ago with his friends you can do the same and bring your friends to experience the best way of roller skating in the city. Not only this is a fun activity but a great way to exercise while you show-off your moves in the rink. It’s a party on skates, what could be more fun than that! 

How it works?

The Church of 8 Wheels is located on Fillmore street and it’s open Fridays and Saturdays. The sessions are open to all ages. They have adult and family sessions were they offer skating lessons at different times during these days. Skate and safety gear rentals are available at the rink or you can bring your own. Cost to enter is $10 dollars per person. 

FreeGoldWatch Arcade

What is it?

This T-shirt printing shop is also an arcade and it’s home to the most pinball machines in San Francisco, known as FreeGoldWatch this place offers video games and the biggest collection of pinball machines from various decades.

Why we like it?

This arcade has every kind of pinball you would possibly want to play from early electro-mechanical tables through all new released pinball machines. Most of these machines have a card above them with the decade they come from and a description of their history. The place itself has some pretty cool wall art and a bunch of classic video games you can also play. They are also in charge of the San Francisco Pinball Department which is a pinball league with a membership open to everyone. 

How it works?

FreeGoldWatch is located on Waller street in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood close to Golden Gate Park. Entrance is free and they are open 7 days a week from Monday to Sunday on a regular schedule. Come by and bring your team, the fun is only one quarter away from starting!

Golden Gate Park Archery 

What is it?

Golden Gate park is the third most visited Park in the U.S. and now you’re gonna get to know why. The Park offers all types of outdoor activities and museums but  Archery is one you definitely don’t want to miss. The only archery range in the city is situated north of the golf course, offering nine target bales. Today, archery has become a popular precision sport and this is the perfect spot for it and also put your skills into practice. 

Why we like it?

Archery lessons are offered at the Golden Gate Park range for all of those who are considered newbies, so there’s nothing to worry about if you are new to the world of archery. Classes for people with a higher experience are also available so everybody is welcome. Grab your team and come enjoy the outdoors of the park while having fun practicing a new sport and what soon will become your new hobby! 

How it works?

About the location of the field, it can be found on Fulton Street, which is located between 45th and 46th avenues. There is also no charge to use this space for your target practice. Rentals are available if you do not own a bow, arrows, and other athletic gear associated with the sport, the nearby San Francisco Archery Shop offers complete equipment package rentals at their Balboa Street location. You may also call them at 751-2776 for additional questions or simply stop by from Monday thru Saturday at their regular schedule. 

Free Juggling classes at Circus Center 

What is it?

Founded in 1984 the San Francisco School for Circus Arts, renamed Circus Center in 2001 is now one of the most advanced school of the circus arts on the West Coast, with training in clowning, acrobatics, aerial arts, contortion and more. This center offers all types of classes like flying trapeze, acrobatics, aerial arts, contortion, juggling among others and they are all open for every level of ability. Whether for fun or fitness or maybe just to try out something new, the circus center welcomes people of all ages and experience to come on board. 

Why we like it?

There is something really cool and fun about Circus Center and that’s their juggling club! Join the club and learn how to juggle, no experience is required so if you are a newbie just come hang out  and collaborate in a fun, low-pressure environment with experienced instructors. Bring your friends all levels are welcome and it’s only $5 bucks to join! 

How it works?

You can find the Circus Center at Frederick Street in the building that used to be the Boy’s Gym at the Polytechnic High School. It sits across the street from Golden Gate Park and Kezar Stadium (the original stadium of the San Francisco 49er’s). Admission is Free but if you are bringing a large group of friends you can always call to let the staff know so they can book it and expect your visit. 

Start a scooter gang

What is it?

Skip is a San Francisco-based company that provides an electric scooter-sharing system around the city and three other main cities in the United States. 

Why we like it?

San francisco is a really fun city to explore but have you ever thought of doing it in an electric scooter? Race your friends to the pier or simply ride to the park with Skip. This scooters start with literally $1 and $0.25 per minute. This is a really practical way to go from place to place and definitely a cheap way of transportation. 

How it works?

Skip Scooters have some regulations but nothing to worry about, keep in mind they’re designed for your safety and you should always follow them. Remember to always wear a helmet, you can actually request one with Skip. Always ride on the road or bike paths, never on sidewalks. Obey all traffic signs and lights, respect pedestrians on crosswalks and park with care. 

Dandelion Chocolate Factory Tour 

What is it?

Chocolate always sounds like a good idea, and at this local Factory in San Francisco chocolate is made from scratch starting from the cacao bean to a finished chocolate bar. They make bean-to-bar chocolate since 2010 and each one of them is mold and packaged by hand. 

Why we like it?

Join the factory’s tour were knowledgeable tour guides will lead you through the complete production process from cacao bean to finished chocolate bar. You can bring a group of 10 for a private tour and yes, you will taste and sample cacao fruit and beans as a part of this delicious experience. 

How it works?

If you’re interested in bringing your whole crew then you can book all 10 spaces for a private tour, the tour has a cost of $15 per person and the factory is located at 16th and Alabama streets in the Mission district. Open from Monday thru Friday on a regular schedule. Last but not least, you’ll leave with a hot chocolate gift card to use in their café or to keep for another visit. 

Urban Putt Mini Golf 

What is it?

Urban Putt is the City’s first and only indoor miniature golf course offering a only-in-San Francisco experience with a variety of delicious food and drinks and an amusing high-tech 14-hole mini-golf course. 

Why we like it?

This sophisticated playground for people of all ages, where you can let your imagination and your senses connect throughout the golf course, is the perfect setting for a unique and vibrant experience. Urban Putt is an equally perfect destination for a sporting round of mini-golf, family events or just hanging out with friends and grabbing a drink. 

How it works?

Admission is free and price for mini-golf is $12 per person and it is located in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District on South Van Ness Ave. Golf is first come, first served and they are open 7 days a week on a regular schedule. 

Salesforce Park Events

What is it?

Salesforce transit center has now a five-acre rooftop park surrounded by a trail lined with benches and grassy lawns, it’s the newest public park in the city. It has around 600 trees and 13 botanical feature areas filled with plants and greens. 

Why we like it?

This new park is full of surprises with free events and activities; programming year-round, such as arts and culture to fitness and wellness. There is also a stage and amphitheater for music and concerts, dance to the beat and check out all the fun events this park has to offer. . 

How it works?

It is a free public park open daily and events are happening all year-round, a calendar with dates and times for each one of these events or activities is available on their website as well as their regular opening and closing hours. 

Conclusion 

So there you have it! A complete full guide of fun activities that you and your colleagues or friends can easily enjoy as a team. But if your budget has not gone full Chernobyl and you love high tech experiences, come by Reason for an immersive Sci-fi team adventure. We have school & non-profit discount + partner programs with most top-tier Silicon Valley companies so no more excuses for encore conference room ice breakers. Send out that invite and get your team on the next out-of-the-office adventure! ?

team decipher the clues
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