Kid-inclusive events can be as complex and intricate as the sleekest soiree concerning entertainment planning. Trends are changing faster than ever, and if you’re not “in the know,” sometimes it can be challenging to pick an entertainment professional that will keep all the kids engaged and excited. Balloons and a space for the kids to run around are great and all, but let’s roll down this article to find the best of the best event entertainment pros to elevate your next kid-friendly social event beyond the bare minimum.
1. The Bash
This online event marketplace has a slew of totally creep-free clowns for hire. They have options for a range of entertainment budgets and have tons of options for local NYC events. Each clown has ratings, reviews, and various talents listed in their profiles, so you can feel comfortable with who you’re hiring from the start. Some of these clowns have some impressive entertainment options, from balloon art, magic tricks, and even real bearded Santa helpers and mega-robots on stilts!
2. Clown Magic Party Entertainment
This NYC-based entertainment enterprise is a full-service party company. And they’ve entertained everyone, from synagogues to entire street fairs. Reservations are encouraged, especially if you’re planning a Holiday event. This particular clown company even has options for more adult events, too (but let’s keep it PG here, folks).
Clown Magic also features a traveling hospital clown program that helps spread entertainment and positivity to children who might have a chronic illness or long hospital stay. They travel and visit major metropolitan areas 50 weeks out of the year and have brightened thousands of faces over the years.
3. Send In The Clowns Entertainment Corporation
Send In The Clowns is a full-service entertainment corporation that is set up to service small, medium, and large-scale events around New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Inflatables, concessions, and kid-friendly play zones can all be handled in-house to streamline the event planning experience.
These guys even have mechanical rides to rent, including a mechanical bull, a Ferris wheel, a rock climbing wall, and flying swings! Don’t worry. There is no need to stress about operating them since trained staff are included.
Their specialty event entertainment is definitely something to look out for. They have stilt walkers, magicians, and fire-eaters are just a few that are sure to impress more than just the kids at your next social event. Adults need to have fun, too, right?
4. Clowns 4 Kids
Clowns 4 Kids hasn’t just entertained masses of children. You’ve probably seen their mechanical bull on After the Show Show or a dunk tank on a major news channel. The Harlem Globetrotters have even used Clowns 4 Kids equipment for their trick shot performances!
With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, this company has grown to include a range of event options, from character-specific events to seasonal events.
One great party product of Clowns 4 Kids has to be the classically-themed bouncy houses, but their petting zoo package has to be at the top of our list as well. The typical petting zoo options are standard (goats, rabbits, ducks, and the like), but they offer exotic animal add-ons, too, including ball pythons, alligators, and hissing cockroaches!
5. NYC Birthday Clowns
These guys have perfected the birthday party game for the kid crowds. With various packages serving 5-50 children at one time, these entertainers offer the classics like face-painting, magic shows, balloon twisting, and even tattoos (temporary, of course.)
There are even options if you have a smaller event planned, where entertainers can provide face painting or balloon art to the crowd of kids and adults. This company’s reviews are pretty stellar. Additionally, it’s apparent that NYC Birthday Clowns bring a lot of smiles and professionalism to the table.
6. Bazinga Parties
Bazinga Parties is a group of “the biggest kids in New York City”! Kids entertainment is their forte, and they have the capability to handle the needs of five kids to over 1,000 corporate event guests. Organizing an event at school is also a specialty that’s offered.
Some other entertainment options with Bazinga Parties include slime making, silent discos (kid or adult-friendly), and inflatable archery courses.
7. A Princess Like Me
A Princess Like Me has a group of Disney-inspired entertainment options and specializes in providing a wholesome princess experience with special consideration for ethnic minority group representation. They offer options like video messages, whole virtual parties, or in-person party packages.
A Princess Like Me is a fantastic option for those looking for a kid-friendly princess-themed event in NYC.
8. Glitzy Chicks Spa Parties
With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, Glitzy Chicks has been serving up the best spa parties for New York resident divas. Their super-customizable events are perfect for a more non-traditional party option. Makeovers, hair styling, DIY bath bombs, and manicures are just a taste of the menu.
This is a great option for older and younger kids as long as they love the pampering. Multiple packages are available for a range of event sizes, interests, and budgets.
9. Crazy Science Show For Kids
Crazy Science Show For Kids isn’t just about the entertainment at a party. Educational, safe, and fun is their game. Real scientists wow the crowds with harmless experiments that look spectacular while demonstrating the laws of physics or chemistry. This is one of the most non-traditional party options we’ve found. Even the adults seem to enjoy the show!
10. Little Rockers
Little Rockers is a perfect option for some kid-friendly entertainment that has a focus on live music. They also offer music lessons and interactive shows year-round!
One party package Little Rockers offers is for those 0-5 years old with special soft equipment, a mini ball pit, and supervision in a designated space for the littles. Music is kept at a lighter volume, so it’s not so overwhelming for the littles, and they get to explore a cool new experience during the party.
What To Do When Planning a Kid-Friendly Event
The first thing to do if you’re planning a kid-friendly event is to account for the age and number of kids that will be attending. If this is a kid-friendly event, but most are in the early-teens age range, the entertainment options that are “cool” might be a little different than if most of the kids were five or six-year-olds.
Next is making sure you have an outlined budget and know what you can designate for kid-oriented entertainment. Or identify if there needs to be a blend of options for kids and adults. Other things to account for in the budget include catering and venue fees.
When looking at catering options, think about whether you’re catering a whole meal or just desserts. If it’s on the simpler side, a dessert table might be a good option to satisfy the many types of sweet tooths out there.
Settling on a theme is also an important part of event planning. If the crowd doesn’t care about clowns or magic, it’s not the smartest to book a clown that does magic for entertainment. A mini vision board can help, too, if you’re planning a larger event to get the big picture down on paper.
Event planning, especially New York event planning, can take up a lot of valuable time that you might not have. Hiring a New York event planner makes it a lot easier. It frees up your schedule and eliminates the need for hours of web searches to find the perfect entertainer, venue, and caterer.
FAQs About Hiring Event Entertainment
Here are some of the most asked questions when it comes to booking NYC kid-friendly event entertainment.
How many hours do I need to book?
Entertainment rates are often booked by the hour. Also, and most sites will have some recommendations based on the size of the party.
Do I need to order catering separately?
Catering a kid-friendly event is as important as the catering itself. Additionally, some companies offer catering options. Others will need to be booked separately.
What’s the most popular kids’ entertainment?
Clowns and balloon art are classic options for entertainment, but trends can change. Moreover, today’s kid entertainment trends include VR and bouncy houses!
How much does event entertainment cost?
Each company should be able to prepare a quote for your event. Most event entertainment costs $100-$200 hourly.
Is hiring an event planner worth it?
An event planner can save you time, energy, and stress while creating a seamless event that stays within your budget.
EMRG Event Planning
EMRG Media has your event planning needs handled. Also, our incredible team has some of the best connections, contacts, and experience to provide tailored packages for your next event. From those kid-friendly events with clowns, to elevated corporate events and fundraiser, we can make it memorable and exciting. So, connect with our team now and see why event planning really doesn’t have to be a huge, stressful ordeal when you have the right experts. We have decades of industry experience and knowledge that will make your next event one for the memory books. Contact EMRG Media to start planning!
