Top Kids Party Entertainment Ideas for Every Budget

Discover the best kids party entertainment ideas—from budget-friendly DIYs to pro performers—for a celebration your child will never forget.

This post is all about kids party entertainment!

Planning a kid’s birthday party can feel overwhelming—especially when you start researching children’s party entertainment. There are so many fun options these days for party guests of all ages, from water slides to puppet shows, balloon twisting to magic shows. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to spend a fortune to give your child a special day they’ll never forget.

Whether you’re organizing a simple backyard party or planning a large event with party packages, the right entertainment can turn any gathering into an unforgettable experience. This post will walk you through top kids’ party entertainment ideas for all budgets and themes—from DIY setups to booking professionals—so you can plan your next event with confidence.

Start With the Basics: What Do Kids Really Want?

Kids want to feel seen, have fun, and connect with their friends. While it’s easy to get caught up in booking every trendy kids’ party entertainer out there, most kids just want:

• Something fun to do
• A way to express creativity
• Opportunities to laugh and play with others

So whether you’re working with young children or older kids, think about how you can create a party space that encourages imagination, interaction, and hours of playtime.

Water Slides and Bounce Houses

For our oldest son’s first birthday party, we decided to buy a bounce house with a water slide rather than rent one. It cost about the same as a rental, and we’ve used it for multiple birthday parties, playdates, and even a company outing for our family business.

If you’re considering renting a bounce house, check the price to purchase. It may be a great way to invest in future kids’ parties—and you’ll never have to worry about availability or rescheduling due to bad weather.

Face Painting: DIY or Pro?

Face painting is a classic at kids’ birthday parties, and for good reason—it’s colorful, creative, and exciting. If you’re on a budget, consider a DIY version. Ask a creative friend or teen to act as your party’s face painter, and keep the designs simple (think butterflies, rainbows, or superhero masks).

For a more polished experience, hire a professional face painter. Facebook and local parent groups are great resources for finding trusted children’s entertainers. They’ll show up prepared, handle all the materials, and do a great job keeping kids engaged while they wait their turn.

Pro Tip: To avoid long wait times, limit face painting to an hour and offer only a few design options.

Balloon Twister Fun

Balloon animals are always a crowd-pleaser and make perfect party favors. A balloon twister can add a whimsical, artistic touch to your kid’s birthday party. Balloon twisting works great for both younger children and older kids who want swords, crowns, or even balloon pets.

Many party packages include balloon twisting services, so ask entertainers if this is part of their offering.

Puppet Shows & Magic Shows

If you’re hosting younger children, puppet shows are a wonderful form of interactive entertainment. They’re engaging, creative, and full of silly fun. Many children’s entertainers offer puppet shows as part of their birthday packages.

Magic shows are another crowd favorite for kids of all ages. A comedy magic show that blends tricks with humor is ideal for older children, while a gentler “touch of magic” show works best for the little ones. Many children’s magicians now customize shows to match different themes—from fairy tales to superheroes to science shows.

Character Visits and Fairy Tale Friends

Nothing lights up a birthday girl or birthday boy’s face like seeing their favorite character walk into the room. From Disney princesses to superheroes to beloved cartoon characters, you can hire a children’s entertainer to dress up and host themed activities.

Some companies specialize in character appearances for private parties, corporate events, and even public events. Be sure to ask about the number of guests allowed and whether there’s an extra fee for additional children or longer appearances.

Fun Crafts & Creative Stations

Craft tables are perfect for party guests who need a little quiet time or prefer hands-on fun. They’re especially helpful for younger children or those who are slow to warm up to new environments.

We always set up a “craft cart” at our kids’ parties with on-theme coloring pages, sticker sheets, and other fun crafts. You could even incorporate cupcake wars by letting kids decorate their own cupcakes and vote on silly awards like “most colorful” or “most creative.”

