With so many options, here’s how to pick the right one
A brief search online for kids’ party entertainment can throw up hundreds of options, from princesses and superheroes, to petting zoos, to discos, to laser tag. When you’re already feeling the pressure of throwing a party, choosing the right entertainment from so many options can be overwhelming! So how do you pick?
Ask!
The simplest way to find out what your little one would like for their perfect party entertainment is to ask them! Is their deepest desire to have Elsa join the celebration to sing ‘Let it go’? Or maybe they want to have a boogie with their friends with an epic disco? Or learn how to be a Jedi from Luke Skywalker? Have an ideas session with the birthday child to find out what entertainment they might like at their party and do some Googling to find out if it’s available in your area.
If the birthday child is too young to articulate or changes their mind a lot, look at what toys they are currently playing with and what shows they like to watch - maybe they can’t get enough of Paw Patrol or the Wiggles. Maybe Ms Rachel or Blippi are the celebrity of the moment for them. Even if you can’t find entertainers in your area who have these specific costumes, a good entertainer would be able to theme their offering to any special interest.
Matching entertainment to theme
Perhaps you know what theme your child wants and are looking for entertainment to match. Maybe they love Taylor Swift - why not have a disco and ask your DJ to go heavy on the Tay Tay? Maybe they enjoy learning martial arts and want a karate themed party? Ask your entertainer if they can do karate-kid style activities where the kids ‘train’ their art through relay races, balloon sword fights and balancing exercises.
Even obscure themes can be catered for. I have entertained at parties with the following themes: winter wonderland, rainbow sparkles, farm animals, bright and colourful and race car. Open the conversation with your entertainer, we love a creative challenge!
Age appropriate activities
Activities for a 4 year old will be different to activities for 10 year olds. Make sure the entertainment is pitched to the right age range - there’s nothing that falls flatter than a clown turning up to an 11 year old’s birthday party! If the age range of the event is mixed a good entertainer will know how to include all the children, whether this is pairing up older and younger children to work together in the game, or if the older kids and younger kids have different rules to play by in the same game. Then there’s a few magical activities that are ageless and everyone from tots to seniors can enjoy.
Speaking of age appropriate, make sure the music used in the entertainment is right for the age of the kids. Older kids love top 40 and music from movies and tv shows whereas younger kids like action songs and nursery rhymes. Never use music with explicit lyrics - even if you are okay with it the parents of other children might not be, and there’s plenty of music out there with clean lyrics or clean versions so keep the energy wholesome.
Questions to ask potential entertainers
To make sure you find the right fit for your party, here are some questions to ask your potential entertainer:
Can you customise your entertainment to fit our party’s theme? - this will help you know if it’s a good match
Are your activities suitable for this age group / children of all ages? - check that the entertainment is suitable for the age of the guests
How long have you been performing at children’s parties? - get to know the experience of your entertainer and trust their knowledge in this area
What do you need for setup? - Check the space requirements and if they need access to power
Do you provide all necessary props and equipment? - usually all equipment will be provided by the entertainer, but best to check ahead of time
What happens in case of a last-minute cancellation? - clarify the cancellation policy ahead of time
What is included in your pricing? - this helps you manage your budget
Do you offer any additional services, like party favors or decorations? - some entertainers can offer add-ons to save you time and energy
By asking these questions, you can feel confident in choosing entertainment that will make your child’s birthday party unforgettable! For more questions you can ask your entertainer, check out THIS post.
Choosing the right entertainment for your child’s party doesn’t have to be stressful. By involving your child in the decision, matching the entertainment to their interests and the party’s theme and ensuring the activities are age-appropriate, you’re well on your way to creating a magical and memorable celebration. Asking thoughtful questions when selecting your entertainer will ensure you find someone who fits perfectly with your vision and helps bring joy to the birthday child and their friends. With a little planning and the right entertainer, your child’s party will be a day they’ll cherish forever!
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