Best kids' party entertainment in NYC

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. (212-501-4828, daisydoodle.com)

This clown couple hosts an interactive comedy magic show for kids ages 4–8. After laughs and magic, party-goers can try their hands at activities such as plate spinning! Those who are interested can add  balloon animals or face and body painting for an extra fee. (212-828-5386, sammieandtudie.com)

The eponymous funny lady and her friends perform a show for kids ages 3–9 that features magic, games, balloon animals and—what else?—comedy. Face painting is also offered. (718-278-4871, crazydaisyclowns.com)

Using high-quality, hypoallergenic face paint, this mom gladly accommodates any special requests—princesses, rainbow butterflies, superheroes and more. Melissa also comes wearing her artwork on her face. (212-876-3332 or 917-330-1924, faceartbymelissa.com)

Bicoastal visual artist Derrick Little has painted for Martha Stewart, Madonna, Julianne Moore and others. Word has it he can paint a full face in less than three minutes! (917-859-7250, facesbyderrick.com)

This Brooklynite's fantasy-inspired designs are elaborate and glittery. Even better? Sharon also offers balloon twisting and glitter tattoos. (917-620-7006 or 718-643-6411, brooklynfacepainter.com)

Featured on Good Morning America, this company Kiki’s Faces and Balloons hires professional artists as face painters, so you know your kids and their friends will love their designs. The glitter paints will be a big hit with wannabe princesses. (646-435-4739, kikisfacesandballoons.com)

Children will recognize this magician from his show The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things. Expect lots of fast-paced tricks (kids commonly request the trick where Max's wallet bursts into flames when he's not looking), plus an impressive juggling routine. (212-931-8553, maxdarwinmagic.com)

Gary’s the name, and magic’s the game! Since 2007, he’s brought smiles to the faces of NYC young’uns, delivering an ever-evolving, action- packed show that complements his background in improv theater: He loves when children shout out their input so the performance takes off in different directions on the fly! (646-389-7325, ahrealmagic.com)

Don't sweat the party planning. Thanks to Child's Play NY, the entertainment comes directly to you. The company's mobile offerings—which can be held at home, in the park or a community space—caters the celebration around your child's interest. Actors and games will work around a theme, including superheroes, Harry Potter and more. Child's Play NY is perfect for birthday stars ages 3–11. Prices start at $400. (347-759-6313, childsplayny.com)

No hypothesis needed: We can assure you that the Crazy Science Show for Kids is the key to a successful birthday party. Curious party-goers will be able to try their hand at neat experiments (think dry ice and liquid nitrogen), participate in an interactive show and celebrate the fruits of their labor with tasks like cotton candy-making and soda-making. Packages range from $400–$2,500. (scienceshowforkids.com). 

This entertainer (with the help of his fluffy white rabbit Marshmallow and five-foot-long ball python Fluffy) is a sixth-grade math teacher in the Bronx by day and a beloved magician after the bell rings. He certainly brings the party when he arrives on the scene with a fun table full of tricks, but he is not the only one participating: If the birthday kid wants to be the star of the show, Dave will involve them in every trick as his assistant, who helps to choose the volunteers and even makes an animal appear! (917-886-6364, magicaldave.com)

Kolodner recreates classic tales with theater and magic for kids ages 3–12, including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Batman and Star Wars. Themed balloon animals and face painting are also available. (212-582-2633, arnieparty.com)

This seasoned magician’s party package mixes magic with comedy, puppetry, juggling and balloons—and yes, there's even a bunny rabbit! Adults can even get in on the action, as this is one magician who caters to adults and children. (646-435-4088, mcmagical.com)

Fields has been dazzling little ones since the '80s. His shows provide a hint of comedy, magic, balloon animals and lots of audience participation, so get prepare for a busy group of kiddos. (914-771-5912, nykidsmagician.com)

Kids and parents will appreciate the husband-wife-duo who belt out classic rock songs from the likes of Joan Jett and the Cars. Kids will jump at the opportunity to try their hand at their own pint-sized instrument. (732-872-4354, littlerockersmusic.com)

