Dinosaur Party Checklist

A dinosaur party works best when the activities are ready before guests arrive and the food is easy to serve between games. Use this checklist to organise registrations, dietary information, shopping, decorations and the play area in the right order. It also covers the details that are easy to leave until the last hour, such as chilling drinks, testing the speaker and preparing the dinosaur hunt. Print the run sheet and guest list so the host can keep the party moving.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Send parents practical information
Print the run sheet and guest list
Do the shopping
2 people
Check cake and snacks
Fill coolers
2 people
Set up activities
2 people
Set up dinosaur scavenger hunt
2 people
Set up the prize table
Set up tables
2 people
Set out chairs
2 people
Set up the buffet
2 people
Lay out crockery and cutlery
Chill drinks
2 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Test the music and speaker
Set up the photo area
Check the safety of the play area
2 people

Event

Welcome guests
2 people
Accept gifts and coats
Guide the dinosaur treasure hunt
2 people
Make dinosaurs
2 people
Guide the dinosaur dig
2 people
Run the dino quiz
Hand out game prizes
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
Cut the cake
2 people
Serve cake and ice cream
2 people
Guide the candlelight moment
Take group photo
Coordinate music and dancing
Hand out farewell gifts

Aftercare

Collect waste
2 people
Clear away food and drinks
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
2 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Clean the play area
2 people
Clean the kitchen
2 people
Check and clean the toilet
Count and store materials
2 people
Return borrowed items

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable cupsqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Cake knife
Cake server

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Kettle
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2
Batteriesqty 12

Decorations

Dinosaur garlandsqty 4
Green balloonsqty 30
Brown balloonsqty 20
Dinosaur platesqty 8
Dinosaur tableclothsqty 6
Balloon pumpqty 2
Tapeqty 4
Gift bagsqty 30

Sports equipment

Conesqty 12
Hoopsqty 6
Soft ballsqty 8
Skipping ropesqty 6

Gifts

Dinosaur stickersqty 40
Dinosaur puzzlesqty 30

Crafting

Craft table runnersqty 3
Colored pencilsqty 30
Markersqty 24
Craft paperqty 100
Cardboard cupsqty 40
Children's apronsqty 10
Children's scissorsqty 10
Glue sticksqty 12
Paintqty 8
Paintbrushesqty 20
Wax crayonsqty 24
Dinosaur stampsqty 6
Play sandqty 10
Plastic digging brushesqty 10
Plastic dinosaur figuresqty 30

Lighting

String lightsqty 3
Night lightsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Send parents the practical information at least 5 days before the party, including the start and finish time, address, what children should wear and how dietary requirements will be handled.
Prepare the dinosaur scavenger hunt and prize table the day before. Hide or place the clues only after checking that children can reach them safely and that prizes are ready for the full group.
Set up tables, chairs, the buffet and the photo area before guests arrive. Keep the cake knife, cake server, serving spoons and platters together so serving does not interrupt the activities.
Chill drinks and fill the coolers 2 to 3 hours before the party. Test the Bluetooth speaker and check batteries, extension cords and cable placement before children enter the play area.
Walk through the play area 30 minutes before arrival: secure decorations and tape, move trip hazards, check cones and hoops, and make sure the dinosaur dig and treasure hunt have clear boundaries.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I send dinosaur party invitations?: Send invitations 3 to 4 weeks before the party so families have time to reply. Close registrations about 7 days before the event, then confirm the final guest list and dietary requirements.
When should I prepare dinosaur party activities?: Prepare the craft materials, dinosaur dig and scavenger hunt the day before. Leave the final hiding of clues and the safety check for 30 to 60 minutes before guests arrive.
How many drinks do I need for a dinosaur party?: Plan 2 to 3 drinks per child for the first 2 hours, plus water available throughout the party. Chill everything 2 to 3 hours beforehand and keep extra drinks in a cooler.
When should I set up the dinosaur party decorations?: Hang garlands and arrange the table decorations 1 to 2 hours before the party. Inflate balloons close to the start time, and keep tape and the balloon pump nearby for quick repairs.

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