How Much Should You Pay for a Children's Entertainer at a Birthday Party?

"Because the only thing more chaotic than 20 excited kids is trying to keep them entertained without help..."

Planning your child’s birthday party? 🎂 The cake’s sorted, the guest list is growing, and you've managed to blow up enough balloons to question your lung capacity. But there’s one big piece of the party puzzle left: the entertainment.

You’ve probably started Googling and asking around, and now you’re wondering — how much should I actually be paying for a children’s entertainer?

Let’s break it down — costs, value, and why sometimes cheaper isn’t always better.

💡 Why Hire a Children's Entertainer in the First Place?

Excited Children at a Magic Dave Party! — "I've never seen my children so engaged in a show before"

Think of them as your party’s secret weapon. Professional entertainers bring the energy, structure, and giggles — so you don’t have to.

They’ll handle:

Engaging games and interactive fun
Magic and puppet shows
Dancing, bubbles, balloons and more
Lots of energy
And the ability to hold a room full of kids in the palm of their hand 🧙‍♂️

It means you can enjoy the party too — chatting with parents, taking photos, or sneaking a slice of cake before the kids find it.

💷 So… How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

Let’s talk numbers — with a little flexibility. I’ve chatted to loads of entertainers over the years (yes, it’s a lively bunch!), and while not everyone likes to shout about their rates, most fall into a similar range. So, to save you some guesswork, here’s a helpful average of what you can typically expect to pay.

Time	What You normally get	Ballpark Price
50 mins – 1 hour	A magic show/short party games and activities	From £130 - 250
2 hours	Full party hosting with magic shows, high-energy games, mini disco, prizes, and a break for food	From £230 - 350

👉 These prices can vary across the country. Entertainers based in or traveling to areas like London or other major cities may charge more due to travel, parking, and higher business costs.

Still the above is a solid starting point for experienced, reliable performers.

💡 Just a quick note: These prices are for children’s entertainers — the ones running games, telling jokes, performing magic, and keeping the energy up from start to finish. If you're looking for a character appearance (like a princess, superhero, or mascot visit), those often have different pricing structures, as they’re usually shorter appearances with a focus on meet-and-greets, photos, and themed storytelling rather than full party hosting.

👑 What You’re Really Paying For

When you hire a professional at fair market rate, you're not just paying for time — you're investing in:

A smooth-running, stress-free party
Happy, engaged kids (for a solid hour or two!)
Great memories and photo moments
Your own ability to actually enjoy the event

It’s not just an entertainer — it’s peace of mind in a party hat. 🎉

⚠️ “I Found Someone Doing 2 Hours for £60!” – Why Cheaper Isn’t Always Cheerier

We get it — party budgets can spiral, and that £60 offer floating around Facebook Marketplace might sound like a dream. But when someone’s offering 2 hours of entertainment for the price of a takeaway, it’s worth asking: what exactly are you getting?

Here’s what that bargain deal might actually come with:

❌ Little to no experience managing kids or crowds.
❌ Lack of Public Liability Insurance - so if a flying foam banana hits Grandma in the face, you’re on your own 🍌
❌ Poor quality or minimal equipment — dodgy wigs, a home music speaker and a bubble machine that barely blows
❌ No structure or pacing — just a few random games followed by lots of confusion
❌ No security in booking — if they fall ill or cancel last-minute, you’re left scrambling with no backup
❌ Communication can be hit-and-miss — no confirmation emails, vague timings, or ghosting altogether

Hiring someone who’s charging far below industry standard is often a red flag. They might be new, unprepared, or simply not treating it like a professional service. And let’s be honest — the last thing you want is 20 kids staring at you asking, “When’s the fun starting?” I’ve actually experienced being let down by a performer myself, and let me tell you — it was heart-breaking. Seeing my own kids upset because the entertainer we booked didn’t show up was awful. It’s a reminder of just how important it is to hire someone reliable who knows how to handle the excitement and chaos of a birthday party. No parent wants that kind of stress on the big day.

A professional entertainer doesn’t just turn up and wing it. They bring the full package — planning, prep, energy, backup plans, and a clear commitment to making your party brilliant.

🎁 Final Thoughts

Your child’s birthday is one of the most important days of the year — and it deserves to be filled with magic, laughter, and fun. That’s where Magic Dave and Totally Awesome Entertainment come in. With years of experience and a genuine love for making kids’ parties unforgettable, you can trust them to take care of everything, so you can focus on enjoying the day.

We know what it’s like to feel stressed when things don’t go to plan — and that's why Magic Dave is always prepared with backup plans, energy, and creativity to keep the party running smoothly. You can rest easy knowing that the kids will be engaged, entertained, and laughing the whole time.

So, while a cheaper deal might be tempting, a little extra investment in a professional entertainer means you’ll have a party that’s stress-free and full of joy. Ready to make your child’s birthday magical? Contact us today — we can’t wait to help you make this celebration unforgettable!

🎉 Contact us now to book a Totally Awesome party with Magic Dave!

🎩 Ready to Bring the Magic to Your Party?

Looking for a guaranteed way to wow the kids, keep the chaos under control, and create unforgettable memories? Look no further than Magic Dave and Totally Awesome Entertainment!

Whether you're planning a magical bash, or a fun-filled adventure, Magic Dave and his team of party pros! bring energy, laughs, and an unforgettable experience. With years of experience, hilarious antics, and a talent for turning any party into an absolute blast, you can rest easy knowing your child’s big day is in the best hands.

🎈 Why choose Magic Dave / Totally Awesome Entertainment?

🪄 Customised Entertainment: Whether it’s a magic show, games, or dance-off, it’s tailored to your theme and your kids’ ages.
💡 Pro-level fun: Professional entertainers who know how to keep kids engaged and having fun.
🎉 Full Party Packages: From setup to breakdown, they’ve got everything covered so you don’t have to worry.
📅 Reliability: Magic Dave’s team is fully insured, well-prepared, and ready to roll — no last-minute flakiness here.