What You Need for a Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt needs more than puzzles and a route. You will need printed materials for every team, reliable ways to communicate, clear signs and practical equipment for checkpoints. Plan one route map, score sheet and puzzle envelope per team, plus spare copies for last-minute changes. This checklist also covers drinks, reusable cups, coolers, registration supplies and weather protection so setup does not depend on a last-minute shop run.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 50
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3
Power banksqty 4
Smartphonesqty 4

Game materials

Route mapsqty 50
Score sheetsqty 15
Puzzle cardsqty 60
Puzzle envelopesqty 15
Team labelsqty 15
Pensqty 60
Pencilsqty 30
Erasersqty 15
Rulersqty 15
Ropeqty 2
Clipboardsqty 15
Stopwatchesqty 6
Conesqty 30
Waterproof foldersqty 15

Communication

Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone
Route arrowsqty 30

Decorations

Start sign
Finish sign
Tableclothsqty 8

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cooler scoopsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Reflective vestsqty 8

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Cleaning spongesqty 6
Hand brush and dustpanqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 8
Mopqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 60 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Mini bake-off rolls - 60 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 3 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 6 packages
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 2 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 3 packs
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Prepare one puzzle envelope, route map, score sheet and set of writing tools for each team, then make at least two spare sets. Missing or damaged materials are difficult to replace once teams are on the route.
Bring one smartphone with a full charge for each team if participants are not using their own phones. Add power banks and at least one extension cord for the registration or puzzle-station area.
Use waterproof folders for route maps, puzzle cards and answer sheets if the forecast is uncertain. Pack cones and route arrows separately so checkpoints can be marked quickly after arrival.
Set out one reusable cup per participant and chill the drinks before the event starts. Keep extra drinks in coolers rather than leaving them at the registration table.
Prepare the start and finish signs, team labels and a registration desk before participants arrive. Keep a megaphone or walkie-talkies available so instructions can reach teams spread across several checkpoints.

Frequently asked questions

How many scavenger hunt materials do I need per team?: Prepare one route map, score sheet, puzzle envelope and team label for every team. Add two spare sets, or about 10% extra when you have more than 20 teams.
How many pens should I buy for a scavenger hunt?: Provide at least two pens per team and bring 10 extra pens for losses or failed ones. Add pencils, erasers and rulers when the puzzles require drawing or measuring.
What should I buy for a scavenger hunt in rainy weather?: Use one waterproof folder per team for maps, puzzle cards and score sheets, plus a few spare folders. Pack the printed materials only after the route and checkpoints have been confirmed.
How many drinks and cups do I need for a scavenger hunt?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Bring one reusable cup per participant and keep the drinks chilled in coolers.

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.