Guest Stars
Clowns, magicians, costumed characters. Also animal trainers, fortune-tellers, scientists. Or try local talent: a ballerina or an ace skateboarder with tricks.
Where: Home, party space, community room.
How much: $35 for a teenage magician; up to $300 for a top-notch clown. Averages $175 to $200.
Pros: Occupies the kids for at least for 45 to 60 minutes, the average performance time. Good for groups of 25 and up, when other amusements can be unwieldy.
Cons: Performers can get lost and show up late or not at all. Be prepared to step in with some kind of activity.
Ages:
2 to 3: Musical performers are perfect; costumed characters may be too scary.
4 to 5: Cartoon characters and small animals to pet are popular.
6 to 8: Book a magician who teaches tricks, a scientist with a laser light show.
9 to 12: Try fortune-tellers and detectives who need kids' crime-solving help.
Next: Restaurants
