Kids Party Entertainment FAQ: Ages, Prices and Setup

What actually happens during the show?

It's a live comedy show with handmade puppets, silly magic and ventriloquism, and the kids are part of it the whole time. They shout answers, help with tricks, and a few get called up as helpers.

Every puppet is built in our own workshop, so your kids won't have seen these characters anywhere else.

What's the difference between the three packages?

The Silly Magic Show is 35 minutes of comedy magic for $285. The Puppet & Magic Duo is 45 minutes of puppets and magic woven into one silly story for $375, and it's the one most families pick.

Ultimate Entertainment is a two-hour party for $575: the puppet and magic show, plus balloon twisting, dance games, a cake ceremony and a photo op.

Can I book just the puppet show, without the magic?

In the Puppet & Magic Duo the puppets and the magic are one story, so that's the usual way to get puppets. If you have a puppet-only show in mind, text us and we'll tell you what we can do for your date.

Will the birthday child be part of the show?

Yes, that's the whole idea. The birthday child gets featured moments throughout the show and a special job near the end. Tell us their name when you book, and how to say it.

What kind of humor is it? Is it clean?

Family-friendly, silly and kind. The laughs come from the puppets getting things wrong and the kids getting to be the smart ones. There's no mean humor, and nothing you'd have to explain to another parent afterwards.

It's the same show we perform for preschools and elementary schools, so it's written to pass a room full of teachers.

Can I see a video before I book?

Yes. Text or email us and we'll send you a short clip of the show you're looking at.

Is it a magician or a puppeteer who comes?

Both, in one person. Each of our performers does magic, puppets and ventriloquism in the same show.

Can I request a specific performer, like Jungle Joe?

You can ask, and we'll try. We have four performers and we schedule by date and area, so we can't always promise a particular one. Every performer runs the same show to the same standard.

What ages is the show for?

It's built for kids aged 2 to 10, and that's where it lands best. Most birthday parties have a spread of ages, and the show is written for that: simple, visual gags for the little ones and quicker jokes for the older kids.

Parents usually end up laughing as much as the kids.

Is it OK for a 1st or 2nd birthday?

Yes, with one honest note. A one-year-old won't follow a story, but the older siblings, cousins and friends will, and first-birthday parties usually have plenty of them. If the room is mostly under-twos, go with the shorter 35-minute show.

Will 7 to 10 year olds think it's too babyish?

This is the question we get most from parents of older kids. The humor for older kids is quicker and more knowing: they get to catch the puppets out and be in on the joke, and nine and ten year olds are often the loudest helpers.

Past about age 10 it isn't the right fit, and we'll tell you that honestly.

What if my child is shy?

We see it all the time. Nobody is pulled up who doesn't want to be. Shy kids can join in from their seat, and plenty of them end up volunteering by the end.

How many kids can watch?

A typical party is 10 to 30 kids, and that's perfect. The show scales up well, and we've performed for 150 to 200 kids at festivals and community events.

We're expecting a very big group. How does that work?

If you're expecting more than about 60 kids, or guests will come and go over several hours, split it into two shows: one near the start and a second an hour later. Balloon twisting in between keeps the lines short. Tell us your numbers and we'll plan the timing with you.

Will the adults enjoy it too?

Yes. There are jokes pitched over the kids' heads, and the ventriloquism tends to win the grown-ups over. If your crowd is mostly adults, mention it when you book and we'll lean on the ventriloquist material.

How much space do you need?

About 6 by 6 feet for the performer, plus floor space in front for the kids to sit. A living room, backyard, garage, patio or party room all work.

Do I need to have a venue before I book?

No. You can hold the date first and send us the address once it's settled. The date and time are what we need to lock in.

Do you perform at parks?

Yes, often. The main thing we need is shade, because the performer and the kids can't sit in full afternoon sun for 45 minutes. We bring our own power if there's no outlet.

Reserve a picnic area if your park takes reservations, and bring a couple of blankets for the kids to sit on.

Our home is small. Which parks work well?

Any park with a shaded, flat patch of grass near a picnic area. Our city pages list parks we've actually performed at in each city, so start there.

What about restaurants or party rooms?

They work well. Check that the room is private or semi-private, because background music and other diners compete with the show, and ask the venue to turn their music off while we perform.

What happens if it rains?

We move indoors with you. A living room, garage or clubhouse all work. If you have no indoor option, call or text us as early as you can and we'll work it out with you.

Do you need electricity or a sound system?

