What to Buy for a Children’s Walk

A children’s walk needs more than snacks and water. You’ll need clear route markers, wristbands or bib numbers, registration supplies, drinks for stops, and equipment to keep volunteers connected. Plan for a staffed starting point, a visible rest area and weather protection for children and organizers. This shopping list covers the practical items to buy or bring before participants arrive, including serving equipment, lighting and safety materials.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 20
Tableclothsqty 6
Clothing rack

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Thermos flasksqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Mobile phonesqty 3
Megaphone
Extension cordsqty 2

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 30
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Bib numbersqty 70
Wristbandsqty 70
Colored chalkqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 6
Welcome sign
Markersqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Serving jugsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop set
First aid kit
Hand sanitizer dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Honey - 1 jar
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Whole grain crackers - 6 packs
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Mini carrots - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young matured cheese - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Muesli bars - 70 pieces
- Mini ice lollies - 70 pieces
- Paper napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Wet wipes - 4 packs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Prepare enough wristbands or bib numbers for every registered child, plus at least 10% extra for replacements and late registrations. Keep markers and pens at the registration desk.
For the first hour, allow about two to three drinks per child, then add extra water for the route and rest area. Use coolers or thermos flasks so drinks remain usable outdoors.
Bring route arrows, cones, barrier tape and colored chalk in quantities suited to every turn and crossing. Pack spare markers because signs can come loose or be moved during the walk.
Plan one communication device for each key volunteer position, such as the start, rest area and route team. Keep mobile phones charged and bring extension cords or LED lamps if the event may run in low light.
Set aside a separate box for the starting point: participant lists, wristbands, markers, the megaphone and the welcome sign. This prevents registration supplies from being mixed with food and serving equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How many wristbands or bib numbers do I need for a children’s walk?: Prepare one for every registered child and add at least 10% extra. For 80 children, that means 88 wristbands or bib numbers, so you can handle replacements and late registrations.
How much water and how many drinks should I buy for a children’s walk?: Allow two to three drinks per child for the first hour, then add water for the route and rest stop. For 50 children, start with at least 100 to 150 drinks and increase that amount for hot weather or a longer walk.
What should I bring to mark a children’s walk route?: Use route arrows at turns, cones near crossings or hazards, and barrier tape where children must not enter. Bring spare signs and enough colored chalk to mark temporary directions at each key point.
When should I buy and prepare supplies for a children’s walk?: Buy non-perishable materials at least one week beforehand and check the full kit two to three days before the walk. Chill drinks, pack registration supplies and prepare route signs on the day before the event.

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