The right kids party entertainment depends almost entirely on age. A three-year-old wants bubbles, songs and familiar games; a ten-year-old will roll their eyes at all of those and want something that feels grown-up. Get the pitch right and you don't need to spend a fortune.
Below you'll find ideas for three age groups, along with honest notes on attention spans, party length and what tends to go wrong. At the end there's a short safety and booking checklist for anyone hiring an entertainer.
Ages 3 to 5: short, simple and loud
Pre-school children have short attention spans and big feelings. Keep the party short (an hour and a half is plenty) and expect a few tears whatever you book.
Entertainment that involves movement, music and joining in works best. Little ones want to do things, not sit still and watch for long. Plan for parents to stay, and make sure there are snacks for the grown-ups too.
Ages 6 to 8: the golden age for magic
This is the age when children are old enough to follow a show but still young enough to be truly amazed. They love being picked as helpers, shouting out when the magician gets it 'wrong' and taking home a balloon model.
A party at this age can stretch to around two hours. A common format is a magic show for the first part, then party food, then games or a disco to finish. A kids party magician will often bring the games and music as part of the package.
Ages 9 to 12: make it feel grown-up
Older children want to feel too old for 'kids' stuff', even if they secretly still love it. The trick is to choose activities that feel a bit more adult, give them some independence and include an element of challenge.
Magic still works at this age, but in a different form. Close-up magic performed right in front of them, or mind reading that seems impossible, lands better than a traditional children's show. Some may want to learn a few tricks themselves, which makes a great workshop-style party.
Safety checks before you book
Anyone working with children should be happy to answer a few simple questions. If they hesitate or get defensive, look elsewhere.
Ask whether they hold a current DBS check and public liability insurance, and if you can see the certificates. Ask what their policy is on photos of children, and how they manage a child who is upset or doesn't want to join in. Many venues, especially school and church halls, will ask for insurance details before the day, so it's worth having them early.
Remember that a DBS check is not a substitute for supervision. Parents or responsible adults should always stay in the room while the entertainer performs.
Booking tips for a smoother party
Saturday mornings and early afternoons are the most popular slots, so book as soon as you have a date and venue. If you're flexible, a Sunday or a weekday after school can open up more choice.
Tell the entertainer the children's ages, how many are coming, any additional needs, and if younger siblings are coming too. A show pitched at six-year-olds will lose a room of four-year-olds. Also check what space they need, how long their set-up takes and whether they need a power socket for music.
We can help you find a suitable children's entertainer; tell us the date, place and ages through our quote form. For a rough idea of costs, see our price guide.
