We find kids entertainers right across the UK. You fill in one quote form, a real person reads it, and we come back to you (usually the same day) with who's free and what it'll cost. It's no obligation, and nothing's booked until you say yes.
What a children's entertainer does at a party
A kids entertainer is a bit of everything. Most of the people we work with run party games, play music, perform a magic show and keep the energy at the right level, which is the hard part. They know when to wind things up and, just as usefully, when to calm a room down before the food comes out.
Depending on who you book, a party can also include balloon modelling, prizes for the games, bubbles, puppets or a parachute for the little ones. We'll tell you exactly what's included with each quote, so there are no surprises on the day.
How a two-hour party usually runs
Every entertainer has their own way of doing things, but a classic party tends to go something like this. The entertainer arrives a little before the start to set up, ideally while you're still putting crisps in bowls.
Guests arrive and go straight into games. Musical statues, musical bumps, a bit of dancing. It's a cracking icebreaker, because nobody has time to feel awkward, and the latecomers can just join in.
Then there's a break for food, usually around the middle. Some entertainers keep a quiet game going at the table or play music, others take a breather while you serve up. Let them know when you want to do the cake so they can lead the singing.
After food comes the magic show, which works well because full tummies sit still more happily. The birthday child gets their moment at the end, and if balloons are part of the booking they're often made as the parents start to arrive for pick-up. Party bags, coats, done.
If the party's shorter, the order just gets squashed a bit. An hour and a half might mean fewer games and a quicker food break, but the shape stays roughly the same. Tell us how long you've got the hall for and the entertainer will fit around it.
Magician, entertainer or balloon modeller
The names overlap a lot. A kids party magician is mostly about the show, while a children's entertainer usually covers the whole party with games and music as well. A balloon modeller can work on their own or as an add-on.
If you're not sure which you need, the age of the children is the best guide. Under-fives tend to do better with songs, puppets and short bursts of activity, so look at our toddler party entertainer page. Six to eight is the sweet spot for the full games-and-magic party. Older kids often want less running about and more mind-bending magic.
Home or hall
With ten or so children, a decent-sized living room works. Push the sofa back, roll up anything precious and you're fine for a magic show. Running games are harder, so the entertainer will usually switch to sitting games and dancing on the spot.
For a whole class, a hall is far easier. Village halls, church halls, scout huts and community centres are the usual choices, and many have a kitchen for the food. Check the hire time includes setting up and clearing away, because it always takes longer than you think.
Garden parties are lovely when the weather plays along. Have an indoor backup plan anyway, even in July.
Think about the grown-ups as well. If parents are staying, a few chairs along the side keep them out of the games area, and a separate spot for tea and coffee stops the chatter drowning out the show. Small thing, makes a big difference.
Things worth asking any entertainer
Wherever you book, it's sensible to ask whether the entertainer has a current DBS check and public liability insurance, especially as many halls ask for proof of insurance. We'll confirm the details for your booking, so just ask us.
It's also worth asking how much space they need, whether they need a plug socket for music, what time they'll arrive and how long setting up takes. A good entertainer will answer all of that without any fuss.
And ask what happens if they're ill on the day, so you know where you stand. Things happen, and a good booker will have thought about it.
Siblings, mixed ages and the shy ones
Most parties have a toddler sibling wandering about and an older cousin pretending to be bored. That's normal, and experienced entertainers are used to pitching jokes at two levels at once. Tell us about the age spread when you book.
Shy children usually come round once the first few games are going. They're never forced up to help, and quite often the quiet one at the start is the loudest at the end. If you know a child has additional needs, mention it and we'll pass it on, so the entertainer can plan around it.
Older brothers and sisters can be a real help, too. Give a ten year old the job of handing out prizes or being the entertainer's assistant, and suddenly they're not too cool for the party after all.