How to organise a children's quiz

Start by fixing the date, venue, age group and quiz theme before writing a single question. Then work backwards from the event time: collect registrations and dietary requirements, prepare rounds and answer sheets, and test the laptop, projector, speaker and microphone. On the day, leave enough time for team registration, table setup and a full equipment check. Children’s quizzes run more smoothly when instructions, scoring and transitions are prepared in advance.

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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

1
Confirm date and location
2
Set quiz theme and age group
2 people
3
Send invitations
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Reserve venue
7
Write quiz questions
2 people
8
Check the quiz questions
2 people
9
Create answers and score sheet
10
Create Quiz Rounds and Schedule
11
Assign teams
12
Arrange prizes and certificates
13
Test the equipment
2 people
14
Do the shopping
2 people
15
Print quiz materials
16
Sorting quiz materials
2 people
17
Wrap the prizes
18
Chill drinks
2 people

Event

19
Open venue
2 people
20
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
21
Connect the technical equipment
2 people
22
Hang decorations
2 people
23
Set up quiz tables
2 people
24
Set Up Dining Tables and Buffet
2 people
25
Prepare team registration
2 people
26
Briefing for quiz hosts
3 people
27
Participant check-in
3 people
28
Explain quiz rules
29
Lead quiz rounds
3 people
30
Check answers
3 people
31
Serve snacks and drinks
3 people
32
Refill drinks
2 people
33
Keep track of scores
2 people
34
Announce the winners
35
Hand out prizes and certificates
2 people
36
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

37
Collect waste
3 people
38
Wash dishes and supplies
2 people
39
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
40
Disconnect equipment
2 people
41
Remove decorations
2 people
42
Clean the venue
3 people
43
Pack up leftover items
2 people
44
Return materials
45
Process lost and found items
46
Check the final bill

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 50
Buffet tableqty 2
Registration desk

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving jugsqty 4

Quiz materials

Answer formsqty 60
Score sheetsqty 10
Pensqty 60
Pencilsqty 20
Pencil sharpenersqty 5
Answer paddlesqty 10
Round cardsqty 10
Quiz questionsqty 60
Prize ribbonsqty 10
Medal holdersqty 10

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Speakerqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Timerqty 2

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 10
Name badgesqty 60
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 4

Catering

Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 4
Groceries

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Mopqty 2
Cleaning spongesqty 6

Tips

Choose the age group and theme first, then write questions at different difficulty levels. Plan several short rounds rather than one long quiz, and check every question and answer before printing.
Create the round schedule with a clear start and finish time for each section. Include time for explaining rules, collecting answer forms and announcing scores; a timer keeps the pace predictable.
Assign teams before the quiz begins or prepare a quick registration system at the door. Put pencils, pens, answer forms and any answer paddles on each quiz table so children are not sharing supplies.
Test the laptop, projector, screen, speaker, microphone, extension cords and power strips before guests arrive. Keep printed questions, answers and score sheets available in case the technology fails.
Finish prizes, certificates and wrapped gifts before the setup period. Chill drinks in advance, and arrange the buffet and reusable tableware so food service does not interrupt a quiz round.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a children's quiz last?: Plan for about 60 to 90 minutes of quiz time, split into short rounds. Add at least 30 minutes for arrival, team registration, food or drinks and prize giving.
How many questions should a children's quiz have?: Prepare roughly 30 to 40 questions for a 60-minute quiz, divided across several rounds. Keep extra questions ready so you can replace anything that is too difficult, unclear or unsuitable for the age group.
How far in advance should I send invitations for a children's quiz?: Send invitations around 3 to 4 weeks before the event. Set the registration deadline about 7 days beforehand so you can assign teams, check dietary requirements and prepare enough quiz materials.
When should I test the quiz equipment?: Test the laptop, projector, screen, speaker and microphone at least one day before the quiz, then run a short check again during setup. Allow 30 to 45 minutes on the day to connect equipment and solve cable or sound problems.

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.