How to organise a children's quiz

A children’s quiz works best when the pace, questions and room setup are planned for the age group. Start by choosing a theme and setting the rules, then write and check the questions before sending invitations. Registrations affect team sizes, seating and dietary planning, while the final setup depends on tested presentation and sound equipment. Leave time for printing answer sheets, chilling drinks and arranging prizes before children arrive.

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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
Define the quiz theme and target audience
2 people
2
Prepare quiz questions
2 people
3
Check answers and scoring
2 people
4
Develop the quiz rounds and rules
2 people
5
Send invitations
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Create team and table seating plans
9
Confirm the venue reservation
10
Test equipment
2 people
11
Create the quiz presentation
12
Print the quiz forms
13
Create answer sheets and scorecards
14
Pack prizes and certificates
15
Do the shopping
2 people
16
Chill drinks
17
Prepare snacks and sandwiches
2 people
18
Sort quiz materials

Event

19
Open venue
2 people
20
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
21
Set up the quiz table and presentation table
2 people
22
Set up projector and screen
2 people
23
Connecting microphone and speakers
2 people
24
Hang decorations
2 people
25
Set up registration desk
2 people
26
Setting out quiz forms per team
2 people
27
Prepare prizes and certificates
28
Receive participants
3 people
29
Guide teams to their tables
3 people
30
Explain the rules
31
Present quiz rounds
32
Collect answer sheets
2 people
33
Serve break snacks
3 people
34
Refill drinks
2 people
35
Check answers
3 people
36
Check the final standings
2 people
37
Announce the winners
38
Hand out prizes and certificates
2 people
39
Serve dinner
4 people
40
Serve drinks and dessert
3 people
41
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

42
Collect quiz materials
2 people
43
Sort and remove waste
2 people
44
Wash dishes
3 people
45
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
46
Switch off and pack up equipment
2 people
47
Clean the venue
3 people
48
Return borrowed items
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 55
Registration desk
Presentation table

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 3

Quiz materials

Answer formsqty 60
Scorecardsqty 12
Pensqty 60
Pencilsqty 20
Score counterqty 2
Answer cardsqty 12
Quiz bookletqty 4
Clipboardsqty 12
Prizesqty 12
Certificatesqty 60

Tableware

Disposable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Bowlsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving jugsqty 4
Coffee potsqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Pliersqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Team badgesqty 12
Name stickersqty 60

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Hand brush and dustpanqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 10
Toilet cleaning kit

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Choose one clear theme and write questions for the youngest children in the group. Build several short rounds rather than one long quiz, and decide in advance how answers will be marked.
Check every answer and scoring rule with a second person before printing the quiz booklet, answer forms and scorecards. A wrong answer or unclear tie-break rule can stop the quiz while everyone waits.
Close registrations early enough to make team and table plans. Aim for teams of four to six children, then prepare spare answer sheets and pencils for last-minute changes.
Test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers and wireless microphone in the venue before the event. Check extension cords and power strips too; a presentation that works at home may fail when connected to different equipment.
Set up the registration desk, quiz table and presentation table before guests arrive. Chill drinks and prepare snacks ahead of time, and keep prizes and certificates together so the final presentation does not become a search.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to organise a children's quiz?: Allow at least 2 to 3 weeks for a small quiz. Use the first week for the theme, questions, rules and venue, and keep the final 2 to 3 days for printing, shopping and equipment checks.
How many questions should a children's quiz have?: Plan around 20 to 30 questions for a 60 to 90-minute event, divided into short rounds. Leave time for reading questions, collecting answer sheets, scoring and breaks for drinks or snacks.
How many children should be in each quiz team?: Teams of 4 to 6 children are usually manageable. Confirm registrations before making the seating plan, then keep one or two spare places or materials available for late changes.
When should I test the quiz equipment?: Test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers and microphone at the venue at least 1 day before the quiz. Repeat a quick sound and picture check when you open the venue, before children are seated.

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