What you need for a kids' disco
A kids' disco needs more than music and a dance floor. This shopping list covers the practical items for serving snacks, checking children in, decorating the room and running the sound and lighting safely. Plan reusable cups, plates and small bowls alongside coolers and waste bins, then allow time to chill drinks and test every cable. Name stickers, cable trays and a registration desk are easy to forget but save time once children and parents arrive.
The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.
Tips
- Prepare one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per child, plus at least 10% extra for spills, misplaced items and late arrivals. Use small bowls and serving spoons so snacks can be replenished without crowding the tables.
- Allow two to three drinks per child for the first hour, then add one drink for each additional hour. Chill them in coolers before opening the venue rather than relying on room-temperature supplies.
- Test the speakers, mixer, microphone, music player and disco lights at least one day before the disco. Bring the required charging cables, extension cords and power strips, and keep cables in trays away from the dance floor.
- Set aside enough name stickers for every registered child plus 10 spare stickers. Keep them at the registration desk with the parent contact details so check-in does not depend on finding a pen or paper elsewhere.
- Put decorations up before tables and chairs are fully arranged, especially the balloon arch, bunting and disco foil. Keep night lights available for darker corners and use clear arrow signs to direct children to registration, drinks and toilets.
Frequently asked questions
- What food and drink supplies do I need for a kids' disco?
- Plan two to three drinks per child for the first hour, then one more per child for every extra hour. Buy one plate, cup and cutlery set per child, plus 10% extra, and include small bowls and serving spoons for snacks.
- How many cups and plates should I buy for a kids' disco?
- Use one reusable cup and one plate per child, with one cutlery set each. Add at least 10% spare tableware; for 30 children, that means 33 cups, plates and cutlery sets.
- What equipment is needed for a kids' disco?
- You need speakers, a mixer, a music player, a wireless microphone and disco lights. Check all charging cables, extension cords and power strips at least one day before the event, and prepare cable trays for the setup.
- What do people usually forget for a kids' disco?
- Name stickers, parent contact details, waste bins, coolers and night lights are often missed. Prepare the registration supplies and chilled drinks at least 1 hour before doors open, and keep 10 spare name stickers ready.