What to buy for a family puzzle hunt

A family puzzle hunt needs more than printed puzzles and a route. Each team needs its own materials, while the course needs clear signs, timing equipment and protection from changing weather. Plan food, drinks and seating for the full group, including anyone with dietary requirements. Buy or gather the practical items early, especially waterproof storage, coolers, route markers and enough clipboards for every team.

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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
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Cocoa Powder - 1 canister
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Jam - 4 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Mini muffins - 80 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Prepare one complete team pack for each group: puzzle sheets, route maps, envelopes, answer cards, pens and a clipboard. Add spare pens and at least two extra puzzle sheets in case something is lost or damaged.
Buy route markers in larger quantities than the number of puzzle stations. Arrows, cones, barrier tape and signboards are easy to miss during setup, so pack them separately and check the route once before participants arrive.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add about one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill what can be chilled and use coolers or thermos flasks so drinks remain available along the route.
Match tableware to the confirmed guest count and add roughly 10 percent extra plates, cups and cutlery. Serving platters and serving spoons are often forgotten when the buffet order is made.
Pack printed materials and spare supplies in waterproof storage boxes, not loose bags. Keep one dry backup set of maps, puzzle sheets and answer cards at the final venue, especially if the forecast is uncertain.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a family puzzle hunt?: For each team, prepare a clipboard, pens, envelopes, puzzle sheets, route maps and answer cards. For the route, bring arrows, cones, barrier tape and puzzle signboards, plus stopwatches and waterproof storage boxes. You will also need seating, buffet equipment, drinks and tableware for the full guest count.
How many puzzle sheets should I print for a family puzzle hunt?: Print one complete set for each team, not each individual participant. Add at least two spare sets and a few extra answer cards, because sheets can be lost, torn or made wet during the hunt.
How many drinks do I need for a family puzzle hunt?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and about one additional drink per person for every hour after that. Bring coolers for chilled drinks and thermos flasks for hot drinks; outdoor routes usually need more water than indoor parties.
When should I buy supplies for a family puzzle hunt?: Buy or gather reusable equipment, signage and waterproof storage at least two weeks beforehand. Order catering and confirm dietary requirements several days before the event, then print and pack the team materials after the route and puzzles have been tested.

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