What to Buy for a Kids Barbecue

A kids barbecue needs more than burgers and buns. Plan food in child-sized portions, drinks for the full afternoon, and enough plates, cups and serving tools for a group that will not stay seated for long. This shopping list also covers the practical items people often arrange too late: a working barbecue and gas cylinder, coolers, a party tent, tables, chairs, lighting and materials for activities. Check allergies and dietary requirements before you shop, then chill drinks and keep meat refrigerated until cooking.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Picnic benchesqty 4
Buffet tablesqty 2

Tableware

Platesqty 50
Bowlsqty 40
Drinking glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 20
Forksqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Barbecueqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 2
Bluetooth speaker
Rechargeable lampsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Barbecue tongsqty 4
Barbecue spatulasqty 2
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 2
Aluminum grill traysqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Balloonsqty 40
Buntingqty 4
Name badgesqty 40

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 2
Frisbeesqty 3
Sidewalk chalkqty 4
Scavenger hunt arrowsqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Rubber glovesqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 3
Flashlightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 40 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 30 pieces
- Knack sausages - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 10 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 35 pieces
- Chicken satay - 2 kg
- Corn cobs - 25 pieces
- Zucchinis - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Mushrooms - 1,5 kg
- Red onions - 6 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kg
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Potato salad - 3 kg
- Pasta salad - 3 kg
- Mixed salad - 2 kg
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Sliced cheese - 1,5 kg
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Ice lollies - 50 pieces
- Mini ice creams - 40 pieces
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kg
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Lemonade - 8 liters
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Fruit juice - 6 liters
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Barbecue firelighters - 2 boxes
- Charcoal - 4 bags
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dishcloths - 2 packs
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Allow about 1 to 2 small meat portions per child, plus extra buns and simple vegetable options. Buy enough sauce for roughly 2 tablespoons per child, with separate portions for children with allergies.
Plan around 1 litre of drinks per child for a three- to four-hour party, including water. Chill drinks several hours beforehand and use coolers so they stay cold outdoors.
Count tableware against the guest list and add about 10 percent extra plates, bowls, cups, forks and napkins. Children often drop or leave items behind, so a small surplus prevents a last-minute shortage.
Check the barbecue, gas cylinder and cooking tools at least 2 days before the party. Make sure the cylinder is full, the extension cords reach safely if needed, and you have separate boards and utensils for raw meat and vegetables.
Buy or collect the party tent, tables, chairs, coolers, rechargeable lamps and activity materials before the event day. Set up the tent and inspect the ground early enough to move equipment if the weather or surface is unsuitable.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a kids barbecue?: For a three-hour party, allow 1 to 2 small meat portions per child, 1 to 2 buns, and at least one vegetable or side option. Add about 10 percent extra food for unexpected guests or bigger appetites.
How many drinks should I buy for a kids barbecue?: Plan about 1 litre of drinks per child for a three- to four-hour event, with water included. Chill them at least 3 hours before guests arrive and keep them in coolers during the barbecue.
What equipment do I need for a children’s barbecue?: You need a barbecue, a suitable gas cylinder, barbecue tongs and spatulas, coolers, serving platters, cutting boards and kitchen knives. Arrange and test the barbecue equipment at least 2 days in advance.
What should I bring if the kids barbecue is outside?: Bring a party tent, tables, chairs, tablecloths, rechargeable lamps and extension cords where required. Check the weather forecast 24 hours before the event and have the covered setup ready before guests arrive.

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