What You Need for a Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt needs more than clues and a route map. You’ll need one prepared set of materials for each team, clear signs at the start, finish and task points, plus equipment that keeps the route safe and easy to follow. This shopping list covers the practical items people often forget, including waterproof envelopes, clipboards, power banks and lighting. Use your final team count and route length to adjust quantities before you shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 50
Tablecloth clipsqty 24

Game materials

Team backpacksqty 10
Assignment foldersqty 10
Waterproof envelopesqty 40
Conesqty 30
Hoopsqty 6
Ropeqty 3
Ballqty 4

Paper goods

Route mapsqty 50
Answer formsqty 50
Pensqty 60
Markersqty 24
Clipboardsqty 12
Printer paperqty 2
Tapeqty 6
Scissorsqty 4

Decorations

Start and finish signqty 2
Buntingqty 6
Directional signsqty 20

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Equipment

Megaphone
Power banksqty 4

Safety

Reflective vestsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 8
First aid kit

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Ice tea - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Back ham - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Baby carrots - 3 kilograms
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 3 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Trash bags - 3 rolls

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 3

Tips

Prepare one team backpack, assignment folder, route map, answer form, clipboard and several pens for every team. Add spare pens and at least two extra answer forms for the whole group.
Print route maps, assignments and answer forms before event day, then pack them in waterproof envelopes. Prepare at least 10% extra copies in case a page is lost or damaged.
Use cones, rope, hoops and a ball only after checking each task point on the route. Count the equipment per challenge and pack it separately so setup takes no longer than 15 minutes per point.
Bring one reflective vest and one flashlight for each route leader or safety volunteer, plus a first aid kit and power banks. Charge phones and LED lamps the evening before rather than relying on venue power.
Plan seating and shelter for the start and finish: one foldable table per registration or drinks station, enough folding chairs for waiting participants, and party tents if rain or strong sun is possible. Chill drinks in coolers before teams arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How many scavenger hunt bags do I need?: Prepare one team backpack or bag for every team, not every participant. Add one spare bag if you have more than 10 teams or expect last-minute changes.
How many route maps should I print?: Print one route map for each team, plus at least two spare copies for the organizer and replacements. Print the final version no later than the day before the hunt so route changes do not leave teams with outdated directions.
What safety equipment is needed for a scavenger hunt?: Bring reflective vests for route leaders, flashlights if any part of the route runs in low light, a first aid kit and charged power banks. Check the weather and walk the route once at least 24 hours before starting.
How much stationery do I need for a scavenger hunt?: Give each team a clipboard, answer forms and several pens, then pack at least 10% extra pens and forms. Keep markers, tape, scissors and printer paper with the organizer for signs and last-minute repairs.

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.