How to organise a children's walk

Start with a route and date that work for children, not just adults. Walk the route in advance, confirm the starting location, and arrange permissions, notifications and insurance before inviting anyone. Build the event around registration, visible route marking, a staffed rest area and a short safety briefing. The details people often leave too late are dietary information, volunteer roles, printed materials and a weather decision.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Record route and date
2 people
2
Check the route in advance
2 people
3
Reserve starting location
4
Arrange permits and notifications
5
Check insurance terms
6
Send invitations
2 people
7
Process registrations
2 people
8
Collect dietary requirements
9
Check permissions
2 people
10
Print participant list
11
Print route maps
12
Check the weather forecast
13
Do the shopping
2 people
14
Collect materials
2 people
15
Chill drinks
16
Prepare route signs
2 people
17
Check first aid kit

Event

18
Set up the starting point
4 people
19
Mark route
3 people
20
Set up a rest area
2 people
21
Brief volunteers
2 people
22
Staff the registration desk
2 people
23
Register participants
2 people
24
Hand out wristbands
25
Give the safety briefing
2 people
26
Guide walkers
6 people
27
Staff the rest area
2 people
28
Refill drinks
29
Hand out fruit and snacks
2 people
30
Check off arriving walkers
2 people
31
Collect lost property

Aftercare

32
Remove route arrows
3 people
33
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
34
Collect waste
2 people
35
Wash dishes
2 people
36
Clean the starting location
2 people
37
Return materials
2 people
38
Return borrowed items
39
Clear away leftover food
40
Inform participants about found items

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 20
Tableclothsqty 6
Clothing rack

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Thermos flasksqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Mobile phonesqty 3
Megaphone
Extension cordsqty 2

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 30
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Bib numbersqty 70
Wristbandsqty 70
Colored chalkqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 6
Welcome sign
Markersqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Serving jugsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop set
First aid kit
Hand sanitizer dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Walk the full route before registrations open and note crossings, narrow sections, toilets and places where children may need a break. Use a clear route map and mark turns with arrows, cones, barrier tape or chalk on the day.
Set a registration deadline early enough to print the participant list, bib numbers and route maps. Collect dietary requirements with each registration so refreshments are not planned blindly.
Give every volunteer one defined position, such as registration, route marking, rest area or sweep walker. Brief them before participants arrive and use walkie-talkies or mobile phones for communication on longer routes.
Prepare the starting point before registration begins: tables, signs, wristbands, bib numbers, pens and the participant list should be together. Keep chilled drinks and serving equipment at the rest area rather than sending someone back to the start.
Check the weather forecast the day before and again on the morning of the walk. Decide in advance who can shorten, delay or cancel the route, and tell families how they will receive that update.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a children's walk?: Start planning at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. That gives you time to check the route, reserve the starting location, arrange permissions and insurance, recruit volunteers, and process registrations.
How many volunteers do I need for a children's walk?: Use at least one named volunteer at registration, each major crossing, the rest area and the back of the group. Add extra support for every route section where children could become separated or traffic needs monitoring.
When should I send invitations for a children's walk?: Send invitations about 4 to 6 weeks before the walk, with a clear registration deadline. Close registrations several days before the event so you can print the participant list, prepare bib numbers and plan drinks and dietary options.
What should I do if the weather is bad on the day?: Make the go-ahead decision on the morning of the walk using the forecast and the route conditions. Set a specific cancellation or postponement time, then contact registered families and volunteers through the same channel before they leave home.

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.