Who says kids can’t party at our level? DJ Natalie, founder of Baby DJ School, gives kids the tools to learn how to spin—then helps them put those skills to work! While some families choose the full-on Mini DJ School party for up to 12 kids— which includes a record and a pair of headphones so each kid can experiment—other parents might add a live set to the mix, which gets the kids bouncing to mash-ups of their favorite tunes. No matter the group size, Natalie plans a custom event that incorporates your kid’s theme and tastes, making the birthday child feel like a star! (646-836-2729, babydjschool.com)

You might say kids’ music is in Rolie Polie Guacamole cofounder Frank Gallo’s bones: His dad, Lou Gallo, was behind the Imagination Workshop Band and its hit song, “Subway Train.” Frank teamed up with his high school pal Andrew Tuzhilin and released an album in 2008, their first-ever as Rolie Polie Guacamole—and they’ve been creating
together ever since. Birthday party-goers will be enthralled with an age-appropriate, interactive performance that’s tailored to get ’em moving and grooving—even at times giving the kids shakers and balloons to urge participation. (201-245-1322, roliepolieguacamole.com)

This isn't your average red balloon. Robert Moy of the Brooklyn Balloon company first got the idea to go into this unique artform when his son fell in love with a candy cane balloon. "It got me thinking about how I could use my background in fashion, graphics, illustration and jewelry design to create something new with balloons. From there, I took a number of balloon twisting classes and have since moved on to make my own creations—I’m even working on some large-scale balloon sculptures," he said. (brooklynballooncompany.com)

Kids can craft till their heart's desire thanks to Lindsey Peer's direction at the Craft Studio. No project is too great. If your little one is thinking about a sleepover, give the Craft Studio a call. "We play trivia games, have a dance party and do a craft. We tire the kids out so all the parents have to do is pop in a movie and make some popcorn before they crash," Peers says. (212-631-6626, craftstudionyc.com)

Jam with Jamie's customized interactive musical entertainment offerings—live music, face painting, balloonists, photography, custom cakes and more for children ages 0–8—will certainly level-up your kid's birthday bash! (jamwithjamie.com)
 

This father 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. (212-533-7491, looneylouie.com)

The bespectacled Billy twists balloons, performs magic tricks and, most importantly, makes young party-goers 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 rascals. (212-645-1299, sillybillymagic.com)

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. (914-715-7329, sunnytheclown.com)

These party pranksters are here to entertain kids with a slew of magic tricks, exciting games, oddly-shaped balloon animals and much more. There are a variety of packages that offer a combination of different amenities, depending on what your birthday boy or girl is looking for. (917-714-4963, cottoncandyclowns.com)

Loony Toony packs in the fun with giant bubbles, juggling acts and magic tricks. He’s been in the biz for over 15 years, so you know you can trust him with your magic needs. (347-819-3911, www.clown4party.com)

Award-winning painter RoByn Thompson has worked her magic during special events at the Guggenheim, so she means business. She’ll happily accommodate any theme or request your child has in mind. (347-725-1213, moogieland.com)

With Agostino Arts, party-goers transform into works of art and become part of the interactive show alongside the performers. (516-771-8086, agostinoarts.com)

The king of all-things funny and fast-paced brings his silly magic from Brooklyn Cyclones games right to your home. Families may recognize this monarch from his cable access show or the baseball games where he acts as field announcer. (917-650-2978, kinghenryshow.com)

Kids get to assist with tricks and get up close and personal with live animals, including a dwarf bunny, a white dove and a boa constrictor (if they so dare). (800-644-7497, birthdaypartymagicshow.com)

Entertainer Peter Juris does it all. He’s mastered hysterical magic shows for kids of all ages, plus he juggles, walks on stilts and twists balloons into all different types of creations. Kids can even learn a thing or two from the expert himself, depending on the type of party package parents select. (845-405-1217, peter-juris.com)

