What to Buy for a Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt

A neighborhood scavenger hunt needs more than printed clues. Each team needs its own working kit, while the route must be easy to follow and safe at every checkpoint. Buy or gather materials early enough to print, laminate, pack, and test everything before participants arrive. This list also covers registration, the starting area, refreshments, lighting, and equipment for giving instructions to several teams at once.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Buffet tablesqty 3

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Megaphone
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Scavenger hunt materials

Route mapsqty 12
Assignment cardsqty 60
Answer formsqty 60
Team bagsqty 12
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 30
Markersqty 12
Laminator
Laminating sleevesqty 80
Route arrowsqty 40
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 2
Reflective vestsqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 6
Prizesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 2
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Carbonated water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Iced tea - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Pack one team bag per team, with a route map, assignment cards, answer forms, clipboard, and enough pens. Add one spare pen to every bag so a lost or dried-out pen does not stop a team.
Print the route maps, task cards, and answer forms at least 2 days before the hunt. If the route is outdoors, laminate the cards and directions and keep a few blank sleeves for last-minute replacements.
Mark every turn and checkpoint with route arrows, cones, or barrier tape. For a route that may continue after dark, prepare reflective vests and LED lights before teams leave the starting location.
Plan refreshments by counting reusable cups, plates, and cutlery for every participant plus at least 10% extra. Put coolers, serving spoons, buffet tables, and drinks together so the break does not create a queue at the registration area.
Charge the Bluetooth speaker, megaphone, and power banks the evening before. Bring extension cords if the starting area needs lighting or equipment, and keep one power bank available for the organizer during the route.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a neighborhood scavenger hunt?: Prepare one complete team bag per team, including maps, task cards, answer forms, a clipboard, and pens. You will also need route markers, checkpoint supplies, refreshments, reusable tableware, communication equipment, and prizes.
How many pens do I need for a scavenger hunt?: Use at least 2 pens per team: one for writing and one backup. For 8 teams, pack 16 pens and keep 2 or 3 additional spares with the organizer.
When should I print and laminate scavenger hunt cards?: Print the cards and route directions at least 2 days before the event. Laminate them after checking the route and assignments, then pack each team’s materials no later than the day before.
How many cups and plates do I need for the event?: Count one cup and one plate per participant, then add 10% extra for replacements. For 30 participants, prepare at least 33 cups and 33 plates, along with the same number of cutlery sets.

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