Planning guide
Kids' party entertainment: ideas by age and what they cost
Toddlers, seven-year-olds or teenagers? Here's what works at each age, rough UK guide prices, and when to book.
On this page
Ages 3 to 6: the early years
Short attention spans mean one great entertainer beats a room full of toys. Look for acts who run games as well as perform.
Children's entertainer (magic, games, puppets)
The all-rounder for this age. Two hours of magic, games and a pass-the-parcel finale keeps every child in the room engaged.
Browse children's entertainer (magic, games, puppets)sCostumed character or mascot visit
A 30-minute appearance from a favourite character is the party. Book the reveal for when all the guests have arrived.
Browse costumed character or mascot visitsFace painter or balloon modeller
Book for a two-hour window rather than the whole party, queues move fast and interest fades after that.
Browse face painter or balloon modellersSoft play or bouncy castle hire
With set-up and pack-down included. Check the venue's ceiling height and power supply before you book.
Browse soft play or bouncy castle hiresAges 7 to 10: primary school
This is the disco-and-party-games age. Children this age love to perform, compete and be the DJ for a song.
Kids' disco with games host
Not just music, the best hosts run dance-offs, competitions and prize games the whole time.
Browse kids' disco with games hostsMagic show with audience participation
At this age the birthday child becomes the star of the trick. Ask the magician to build the show around them.
Browse magic show with audience participationsScience or craft workshop
Slime-making, potions or pottery painting, an hour-long activity that doubles as the party bag.
Browse science or craft workshopsPhoto booth with props
Works for the kids and gives the parents something fun to look back on.
Browse photo booth with propssTweens and teens
Older kids are past mascots but still want a party. Give them something that feels grown-up without being one.
DJ who takes requests
A proper DJ set with their playlist at the centre. Ask for a clean-edit policy, most DJs will do this gladly.
Browse dj who takes requestssCaricaturist
Teenagers love a funny drawing of themselves and their friends, and it doubles as a keepsake.
Browse caricaturistsKaraoke host
Competitive, funny and self-fuelling once it starts. Book a host with their own screen and mic set-up.
Browse karaoke hostsPhoto booth or magic mirror
An hour of props and prints is usually plenty at this age.
Browse photo booth or magic mirrorsRough guide prices
Ballpark UK estimates only, most children's party entertainment falls somewhere between £80 and £600 depending on the act, where you are and how long you need them. Every act on Veya sets their own fee, so treat these as a starting point for your budget, not a quote.
| Entertainment | Rough estimate | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Face painter or balloon modeller | £100 to £250 | 2 hours |
| Costumed character or mascot visit | £120 to £300 | 30 to 60 min |
| Bouncy castle or soft play hire | £80 to £250 | Full day |
| Children's entertainer (magic & games) | £150 to £350 | 1 to 2 hours |
| Kids' disco with games host | £200 to £400 | 2 hours |
| Science or craft workshop | £200 to £500 | 1 hour |
| Petting zoo or animal encounter | £250 to £600 | 1 to 2 hours |
| Photo booth | £250 to £500 | 3 hours |
When to book
6 to 8 weeks before
Weekend entertainers book out fast for spring and summer Saturdays. Popular children's entertainers often take weekend bookings two months ahead.
3 to 4 weeks before
Confirm numbers, ages of the children and any allergies. Tell the entertainer the space you have, a living room party needs a different act to a hall.
1 week before
Send arrival, parking and set-up details. Agree who provides power, a table for the entertainer and where they'll perform.
On the day
Have the party food ready for after the show, not during it, a fed audience is a distracted audience.
Planning a kids' party?
Browse children's entertainers, DJs, magicians and photo booths, vetted acts are badged and shown first, message them directly and confirm everything with a simple contract, deposits and balances handled securely through Veya.