This illusionist's routine (which has made an appearance on Sesame Street) features vintage style, handcrafted props, DIY robotics, slapstick humor, audience interaction and a live dove named Mozzarella. Who could resist that? (917-605-0662, mariothemagician.com)

Many city parents claim Miss Pinkie as their kids' favorite party entertainer. At the interactive magic show geared to youngsters ages 3 and up, the birthday child helps find a missing bunny. Afterward, Miss Pinkie crafts balloon hats, animals and sculptures. (800-246-PINK, misspinkie.com)

Magic Evan is here to entertain. With four party packages—a combo of magic, balloons and even parent involvement—guests young and old will be fully immersed in his defying routine. (855-624-4238, magicevan.com)

Prepare for a lot of see-it-to-believe illusions during the performance (including levitation). Little ones will leave with a book about magic 101 after the show, which is recommended for those 4–8. (646-476-9830, nymagicianforchildren.com)

This popular bluegrass band will pen a personalized song for the birthday kid, host dance contests and play a sweet set. (917-693-4939, astrograssmusic.com/kids)

This early-childhood music educator is well loved at local tot hot spots. He's performed at Apple Seeds, Citibabes, Kidville and NY Kids Clubs, to name a few. Book his three-piece band (drums, piano and guitar) or get him as a solo act. (www.facebook.com/BrettBandForKids/)

Singer-songwriter Banana has done tunes for Nickelodeon and Disney, and is tickled yellow to bring his silly songs to your home. Parties include a performance and a package of CDs. (917-744-2358, dannabanana.com)

Your party is Moey’s stage. The Off Broadway performer sings original tunes, hosts games and activities using a range of props (maracas, bubbles) and personalizes the songs to match your event’s theme. (917-6806739, moeysmusicparty.com)

Meredith LeVande invites little ones to participate in performances that combine peppy tunes with bubbles—a terrific relationship if ever there was one. (212-673-6472, monkeymonkeymusic.com)

Choose from clowns, magicians, balloon sculptors and airbrush artists. For an old-school shindig, book a caricaturist or a candy cart. The company also offers stuff-a-bear sessions or animal adventure parties, where the zoo comes straight to your home. (631-234-0564, animations-supertunes.com)

Go for one of the comedic magic sets or opt for a variety show with juggling and balancing acts from this gem. Check out the epic magician-approved goody bags, too. (888-867-4282, bhappie.com)

Choose from several different packages for little kids—clowns, magicians and children's characters, rock stars for the tween age group . Stilt walkers, jugglers, caricaturists and puppet shows are also available. (800-694-2378, beaent.com)

Izzy's has it all: balloon twisting, comedy, magic, hand puppets and kid-friendly DJs for youngsters ages 2–10. The New Jersey-based company has been at it for over 25 years, so rest assured that your party is getting the appropriate treatment. (732-940-2264, izzysentertainment.com)

Ken and his stable of handmade puppets entertain with shows to suit any party theme—pirates, princesses, animals and much more. (718-686-6801, kidspartiesnewyork.com)

This company specializes in costumed character parties: Performers will dress up as princesses, pirates and superheroes for your kid's events. They also offer bouncy castles, caricaturists, musicians and magicians. If your kiddo has a summer birthday, water slides are also in the realm of possibilities! (203-322-4516, iluvaparty.com)

This antlered animal tells stories, performs nursery rhymes, sings folk songs and puts on puppet shows for kids up to 7 years old. (212-567-0682, marciathemusicalmoose.com)

These artists will draw caricatures of the guests to take home; the company also offers jugglers, magicians and other kinds of entertainers. (646-452-9946, nysketches.com)

Got a pint-size prima ballerina on your hands? Then let the folks at Twinkle Party indulge her ballet dreams. Little ones dress up in tutus, learn moves from a professional dancer, participate in an interactive story and put on a performance for parents. Best for ages 3–8. (646-455-8311, twinklepartyfun.com).