What you need for a water party

A water party needs more than pools and water guns. You’ll need enough serving equipment, chilled drinks, hoses, connection parts and clear boundaries so the play areas work safely. This shopping list covers the equipment and tableware for the party, including inflatable slides, children’s pools, water tables and sponge games. Check the water connection and power requirements before shopping, especially if you are using pumps, speakers or extension cords.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Picnic blanketsqty 8
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Inflatable slide
Children's poolsqty 3
Water tablesqty 2
Water gunsqty 20
Buckets of waterqty 12
Sponge ballsqty 20
Water balloonsqty 30
Scoopsqty 20
Cups for water gamesqty 30
Garden hosesqty 3
Spray nozzlesqty 3
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 2

Equipment

Air pumpsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Speaker
Microphone

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Barbecueqty 2
BBQ toolsqty 2
Food warmersqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 60
Balloon pump
Welcome sign

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Laundry basketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburger buns - 80 pieces
- Veggie burger buns - 20 pieces
- Beef burgers - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 40 pieces
- Cocktail sausages - 40 pieces
- Chicken satay - 3 kilos
- Potato salad - 4 kilos
- Pasta salad - 4 kilo
- Green salad - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Onions - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Cheese slices - 2 kilos
- Burger sauce - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 kilos
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Paprika powder - 1 can
- Barbecue seasoning - 2 tins
- Barbecue briquettes - 10 kilo
- Firelighters - 2 packs
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Popsicles - 80 pieces
- Chocolate cookies - 6 packs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 15 bags
- Sunscreen - 8 bottles
- Disposable washcloths - 2 packs
- Liquid hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 3 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 2 boxes
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Wooden satay skewers - 2 packs
- Cocktail sticks - 2 boxes
- Barbecue grates - 2 pieces
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Teaspoons - 50 pieces

Tips

Allow at least one reusable glass and one plate per guest, plus 10% extra for replacements. Put serving platters, pouring jugs and cutlery together before guests arrive.
Plan one active water option for every 4–6 children. A mix of pools, water tables, water guns, sponge balls and scoops prevents everyone from queueing for the same activity.
Check hose lengths and connectors at least 3 days before the party. Garden hoses, spray nozzles and the water connection need to reach every trough, pool and inflatable slide.
Bring enough cooling capacity for the full event, not just the first round of drinks. Chill drinks before guests arrive and keep fruit, vegetables and sauces covered in coolers or on serving platters.
Mark water play areas with cones and barrier tape before filling them. Keep extension cords, power strips and air pumps outside wet zones, and set up weather protection before the forecast becomes a problem.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a water party?: You need water-play equipment such as children’s pools, water tables, water guns, buckets, sponge balls and water balloons. Add hoses, spray nozzles, cones, barrier tape, coolers, tableware and power equipment if you are using an inflatable slide or speaker.
How many water toys do I need per child?: Plan for at least one water-play option per 4–6 children, with several smaller items available at the same time. For a group of 20 children, combine around 4–5 larger play areas with shared items such as scoops, cups and sponge balls.
How early should I prepare a water party?: Check the water connection, reservations and weather forecast at least 3 days ahead. Set up tents, tables, safety boundaries and water equipment on the day itself, allowing 2–3 hours before guests arrive.
How many drinks and glasses do I need for a water party?: Prepare 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1–2 per person for each additional hour. Provide one reusable glass per guest plus 10% extra, and keep the drinks chilled in coolers.

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