Family puzzle hunt checklist

A family puzzle hunt needs more than a set of clever clues. You need a tested route, permission to use it, clear team assignments and one complete pack of materials for every group. Work through the planning early, then leave time for printing, packing and a full test-play. This checklist also covers the details people often leave too late, such as dietary requirements, weather planning, chilled drinks and marking the route safely.

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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

Set the route and theme
2 people
Check the route
2 people
Request route permission
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Reserve final venue
Order catering
Create puzzles and tasks
3 people
Retest the route
2 people
Test-play puzzles
4 people
Create group assignments
Send participant information
Print the puzzle sheets
2 people
Print route maps
Prepare packages per team
3 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Check the weather forecast
Bring materials to the venue
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Set up party tents
4 people
Set up puzzle stations
4 people
Mark out the route
3 people
Prepare the buffet
3 people
Test sound and lighting
2 people

Event

Receive participants
4 people
Register teams
2 people
Explain the rules
2 people
Get the teams started
3 people
Guide puzzle stations
6 people
Check route and safety
2 people
Record responses
2 people
Serve the buffet
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Announce the winners
2 people
Guide free family activities
3 people

Aftercare

Collect tableware
2 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Remove route signs
2 people
Return materials
3 people
Return rental equipment
2 people
Clear away unused groceries
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 2

Game materials

Clipboardsqty 15
Pensqty 80
Envelopesqty 40
Answer cardsqty 80
Puzzle sheetsqty 80
Route mapsqty 80
Prize packsqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 6
Waterproof storage boxesqty 10

Signage

Route arrowsqty 20
Puzzle signboardsqty 10
Chalkboardsqty 4
Barrier tapeqty 3
Conesqty 20

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the route and theme before writing the puzzles. Check the full route on foot, request permission where needed, and retest it after the puzzles and signs are in place.
Test-play every puzzle with someone who has not seen it before. Allow extra time for children, unclear instructions and stations where several teams may arrive together.
Prepare one labelled package per team at least one day before the hunt. Include puzzle sheets, answer cards, route maps, envelopes, pens and a clipboard so nothing has to be sorted at the start.
Send participant information before the event, including the meeting point, start time, expected duration, clothing guidance and any food arrangements. Confirm dietary requirements before ordering catering.
Check the weather forecast 24 hours beforehand and again on the morning itself. Put route materials in waterproof storage boxes, and set up tents, signs, tables and the buffet before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a family puzzle hunt?: Start planning at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Use the first two weeks for the route, permission and invitations, then reserve the final week for testing, printing and packing.
How many puzzles should a family puzzle hunt have?: Plan around 5 to 8 puzzle stations for a hunt lasting 60 to 90 minutes. This leaves time for walking, reading instructions and solving clues without making the route feel rushed.
What should go in each puzzle hunt team pack?: Prepare one pack per team with puzzle sheets, answer cards, a route map, envelopes, pens and a clipboard. Add any team-specific instructions and check every pack against the same contents list.
When should I print the maps and puzzle sheets?: Print them 2 to 3 days before the event, after the final test-play is complete. Keep spare copies in a waterproof box in case pages are lost or damaged during the hunt.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.