Planning a kids’ party can feel like an exciting yet overwhelming task. There’s the guest list, the decorations, the food, and, of course, the entertainment. But how do you make sure you’re choosing the right entertainment for your little one’s big day? Kids have a lot of energy and high expectations, so the entertainment needs to be spot-on. But don’t worry – this guide will help you know what to look for when selecting party entertainment that will leave your child and their friends smiling all day long.
1. A Variety of Options
First things first: make sure the company providing kids party entertainment in Brisbane & Gold Coast offers a wide variety of options. Not all kids like the same things, and you want to cater to a broad range of interests. Whether it’s magicians, face painters, balloon artists, clowns, or even animal encounters, having different activities keeps the day fresh and exciting. After all, a party that’s all magic shows and nothing else might not hold everyone’s attention for the whole time.
A great service should allow you to mix and match entertainment based on your child’s age, preferences, and the theme of the party. And if you’re unsure of what to pick, a good company will help guide you through your choices and make suggestions tailored to your event.
2. Age-Appropriate Entertainment
This might sound obvious, but the entertainment needs to be age-appropriate. What works for a group of six-year-olds might not go down so well with ten-year-olds. Think about what your child and their friends are interested in right now. Younger kids often love interactive shows like puppet shows, face painting, or sing-alongs. Older kids, on the other hand, might prefer more advanced entertainment, like a magic show with tricks they’ve never seen before, or even team-based activities like scavenger hunts.
Always check with the entertainment service about the specific age range they cater to. If they specialise in younger children, they might not be the right fit for a pre-teen party. The last thing you want is a room full of bored kids!
3. Experience and Reviews
One of the most crucial things to consider when hiring kids’ party entertainment is the experience of the entertainers themselves. You want people who know how to work with children and can adapt to different situations on the fly. Kids can be unpredictable, and the best entertainers know how to keep them engaged, even if things don’t go exactly to plan.
Look for services with solid experience in the industry and don’t hesitate to ask for reviews or testimonials from previous clients. It’s one thing for an entertainment service to claim they’re great, but hearing it from other parents who have booked them is far more reassuring. You can also check online for reviews or ask in local parenting groups to see if anyone has recommendations.
4. Safety and Professionalism
When children are involved, safety is always a priority. Make sure the entertainers you hire are fully vetted, with background checks in place and appropriate qualifications for working with kids. For example, if you’re hiring performers who handle animals, ask about their training and the safety precautions they take. You should feel comfortable leaving the children in their care for the duration of the party.
Professionalism is just as important. Are they punctual? Do they communicate well in the lead-up to the event? The last thing you need is added stress because the entertainer is late or hard to reach. A reputable service should be easy to communicate with and provide clear details about what they offer, how long the entertainment will last, and how everything will run on the day.
5. Themed Parties and Customisation
Does your child want a pirate-themed birthday? Maybe they’re obsessed with princesses, superheroes, or dinosaurs. If that’s the case, you’ll want entertainment that can match the theme of the party. Many entertainment services offer themed packages, where the entertainer will dress up and organise activities that fit the theme, whether it’s a treasure hunt for pirates or a royal ball for little princes and princesses.
It’s also worth checking if they can customise the entertainment to suit your child’s particular likes. Personalisation adds a special touch and makes the party feel extra magical. Your child might even get a shout-out during the show, which can make their day even more memorable.
6. Clear Pricing and Packages
When booking kids’ party entertainment, you want to know exactly what you’re paying for. Look for companies that offer transparent pricing with clear packages, so there are no surprises down the line. Some services charge by the hour, while others offer packages that include a set number of activities for a fixed price. Make sure you know what’s included in the cost, like travel fees, set-up time, or additional costs for extra children or longer performances.
A professional service will be upfront about all costs and should be able to work within your budget. It’s always worth asking if they have any special deals or package discounts as well, especially if you’re booking multiple forms of entertainment for a larger event.
7. Fun For Everyone!
Lastly, don’t forget to think about the other parents who will be attending the party. While your priority will always be making sure the kids have a great time, it’s a bonus if the entertainment keeps the adults entertained too. It’s always nice to have entertainment that makes everyone laugh, regardless of age. Some performers can include a few jokes or tricks that appeal to both children and adults, which helps make the atmosphere more relaxed and enjoyable for all.
Choosing the right kids’ party entertainment doesn’t have to be stressful. By keeping an eye out for variety, age-appropriate activities, safety, and professionalism, you can ensure your child’s party is a hit from start to finish. And don’t forget – it’s your child’s special day, so finding entertainment that makes them light up with excitement is the most important thing!
