I am a Coventry Magician and here I'm going to talk about ways of entertaining children at a party.
So , how do you entertain youngsters at a party? This could seem an easy enough question to ask but I'm really not talking about one or two, more like 20 + kids.
Most parties in England last for two hours with a food break of 20 to 30 minutes in the middle, so what do you do with the kids for 90 minutes +?
There are a number of options assuming you are hiring a hall or having the party at home.
Hire a bouncy castle and have other outside games available and let them play. This could sound like a cheap and easy option but there is far more to consider. In today's age you are responsible for the children's safety. It's been well publicised that parents have taken court action against other parents for injuries caused on bouncy castles at private parties; the same has/could happen for other games.
If you are having such a party you should ask if the castle hirer has insurance for accidents, the truth of the matter is many are not which is how they keep the price low. The other problem you'll have is if the party is outside, if it rains you are back to having to think what you can do with them.
The next option is conventional games, again this appears a workable option but the young do not understand and the older youngsters are not interested in such games. The other problem with traditional games is that the kids are usually "out" as the games progress or have to wait for a turn, this can be very boring for them.
You might put on a CD and let them "dance", the truth here is you finish up with youngsters fighting as they jump and run around, it's not till they get to about 8 or 9 years old that many actually dance to music when it's played.
OK, so what is the answer you are thinking?
My solution is to hire an Entertainer.
Youngsters can have awfully short concentration spans so providing a varied range of entertainment can ensure they remain occupied and have a wonderful time. Over a two hour period I find a magical show, balloon modelling and a mini disco with games and prizes is a great mix. A long magic show or disco will struggle to keep the children's attention and interest so mixing in the winning of prizes in to the disco and introducing puppets and ventriloquism into the magic show should keep the children's attention.
When hiring an entertainer you should ensure they are insured and if at all possible check their CRB (criminal records bureau) to test they have got a clean record. The other critical point is to be certain they are professional performers. I've been told many times about part-time entertainers who have let people down because they have forgotten all about the booking after a hard week at work, or they've been compelled to go into work at the weekend and can't turn up to the party. I am really not saying this could never occur with a pro performer but the chances are lower as they have a reputation to uphold.
After years of performing at children's parties I've seen pretty much everything and every format. I'm glad to say that my format of balloons, a magic show and prize winning disco works and is received very well by the kids and adults.
This type of option could be more expensive than a DIY party but it is far more relaxing and will likely be more entertaining for the kids.
Whichever option you decide is right for you make sure the kids are controlled and safe throughout and you should have a great party.
So , how do you entertain youngsters at a party? This could seem an easy enough question to ask but I'm really not talking about one or two, more like 20 + kids.
Most parties in England last for two hours with a food break of 20 to 30 minutes in the middle, so what do you do with the kids for 90 minutes +?
There are a number of options assuming you are hiring a hall or having the party at home.
Hire a bouncy castle and have other outside games available and let them play. This could sound like a cheap and easy option but there is far more to consider. In today's age you are responsible for the children's safety. It's been well publicised that parents have taken court action against other parents for injuries caused on bouncy castles at private parties; the same has/could happen for other games.
If you are having such a party you should ask if the castle hirer has insurance for accidents, the truth of the matter is many are not which is how they keep the price low. The other problem you'll have is if the party is outside, if it rains you are back to having to think what you can do with them.
The next option is conventional games, again this appears a workable option but the young do not understand and the older youngsters are not interested in such games. The other problem with traditional games is that the kids are usually "out" as the games progress or have to wait for a turn, this can be very boring for them.
You might put on a CD and let them "dance", the truth here is you finish up with youngsters fighting as they jump and run around, it's not till they get to about 8 or 9 years old that many actually dance to music when it's played.
OK, so what is the answer you are thinking?
My solution is to hire an Entertainer.
Youngsters can have awfully short concentration spans so providing a varied range of entertainment can ensure they remain occupied and have a wonderful time. Over a two hour period I find a magical show, balloon modelling and a mini disco with games and prizes is a great mix. A long magic show or disco will struggle to keep the children's attention and interest so mixing in the winning of prizes in to the disco and introducing puppets and ventriloquism into the magic show should keep the children's attention.
When hiring an entertainer you should ensure they are insured and if at all possible check their CRB (criminal records bureau) to test they have got a clean record. The other critical point is to be certain they are professional performers. I've been told many times about part-time entertainers who have let people down because they have forgotten all about the booking after a hard week at work, or they've been compelled to go into work at the weekend and can't turn up to the party. I am really not saying this could never occur with a pro performer but the chances are lower as they have a reputation to uphold.
After years of performing at children's parties I've seen pretty much everything and every format. I'm glad to say that my format of balloons, a magic show and prize winning disco works and is received very well by the kids and adults.
This type of option could be more expensive than a DIY party but it is far more relaxing and will likely be more entertaining for the kids.
Whichever option you decide is right for you make sure the kids are controlled and safe throughout and you should have a great party.
About the Author:
I am a pro magician and children's entertainer operating in Coventry and surrounding areas.To visit my site, click here: Magician Coventry
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