Birthday party entertainers: Clowns for kids in New York City

If you have a young circus fan at home, you may want to consider hiring a clown for your child's next birthday party. In addition to coming dressed up wearing brightly-colored wigs and red noses, these party entertainers also make balloon animals, offer face painting and perform magic tricks. And, most of all, they'll make your little one—and her pals—laugh.

RECOMMENDED: All party entertainers in New York City

Crazy Daisy Clowns

The eponymous funny lady and her friends perform one-hour shows for kids ages three to nine featuring magic, games, balloon animals and—what else?—comedy. Face painting is included in the 90-minute package. Starts at $150 for one hour (718-278-4871, crazydaisyclowns.com)

Confetti Clowns & Characters

This family-owned clowning company offers face painting, balloon twisting and games, as well as lots of laughs. Choose from myriad themed parties. $185 and up (917-579-0867, confetticlowns.com)

Daisy Doodle

A full-time professional performer and children’s entertainer, Daisy Doodle offers a variety of party options including magic shows, dance parties, toddler shows, balloon twisting, face painting, crafts and holiday entertainment. $350 and up for two hours (212-501-4828, daisydoodle.com)

Looney Louie

This father of two performs a comic and highly interactive magic show with music, juggling and other tricks. After leading a chorus of "Happy Birthday," he makes balloon animals for all of the guests. When not entertaining at parties, he brightens the lives of seriously ill youths with the Starlight Children's Foundation of New York. $250 and up (212-533-7491, looneylouie.com)

Otsie Kerplotsie

A standard show for kids ages three and up includes a super-silly magic show, juggling, balloon animals and a lot of audience participation. $250 and up (347-585-9767, otsieclown.com)

Sammie and Tudie's Magic Circus

This clown couple hosts a 45-minute, interactive comedy magic show for kids ages four to eight. Add balloon animals or face and body painting for an extra fee. $500 and up (212-828-5386, imaginationplayhouse.com)

Silly Billy

The bespectacled Billy twists balloons, performs magic tricks and, most important, makes young partygoers laugh. The same talented performer (known in the real world as David Kaya) can also assume his second alter ego, Dr. Blood, for older-gore loving birthday rascaos. He's received praise from the New Yorker, The New York Times andThe Village Voice. $550 and up for one hour (212-645-1299, sillybillymagic.com)

Sunny the Clown

Sunny starts off all parties with a puppet greeting and face painting. Next up: noncompetitive games, group dancing, an interactive magic show and balloon animals.$185 and up for one hour; does not travel to Staten Island (914-715-7329, sunnytheclown.com)