No. We bring our own sound and power. We don't provide a microphone or PA for the host's announcements.

Is there anything about the location we should tell you?

Yes: stairs, a long walk from parking, a gated community or a building with a front desk. None of these stop the show, but knowing ahead helps us arrive on time.

When should the show start?

About 15 to 30 minutes after your party start time, so late guests don't miss it. Then do cake after the show, while everyone's still in one place.

Should kids eat during the show?

We'd suggest before or after. It's an interactive show and the kids are up and down, so food ends up on the floor and sticky hands end up on the puppets. A small, tidy snack is fine, just let us know when you book.

How early do you arrive?

About 15 minutes before showtime to set up. Setup is quick and quiet, so the party can carry on around us.

If I add balloon twisting, how long is the whole visit?

The show runs its normal length and the balloon time comes after it, so the visit is longer than the show alone. How much longer depends on how many kids are in line. We'll give you the full timing when we confirm.

We've booked you before. Will it be the same show?

Tell us when you book and we'll change the stories and tricks. Families, preschools and neighborhoods that book us every year get a different show each time.

Can you match our party theme?

Yes. Tell us the theme when you book and we'll work it into the jokes, the puppets and the balloons. Dinosaurs, jungle safari, pirates, unicorns, superheroes, Halloween and holiday themes are all common.

Do you bring a costumed character?

No. We don't do costumed characters or licensed mascots. What you get is a themed show, with puppets and stories built around your theme.

What add-ons are there?

Balloon twisting, dance games for $49, and a cake-cutting ceremony. All three are already included in the two-hour Ultimate Entertainment package.

Can I book balloon twisting on its own?

Balloon twisting is usually booked alongside a show. If balloons are all you need, text us your date and how many kids, and we'll tell you what's possible. More on our balloon artist page.

What is the photo op?

A few minutes at the end for photos of the birthday child and guests with the performer and the puppets. It's part of the Ultimate Entertainment package.

Do you do face painting, bounce houses or animals?

No, we focus on the show. If you need face painting, ask and we're happy to point you to someone.

How do I check if my date is free?

Text or call (925) 605-4655 with your date, time, city and your child's age, or use our online booking form. We check all four performers' calendars and get back to you.

How far ahead should I book?

Two to three weeks is the sweet spot. Weekend and holiday dates go first, so book earlier for those. Is your party next week? Ask anyway. We take last-minute bookings whenever a performer is free.

Do you need a deposit?

No. We hold your date without any upfront payment.

Is there a travel fee?

No. There's no travel fee anywhere in our service area and nothing extra on the invoice. The price you see is the price you pay.

How do I pay? Can you invoice our school or company?

Payment is due on the day of your event, so there's nothing to pay upfront. Most families pay by Zelle, which is instant and the easiest for everyone, or by cash or check to the performer after the show.

Prefer a credit card? Just ask and we'll send you a secure payment link.

Booking for a school, preschool, library, company or other organization? We'll email an itemized invoice to your office, and we can include a W-9 and a certificate of insurance (COI). If you need a PO number on the invoice or have a vendor form to fill in, send it over and we'll take care of it.

Are there any discounts?

Book online and take $25 off. If you book two shows on the same day, it's $50 off each.

How do I know my booking is confirmed?

Once your request comes in, we check the calendar and email you a confirmation with your invoice, usually within 24 hours. If you haven't heard from us, text us. Please don't assume the date is booked until you have that email.

Can I change the date, time or place?

Yes, just call or text. With about a week's notice there's no fee. A change of venue is easy as long as the time still works.

What's your cancellation policy?

Cancel for any reason and your payment is refunded in full. Please let us know as early as you can so we can offer the slot to another family.

What if the performer is running late or gets sick?

We'll call you right away. With four performers, we can usually send someone else.

Are you insured?

Yes. We carry commercial general liability insurance and can send a certificate (COI) if your park, HOA or venue asks for one. It's the same certificate schools and cities ask us for.

Which areas do you cover?

The whole San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and the Stockton and Modesto area. We're a family business based in Manteca. See our service area for the full list of cities.

Do you come to my city?

If it's in one of those regions, yes, and there's no travel fee. If you're near the edge of our area, text us your city and we'll tell you right away.

Do you perform at schools and preschools too?

Yes, a lot. We have a separate set of programs for schools, preschools, libraries and camps, with the vendor paperwork taken care of. See our school assembly shows and our preschool puppet show.