Costume character entertainer: what to know

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

What costume character entertainer is

A costume character entertainer dresses as a popular storybook or fantasy character, greeting children, posing for photos and leading activities at parties. People book one for birthdays and themed events when the kids want to meet their favorite character in person.

Signs you need it

  • Your child's favorite storybook or fantasy character is the theme of the party
  • You want kids to meet a character in person and take photos
  • You want an activity that combines a character visit with games or songs
  • The party has a wide age range and you want a visit that works for all of them
  • You want the character to arrive at a set time as a surprise
  • You want a character who can lead a short activity without a large set

What the pro does

  • Asks which character you want, the theme, the number of kids and the length of the visit
  • Confirms the character's costume, props and any rules for using the character's name or likeness
  • Arrives in costume and checks the space and the party plan with the host
  • Greets each child, poses for photos and asks about the child's interests
  • Leads any games, songs or activities agreed in advance
  • Packs up costume pieces 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Every job is different, so we do not publish prices.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 visit and the number of stops at a party
  • Which character is requested and how detailed the costume is
  • Whether the character leads games, songs or a story
  • Travel distance and arrival time at the party space
  • Whether a second character or helper joins
  • Props or themed items the character brings
  • Whether the character works indoors, outdoors or both

What a written quote should spell out

  • Character, length of the visit and number of stops
  • Activities included, such as photos, a story, songs or games
  • Costume and props included in the booking
  • Space needs, including a changing spot and a clear area for the visit
  • Arrival, setup and departure times
  • What happens if the character cannot attend

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which characters do you portray, and can I see a photo in costume?
  • How long is the visit, and how many kids can you greet in that time?
  • Do you lead games or stories, and can I suggest a theme for the activity?
  • Where will you change, and how long does it take?
  • Can I see a video of a visit with kids at a party?
  • How do you handle a child who is scared of costumes?
  • Does your insurance cover character visits at homes and at venues with children present?

Red flags

  • They cannot show a photo of the character in costume
  • They promise a character that is clearly not an authorized or licensed costume without explaining it
  • They have no plan for a child who is shy or scared
  • They do not ask about the number of kids or the timing
  • They will not confirm the changing space or the arrival time in writing

What you can do yourself

You can choose the character, the length of the visit and any games or stories you want. You can also set a clear space for photos and a quiet spot for the character to change. Hire a performer for the costume, the character voice and the crowd handling, since staying in character with a group of kids takes practice.

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required for a costume character entertainer, so ask for proof of liability insurance and references from children's parties instead. Using a character from a film or book in paid work can raise legal questions, so check the rules with your state or local licensing agency and ask the performer how the costume is sourced.

Costume character entertainer questions

Does a costume character entertainer need a license?

Usually not a state license. Ask for insurance and references, and ask how the costume is sourced and presented.

How long does a character visit last?

It depends on the party plan. Ask the performer for a visit length that fits the number of kids and leaves time for food and gifts.

Can the character lead a game?

Many can. Ask the character performer which games or songs they lead and suggest a theme that fits your party.

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.

Edit history

How it works

  1. 1. Describe the job

    Pick the service, add your ZIP and a sentence about what is going on.

  2. 2. Pick the pros you want

    See pros who serve your ZIP and choose who you want to hear from.

  3. 3. They reach out

    They contact you the way you chose: phone, email or in-app messages.

More music and entertainment guides

Find a pro near you

Find a pro

About this guide

Request costume character entertainer