What to Buy and Bring for a Zoo Outing

A zoo outing needs more than tickets and packed lunches. Plan food and drinks for the whole group, then add the practical items that keep the day organised: coolers, ice packs, reusable tableware, name badges and group signs. Pack supplies for the journey as well as the picnic, especially if participants will be outside for several hours. This shopping list helps you prepare everything before loading the transport and welcoming people at the departure point.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 8
Picnic blanketqty 8

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 50
Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable cutleryqty 50
Reusable napkinsqty 50

Kitchen

Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Bread knivesqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Ice packsqty 24
Thermos flasksqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Mobile cooling fansqty 2
Waterproof storage binsqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4

Decorations

Name badgesqty 50
Badge holdersqty 50
Wristbandsqty 50
Group signsqty 5

Lighting

Rechargeable lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Hand sanitizer dispensersqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 8
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Hand sanitizer stationsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Mini rolls - 60 pcs
- Whole wheat wraps - 30 pieces
- Herb cheese - 1.5 kilos
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Tuna salad - 1 kilo
- Egg salad - 1 kilo
- Iceberg lettuce - 6 heads
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Red onions - 1 kilo
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Oranges - 40 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted nuts - 3 kilos
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 crates
- Fruit juice - 8 packs
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Wet wipes - 8 packs
- Diet-friendly sandwiches - 10 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 1 kilo

Tips

Pack two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add extra water for the rest of the outing. Chill drinks in coolers the night before and use ice packs to keep them cold during transport.
Prepare one picnic pack per participant, plus at least 5% extra portions for late additions or spilled food. Bring serving bowls, tongs, bread knives and cutting boards if food will be shared on site.
Use one name badge for every participant and keep a few blank badges and holders for last-minute changes. Group signs and wristbands make it easier to identify groups at meeting points and during the zoo visit.
Allow one reusable cup, plate, set of cutlery and napkin per person, then pack 10% extra. Washing-up tubs, microfiber cloths and hand sanitizer help you deal with used tableware and sticky hands without searching for facilities.
Charge power banks, lanterns and mobile cooling fans before departure, and pack them in waterproof storage bins. Keep first aid kits, flashlights and sanitizer stations accessible rather than buried under the groceries.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks should I buy for a zoo outing?: Plan on two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add water for the remaining programme. Buy at least 10% extra if the weather is warm or the outing lasts most of the day.
How much food do I need for a zoo picnic?: Prepare one complete picnic pack per participant and add 5% extra portions. Check dietary requirements before shopping so special meals are ready when the participant list is final.
What should I pack to keep food cold at the zoo?: Use coolers with enough ice packs for the full travel and picnic period. Chill drinks and food beforehand, and pack them in separate coolers if drinks will be opened more often.
When should I prepare the zoo outing shopping?: Buy non-perishable supplies and check equipment at least 2 to 3 days before departure. Shop for fresh groceries the day before, then chill drinks and assemble picnic packs before loading the transport.

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