What you need for a city game

A city game needs more than printed clues and a few prizes. You need materials for teams, checkpoint hosts, route marking, scoring and a reliable start and finish point. Pack each team’s route maps, game booklet, badges, clipboard, pens and envelope before participants arrive. For outdoor games, plan refreshments, coolers and backup power as well. This shopping list covers the practical items that are easy to overlook or leave until the last day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 50
Party tentsqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Power banksqty 8
USB chargersqty 8
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Sports equipment

Clipboardsqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 8
Whistlesqty 8
Traffic conesqty 20
Vests for supervisorsqty 10

Paperwork

Route mapsqty 12
Game bookletsqty 12
Score sheetsqty 20
Team badgesqty 50
Checkpoint instructionsqty 12
Directional signsqty 30
Envelopesqty 20
Name stickersqty 60
Notepadsqty 12
Pensqty 60
Markersqty 12
Poster puttyqty 6
Waterproof markersqty 12

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea bags - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Tea flavor mix - 2 boxes
- Coffee cups - 60 pieces
- Butter cake - 3 pieces
- Mini croissants - 60 pieces
- Mini cheese sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Chicken mini sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 20 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 6 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 6 pieces
- Hummus - 3 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 packs
- Chicken breast topping - 2 packs
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 60
Reusable coffee cupsqty 50
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Scissorsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dustpans and brushesqty 2
Mop set

Tips

Prepare one complete team pack per team: include the route map, game booklet, score sheet, team badges, envelope, clipboard and enough pens. Add a small spare pack for late registrations or damaged materials.
Give each checkpoint host the materials for that post in a labelled envelope, including instructions, a stopwatch, whistle, pens and any task-specific supplies. Pack these at least one day before the game.
Bring clear route and checkpoint signs, plus poster putty, markers and waterproof markers. Waterproof writing materials matter if signs or score sheets may be exposed to rain.
Plan power for the start point and checkpoints before packing equipment. Bring power banks, USB chargers, extension cords and power strips, and test the portable speaker and wireless microphone with the available power supply.
Keep drinks and food manageable during the game with coolers and thermos flasks. Chill drinks in advance and prepare snacks or sandwiches so hosts are not left searching for supplies during the route.

Frequently asked questions

What should I put in each city game team pack?: Prepare one pack per team with a route map, game booklet, score sheet, team badges, envelope, clipboard and pens. Add at least 10% extra pens and one or two spare packs for last-minute changes.
How many pens do I need for a city game?: Give each team at least two working pens and each checkpoint host two more. For 10 teams and 5 checkpoints, that means at least 30 pens, plus a small reserve.
What equipment do city game checkpoints need?: Each checkpoint usually needs its instructions, a stopwatch, whistle, pens, a clipboard and visible signage. Pack every post separately at least 24 hours before the start so hosts can collect one ready-to-use set.
How much water and food should I buy for a city game?: Plan at least two drinks per participant for the first hour, with extra water if the route is warm or longer than two hours. Allow one snack or sandwich per participant, plus roughly 10% extra for hosts and unexpected guests.

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