Obstacle Course Action

Kids love a good challenge, and an obstacle course is a great way to get them moving. You can:

• Rent an inflatable obstacle course
• Set one up in your yard with pool noodles, cones, hula hoops, and chalk
• Organize a relay race for older kids

Obstacle courses are not only fun—they’re a great way to burn off all that sugar-fueled energy!

Live Animals

Have an animal-loving child? A mobile petting zoo or a visit from a local farm can turn a regular party into a special event. Look for handlers who provide goats, bunnies, chickens, or even ponies!

Check regulations in your area, especially if you’re hosting the party in a public space, and ask whether a handwashing station is provided. For private events, live animals are always a huge hit and make for adorable photo ops.

Bubble Performers

Yes, bubble performers are a real thing! These professionals create massive bubbles, bubble walls, and interactive bubble fun for party goers of all ages. It’s the kind of entertainment that feels magical but is gentle and safe for even the youngest guests.

If hiring a performer isn’t in your budget, set up a DIY bubble station with giant wands and homemade solution for a still-magical touch.

Pool Parties with a Splash

If you’re celebrating in warmer months, a pool party is a natural choice. Whether you host it in your backyard or rent a pool space, add some fun with:

• Inflatable games
• Pool-safe music
• Non-alcoholic drinks and popsicles
• Poolside crafts or tie-dye stations

Just make sure you have plenty of adult supervision, especially for younger children, and clearly communicate safety rules on the day of the party.

Performers, Shows & Experiences

Here are a few more unique shows and performers to consider for your next party:

• Children’s magicians – Ideal for older kids or mixed-age groups
• Comedy magic show – Laughter + wonder = unforgettable experience
• Science show – STEM-based party themes are growing in popularity
• Murder mystery company – Great for pre-teens or older children who love solving clues
• Cupcake wars – A creative and tasty competition for older kids

Add-On Fun: Sweet Treats, Games, and More

Want to enhance the day of the party? These are fun extras that pair well with almost any theme:

• Cotton candy machine – A nostalgic favorite
• Traditional party games – Musical chairs, pin the tail, or scavenger hunts
• Photo booth – Use party themes or props for memorable pictures
• Party favors – Choose ones that align with your activity or theme
• Children’s entertainer DJ – Play music, organize games, and interact with kids

Logistics to Keep in Mind

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• Booking agreement: Always get a signed contract that outlines services, time, and number of guests or children included.
• Notice of reschedule: Be clear on policies for rain or illness—especially if you’re hosting outdoors.
• Worry-free guarantee: Some companies offer this; it ensures a backup plan if the first team or entertainer can’t make it.
• Extra fee: Ask if additional children require extra payment so there are no surprises on event day.

From DIY to Pro: Finding the Right Fit

The right children’s entertainer or party setup depends on your:

• Budget
• Number of children
• Party space
• Desired experience (laid-back play vs. high-energy performance)

Some of our favorite private parties have been the ones where we kept it simple and let the kids explore, create, and have a great time with one another. At the same time, we’ve also had a blast at parties that pulled out all the stops with multiple entertainers and a themed show.

Share your Favorite Kids Party Entertainment Ideas

Whether you’re planning a first birthday or your fifth kid’s tenth party, the most important thing is this: your child wants to feel celebrated. You don’t need to impress the next person or recreate what you saw on Instagram. With a little creativity and thoughtful planning, you’ll throw a great party that your child and their friends will talk about for years.

Want more inspiration for your next party or event? Check out our other posts on:

• How to Throw a Stress-Free Backyard Birthday Party
• DIY Balloon Garland Ideas
• Easy Theme Party Games for All Ages

Planning your child’s special day doesn’t have to be stressful. With these ideas in your back pocket, you’ll create an amazing time for kids of all ages—and maybe even the adults too.

As always, thank you for following along with me in my creative journey. Be sure to tag me and use #meagannicholedotcom when sharing your kids party entertainment ideas! Thanks for stopping by MeaganNichole.com

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