Plan kids party entertainment in four steps: choose the acts by the children's ages, fit them to the space you have, put them in a running order, and check the venue's rules before paying anything. The age range matters more than the theme, and the venue decides what can work.
Price: single acts usually cost AED 600 to AED 1,800, and a full two to three hour package AED 2,500 to AED 6,000. See kids entertainer prices.
1. Choose acts by age
| Ages | Acts that hold their attention | Session length |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 | Puppet show, bubble show, soft mascot, simple face painting, short host segments | 20 to 30 minutes per act |
| 5 to 8 | Clown, balloon artist, mascot, host with games, kids magic | 45 to 60 minutes |
| 9 to 12 | Mini disco, science show, host with team games and prizes | 45 minutes to 2 hours |
At a mixed age party, book two acts, one for the younger group and one for the older group, or a host who can switch the pace. Count the younger siblings too.
2. Fit the acts to the space
| Venue | What to check |
|---|---|
| Villa or garden | Shade, and a power point for sound. Most flexible. |
| Apartment or small room | Seated acts only: puppet show, face painting, a small magic act. |
| Community hall or clubhouse | Whether outside entertainers and music are allowed, and any facility fee. |
| Hotel function room | The approved supplier list. Good for 40 or more children. |
| Beach club or pool | The venue's policy on outside entertainers, especially at weekends. |
Every performer needs a clear area where the children can sit on the floor and see.
3. Put the acts in order
A three hour party for 20 to 30 children often runs like this:
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 0:00 to 0:15 | Arrival, welcome games or face painting |
| 0:15 to 0:45 | Main show, such as a clown, a puppet show or a mascot |
| 0:45 to 1:15 | Free play or supervised games |
| 1:15 to 1:30 | Cake and the happy birthday song |
| 1:30 to 2:15 | Second act, such as a mini disco or a balloon artist |
| 2:15 to 2:45 | Food and party favours |
| 2:45 to 3:00 | Wind down and goodbyes |
Leave 10 to 15 minutes of buffer in the middle. Kids parties never run exactly to plan. Do not open with the loudest act, or the children are tired before the cake.
4. Check the venue and the paperwork
- Venue rules first. Ask about outside entertainers, noise curfews and banned activities before you pay a venue deposit.
- Sound. Villas, gardens and parks rarely have a speaker. Book a host or act that brings one.
- Heat. From May to September, keep daytime activity indoors or in deep shade.
- Permits. A private party at home or in a private venue needs none. Malls, public parks and promoted events need a DET permit in Dubai, or DCT approval in Abu Dhabi.
- Schools and nurseries. Entertainers need a valid police clearance certificate.
5. Book and confirm in writing
Book 3 to 10 days ahead for a normal party, and 3 to 4 weeks ahead for weekends in school holidays, Eid and the weeks around National Day. Before you pay a deposit, get the performer, the exact start and end time and the backup plan in writing. For combined bookings, see party packages.
