The home-based birthday party can be a fun — and economical — option, especially for younger kids. No matter how many kids are coming, entertainment is the essential element. The right entertainer will tie into the theme of the party and keep them active, laughing, engaged, and happy before the cake is served. Here are a few local favorites, from magicians to scientists.

Science Play

Science with Nature Jack

Learning about science has never been more fun than with Nature Jack. With hands-on activities about topics ranging from fish, slime, snow, sounds and dinosaurs, petite partygoers will love experimenting with science.

Athletic Play

Bob’s Best Birthdays

If you’re looking to host a party outside your home, this sports-themed option comes highly recommended by the Main Line Parent Community on Facebook! Most parties are held at Friends’ Central School’s lower school campus. Parties include a variety of sports, with different approaches for smaller children and kids over age 7.

Fun Fieldz

From wiffle ball and soccer to a zany game course, Fun Fieldz brings the field to you. They cater to kids ages 3 and up, and can do indoor events, too.

Culinary Play

A Piece of Cake

Cake maestro Hila Shiff creates the most amazingly detailed cakes, but she also does cupcake decorating workshops for birthday parties, so kids can make their own fabulous creations.

Traveling Petting Zoo

Eyes of the Wild

If your child is fascinated by animals, this traveling petting zoo will come to your home with an array of animals and a knowledgeable guide to tell you a little about each friendly visitor.  They will cater the program to a child’s age and interests,  with animals such as rabbits, chinchillas, opossums, armadillos, foxes and ferrets.

Face Painting

Crazy Faces

Still hugely popular, face painting can transform guests into beautiful mermaids or fairies, fierce lions, and much more.  For older children, painted and henna tattoos and henna are other options.     

Balloons

Balloons with Jim

Jim Burkhart is a balloon master.  From standards like balloon swords, balls, bracelets, to incredible balloon toys and sculptures, guests with  have a balloon ball when Balloons with Jim is in the house. 

Magic

The Amazing Spaghetti

The best magicians do tricks that keep the children laughing and even make the parents giggle sometimes too.  The Amazing Spaghetti is that special magician.  He’ll keep the kids entertained with tricks, jokes, puppets,  and gags in his high-energy show.

Characters

Fairy Tale Philly

If having a princess or a superhero is a must for the little one’s party, Fairy Tale Philly is there for you.  They have 12 Disney princesses from Anna to Tinkerbell, plus Dora, Minnie and Mickey, Elmo, the Minions, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Spider-man, pirates, and more.       

Photograph by Gpoint Studio for Canva.