🎉 The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Children's Entertainer for Birthday Parties
- Magic Dave
- Apr 14, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 22
Planning your child’s birthday party? 🎂 The cake is sorted, the guest list is growing, and you've even 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?
Think of entertainers 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
The ability to hold a room full of kids in the palm of their hand 🧙♂️
This means you can enjoy the party too. Chat with parents, take photos, or sneak a slice of cake before the kids find it.
Cost and Value of Children's Entertainment
Children's entertainment is an investment in joyful memories. You want every detail to be perfect. Some parents wonder if they can cut costs on entertainment. However, keep in mind the value a good entertainer brings.
When you hire a professional, you’re buying peace of mind. This is what you’re really paying for when you hire someone who knows their craft.
💷 So… How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
Let’s talk numbers — with a little flexibility. I’ve chatted with loads of entertainers over the years (yes, it’s quite a lively bunch!), and while not everyone shouts about their rates, most fall into a similar range. To save you some guesswork, here’s a helpful average of what you can typically expect to pay as of 2025*
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 serves as a solid starting point for experienced, reliable performers.
💡 Just a quick note: These prices apply to children’s entertainers. They run games, tell jokes, perform magic, and keep 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. Typically, they are shorter appearances focused on meet-and-greets and themed storytelling.
👑 What You’re Really Paying For
When you hire a professional at fair market rates, 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 understand that party budgets can spiral. That £60 offer floating around Facebook Marketplace might sound appealing. However, 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 works.
❌ 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.
❌ Communication can be hit-and-miss — no confirmation emails, vague timings, or ghosting altogether.
Hiring someone who charges far below industry standard is often a red flag. They might be new, unprepared, or simply not treating it like a professional service. The last thing you want is 20 kids staring at you asking, “When’s the fun starting?”
I’ve experienced disappointment myself when a performer didn’t show up. It was heart-breaking to see my kids upset as Spiderman missed his bus (true yet sad story!) To see the tears streaming down their faces as the realisation hits that their hero can't make it is gut wrenching. This illustrates how crucial it is to hire someone reliable. An entertainer 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 intent to make your party brilliant.
🎁 Final Thoughts
Your child’s birthday is one of the most important days of the year. 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, they genuinely love making kids’ parties unforgettable. You can trust them to take care of everything, allowing you to focus on enjoying the day.
We understand the stress when things don’t go as planned. That's why Magic Dave is always prepared with backup plans, energy, and creativity to ensure smooth party operations. You can relax knowing the kids will be engaged and laughing the whole time.
While a cheaper deal might be tempting, a little extra investment in a professional entertainer means you’ll enjoy a stress-free and joyful party. Ready to make your child’s birthday magical? Contact us today — we can’t wait to help you create an unforgettable celebration!
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