What you need for a Kids' Disco

A Kids' Disco needs more than music and a clear dance floor. Plan drinks and snacks for the full guest list, then check that you have enough cups, plates and serving equipment for quick breaks between dances. The sound and lighting setup also needs a test before children arrive, especially when extension cords and power strips are involved. Use this list alongside the plan so forgotten items are found before setup starts, not during the first song.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Coat rackqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Serving plattersqty 10
Pouring jugsqty 8

Equipment

Laptops
Music player
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

Disco lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4
Spare bulbsqty 6

Decorations

Balloonsqty 200
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 12
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 20
Tableclothsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Ice containersqty 3
Serving tongsqty 8
Bread knivesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Measuring cupsqty 2

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Vacuum cleaner
Mop setsqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Safety

First aid kit
Cable matsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Cheese and onion chips - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 8 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 6 bags
- Mini pretzels - 4 bags
- Mini cucumbers - 6 packs
- Carrots - 4 bags
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Mini pizzas - 80 pieces
- Mini sausage rolls - 80 pieces
- Grilled cheese sandwiches - 50 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Turkey breast - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Tomato - 2 kilo
- Cucumber - 2 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Ice lollies - 100 pieces
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Garbage bags - 50 pieces
- Plastic gloves - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan around 2–3 drinks per child for the first hour, then 1–2 more for each additional hour. Chill them in coolers or ice containers before guests arrive, and keep a separate supply available for volunteers.
Allow 2 snack portions per child, plus about 10% extra for unexpected guests or children who cannot eat the planned options. Check dietary requirements before shopping and keep serving tongs separate where needed.
Bring at least 1 reusable cup and 1 plate per child, plus 10% extra. Provide enough reusable cutlery, serving platters and pouring jugs so one busy serving table does not become a queue.
Test the music player, mixer, speakers, microphone and disco lights at least 60 minutes before the disco starts. Pack extension cords, power strips and spare bulbs; these are easy to overlook and difficult to replace once children have arrived.
Set aside 30–45 minutes for decorations and photo areas, including balloons, bunting, the backdrop and props. Use the final 15 minutes before opening to check the coat rack, waste bins, tables and chairs, and keep the dance floor clear.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a Kids' Disco?: Plan for 2–3 drinks per child during the first hour, then 1–2 drinks per child for every additional hour. Add around 10% extra if attendance is uncertain or the disco lasts longer than planned.
How many cups and plates should I buy for a Kids' Disco?: Provide 1 reusable cup and 1 plate per child, plus at least 10% extra. For 30 children, that means 33 cups and 33 plates, with enough cutlery for the planned snacks.
When should I test the sound and disco lights?: Test the complete sound and lighting setup at least 60 minutes before guests arrive. Check volume, microphone, connections and spare bulbs while there is still time to fix a faulty cable or device.
How much food should I prepare for a Kids' Disco?: Allow 2 snack portions per child and prepare about 10% extra. Confirm dietary requirements before shopping, then use serving platters and tongs to keep the snack table moving during breaks.

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