Feedback and Evaluation Ideas
After your event, take a moment to gather feedback to see what worked well and what could be improved. Here are some ideas for collecting input from each participant group.
For Participating Kids
Dot Voting
Set up sandwich boards with signs that list the games, like the image below. Give kids colored sticker dots when they arrive. Each color can show something extra—like their age group, grade, or zip code. Ask them to place their dots on the games they liked the most (you can let them vote for 3 or more).
This is a simple and low-cost way to learn which games kids enjoyed, which ones kept them active, and which they’d like to see again at future events.
Observation
You can also learn a lot just by watching participants. Notice which games are the busiest, where kids interact with parents, which ones grab the most attention, and where kids spend the most—or least—time.
From this, you can make some respectful guesses about the age groups playing each game. This method is quick and free, but keep in mind that the age groups you assume won’t be fully accurate and there is no other demographic information that can be used—because real demographic information should come directly from participants.
For Participating Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
“Exit Question” surveys
Set up a small station with volunteers at the entrance or exit of the event. Give them clipboards or tablets to collect feedback. As families leave, ask parents or caregivers a few short questions, like “Which activity was your favorite?” “Which activity got you and your kids moving the most?” “Would you come again?”
You can also ask simple demographic questions, like the age groups of the kids they brought or their home’s zip code to help understand your results.
Keep the survey short—less than a minute—so it’s easy for families to participate. Parents will appreciate that it’s quick.
This method gives helpful information, but it does require volunteer time and some follow-up work to review the answers.
Pro Tip: Offer a small thank-you item for completing the survey, such as stickers, small giveaways, or snacks. Even little incentives can boost participation.
Quick Feedback Wall
Put up a big poster or whiteboard with an easy question such as “What was your favorite activity today?” or “What should we do next time?” Give participants sticky notes or markers so they can write their answers and stick them up.
This is a fun and low-cost way to hear from participants who feel comfortable reading and writing in the languages you are using for the wall.
For Volunteers and the Planning Team
When you ask your hardworking volunteers for feedback, remember that it’s not about debating or judging their ideas and also, it’s not personal—so don’t take it to heart.
The main goal is to hear different viewpoints and gather ideas on how to make future events even better. Later, you can look at all the feedback—from volunteers and participants—and decide what changes make the most sense for your event.
On site:
Put up a big poster with two sections:
What went well – things people liked and want to do again, and
What to improve – ideas to make it better next time.
Before your volunteers head home, gather them together for a quick thank-you and ask for their thoughts. This takes about 10 minutes. Start by asking what they enjoyed, then ask for suggestions on what could be done differently.
Online form via email or text
Send your volunteers a short survey by email or text. Ask them to fill it out in the next few days. The survey can include simple questions, like “Was the length of your shift okay?” “Would you volunteer again?” & “How was your overall experience?” Also include a couple of open questions, like “What did you enjoy most?” And “What would you change for next time?”
You can make a free online tool using options like Google Forms to keep things simple. See a sample HERE.
