Clown entertainment: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What clown entertainment is

A clown entertainer performs in costume for children at parties and events, with games, tricks, balloons and silly routines. People book one for birthdays, school events and family gatherings when they want a playful show with a lot of audience participation.

Signs you need it

  • You are hosting a children's party and want an entertainer who keeps kids busy
  • You want a show with silly routines, games and audience participation
  • The party has a wide age range and you want something that works for all of the kids
  • You need a break for the adults while the kids are entertained
  • You want a themed performance that matches a party theme
  • You want balloons, tricks or face painting added to the show

What the pro does

  • Asks about the number of children, their ages, the party theme and the length of the show
  • Plans a routine with games, tricks and balloon work that fits the age range
  • Arrives in costume and sets up props in the party space
  • Runs the show with games and audience participation at the times agreed
  • Adjusts the routine for shy kids and for the energy of the room
  • Packs up props and clears the space

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of the show and the number of performances
  • Number of children and the age range of the group
  • Whether the clown adds balloon twisting, face painting or other extras
  • Travel distance and arrival time at the party space
  • Costume, props or a themed look you request
  • Whether the clown performs at a home, a park or a larger event
  • Whether a second performer joins for a bigger group

What a written quote should spell out

  • Length of the show and the number of performances
  • Age range and approximate number of children the show is planned for
  • Props, balloons and any extras the clown includes
  • Arrival, setup and departure times
  • Space needs, such as a clear area for games and a table for balloon work
  • What happens if the clown cannot attend

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What ages of children do you usually perform for, and how do you adjust for a mixed group?
  • How do you handle a child who is scared of costumes or clowns?
  • Can I see a video of a show with kids in a party space?
  • What games and routines do you use, and can I suggest a theme?
  • How much space do you need, and what do you bring?
  • How do you handle children who are frightened of clowns?
  • Do you carry liability insurance that covers you and your props?

Red flags

  • They do not ask about the ages of the children or the party space
  • They use props that are small enough to be a choking risk for young children
  • They have no plan for a child who becomes upset or overwhelmed
  • They promise a show with no description of the games or routines
  • They will not confirm the arrival time or the space they need in writing

What you can do yourself

You can list the children's ages, the party theme and the games the kids already love. You can also clear a space for the show and keep young children away from any balloons they could pop and swallow. Hire a clown for the show, the timing and the crowd handling, since keeping a mixed group of children engaged takes practice.

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required for a clown entertainer, so ask for proof of liability insurance and references from children's parties instead. Some parks, schools and venues have their own rules for outside performers, so check those with the site and with your state or local licensing agency before booking.

Clown entertainment questions

Does a clown entertainer need a license?

Usually not a state license. Ask for insurance and references, and check any rules the venue or school has for outside performers.

How long should the show last?

It depends on the age range and the party plan. Ask the clown for a show length that fits the attention span of your youngest guests.

Are balloons safe for young children?

Balloons can be a choking hazard for young children. Ask the clown how they handle deflated balloon bits and keep balloons away from children who may put them in their mouths.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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