Family Games Day shopping list

A Family Games Day needs more than balls and board games. You will need equipment for several activity stations, plus tables, seating, serving items, chilled drinks and food for breaks. Plan reusable glasses, plates and cutlery for the full guest count, and keep extra supplies ready for spills and late arrivals. This list also covers the items that are easy to arrange too late, such as scoreboards, printed rules, prizes and coolers.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
High tablesqty 4
Stoolsqty 12

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 3
Basketballsqty 2
Tennis ballsqty 12
Soft ballsqty 8
Hoopsqty 8
Skipping ropesqty 8
Conesqty 30
Relay batonsqty 8
Water cups for the gameqty 20
Tug of war rope
Cornhole setqty 2
Ring toss setqty 2
Giant four-in-a-row
Board gamesqty 10
Playing cardsqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 6
Chalkqty 12
Measuring tapesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 80
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 50

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Food warmersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Portable speaker
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 100
Name stickersqty 70
Prize ribbonsqty 12
Wayfinding signsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Hand sanitizer stationsqty 3

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Barrier tapeqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Lemon soda - 5 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Sandwiches - 80 pieces
- White rolls - 40 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 40 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Boiled ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumber - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Hamburgers - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Hot dogs - 60 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 60 pieces
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Fried onions - 4 jars
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Potato salad - 6 kilos
- Pasta salad - 6 kilos
- Raw vegetable salad - 5 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Ice creams - 70 pieces
- Burger seasoning mix - 3 bags
- Sunflower oil - 2 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 10 pieces

Tips

Prepare one equipment box for each game station at least one day ahead. Include the game equipment, rules, scoreboards, chalk, measuring tapes or stopwatches needed for that activity.
Count seating for every registered participant and add 5–10% extra chairs if space allows. You will also need separate tables for the buffet, reception desk and high-table areas.
Chill drinks in the coolers several hours before guests arrive. For the first hour, allow roughly 2–3 drinks per person, then adjust the total for the length of the day and the weather.
Buy or prepare food according to the final participant list, including dietary requirements. Keep snacks, sandwiches and drinks at the buffet rather than at the game stations so equipment stays dry and clear.
Set aside prizes, scorecards and printed game rules before setup begins. Pack spare pens, tape and paper with them; these small items are often missed when the shopping is done only for sports equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a Family Games Day?: Plan equipment for every scheduled station, such as footballs, basketballs, tennis balls, soft balls, hoops, skipping ropes, cones and relay batons. Add station-specific sets for cornhole, ring toss, giant four-in-a-row, board games and cards, plus at least one stopwatch and scoreboard for each competitive activity.
How many cups, plates and cutlery sets do I need?: Use one plate, one cutlery set and at least two reusable drinking glasses per person for a typical day with food and drinks. Add 5–10% extra for breakages, seconds and guests who arrive without registering.
How much food and drink should I buy for Family Games Day?: For the first hour, allow about 2–3 drinks per person, then provide roughly 1–2 more drinks per person for each additional hour. Order snacks and sandwiches from the final participant count, and add 5–10% extra if people can register on the day.
When should I prepare the Family Games Day shopping?: Check equipment and buy non-perishable supplies at least 3–5 days before the event. Buy fresh food one day before, and chill drinks several hours before opening the venue so everything is ready during setup.

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