What you need for a water games afternoon

A water games afternoon needs more than water guns and balloons. Plan drinking water, shade, dry seating, changing space and enough equipment for teams to play without long queues. Reusable cups, plates and cutlery reduce waste, while coolers keep drinks cold and water barrels make refilling stations easier. This shopping list covers the practical supplies to buy or bring before guests arrive, including items that are often left until setup day.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Picnic blanketqty 6
Changing boothsqty 2

Sports equipment

Water gunsqty 20
Buckets of waterqty 12
Plastic cups for gamesqty 60
Spongesqty 30
Inflatable ballsqty 12
Plastic conesqty 20
Ropeqty 2
Stopwatchqty 2
Scoreboardqty 2
Water hosesqty 4
Sprayersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 50
Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable cutleryqty 50
Small bowlsqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Water barrelsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 2
Speaker
Megaphone

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Coolersqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Welcome sign
Waterproof markersqty 6
Laminated game cardsqty 12

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Floor squeegeeqty 2
Buckets for cleaningqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 10
First aid kit

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Lemonade - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Teaspoons - 1 pack
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Watermelons - 2 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted sticks - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Mini cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Yogurt dressing - 2 bottles
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- White rolls - 40 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian spread - 6 tubs
- Unsalted butter - 2 tubs
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Ice lollies - 50 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Paper napkins - 5 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Rubber gloves - 4 pairs
- Water balloons - 300 pieces
- Bandage strips - 2 boxes
- Sunscreen - 6 bottles
- Mosquito repellent - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan at least one drinking-water station and refill it during the afternoon. Bring water barrels or coolers, reusable drinking cups and extra water so guests do not rely on the game supply.
For team games, prepare one complete set of equipment per active team where possible: water guns, buckets, sponges, plastic cups, cones and an inflatable ball. This keeps waiting time short.
Bring shade and somewhere to sit, not just play equipment. Party tents, foldable tables, folding chairs and a picnic blanket are useful for breaks, snacks and guests who need to stay dry.
Set aside a changing area before buying food and drinks. Changing booths and a few dry seating areas prevent wet clothing from spreading across the catering and game stations.
Pack the items that are easy to overlook for running the afternoon: a stopwatch, scoreboard, rope, megaphone, extension cords and water hoses or sprayers. Check these at least one day before the event.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a water games afternoon?: Plan for water-game equipment, drinking stations, refreshments, reusable tableware, shade and changing space. A practical core includes water guns, buckets, sponges, cones, water hoses, coolers, reusable cups, plates and cutlery, plus tables and chairs.
How much drinking water do I need for a water games party?: Allow about 1 litre of drinking water per guest for a warm afternoon, then add extra for refilling water stations and washing hands. Keep drinking water separate from the buckets and barrels used for games.
What should I prepare the day before water games?: Check all game materials, inspect hoses and sprayers, chill drinks and confirm that tents, tables, chairs and changing booths are available. Fill water balloons and set out the shopping and equipment checklist on the day itself, preferably at least two hours before arrival.
What food and serving items are needed for a water games afternoon?: Plan easy snacks, fruit and drinks that can be served quickly from a catering table. Bring reusable plates, cups and cutlery, small bowls, serving spoons, cutting boards and kitchen knives, with coolers for items that need to stay cold.

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.