Party Entertainment
Kids magicians who write for children, not for adults
A children's magic show is not a smaller version of an adult one. The good ones are built on comedy, participation and a birthday child who becomes the star, with the magic holding it together rather than carrying it alone.
Magic is the one entertainment format that needs the room arranged for it. Children need to be seated, facing the performer, close enough to see hands. Get that right and a magic show holds a group better than almost anything else. Get it wrong and half the room drifts off.
Age matters more here than for any other booking. Under fives generally cannot follow a routine or sit for thirty minutes. From about five upward, magic starts landing properly, and from seven to ten it is genuinely excellent, because that is the age children start trying to work out how it was done.
Most Australian kids magicians bundle balloon models, a party game or two and the birthday moment into the booking, so what you are buying is usually a show plus a structured hour rather than a show alone.
Who it suits
Is your child the right age for a magician?
This is the single most useful thing to get right before booking magic.
| Age | How it lands | Better alternative if not |
|---|---|---|
| Under 4 | Rarely holds. They will not sit through a routine. | Play hire or a bubble and games entertainer |
| 4 to 5 | Works with a shorter, high energy, very silly routine. | Ask for a 25 to 30 minute version |
| 6 to 8 | The sweet spot. Comedy and participation both land. | Book it |
| 9 to 12 | Works if the magic is genuinely good, because they will try to catch you out. | Ask what they do differently for this age |
Setting the room
A magic show is only as good as the seating
More magic bookings underperform because of the room than because of the performer. Three things fix almost all of it.
What you are booking
What a kids magic show package covers
Almost every magician sells a package rather than a show alone. The extras are where packages differ most.
Usually included
- A 30 to 45 minute comedy magic routine written for children
- The birthday child brought up as the star assistant
- Sound, props and everything the routine needs
- A managed happy birthday and cake moment
- Public liability insurance and a certificate on request
Worth asking about
- Whether balloon models after the show are included or extra
- Whether a live animal appears, and how it is transported and housed
- The maximum audience size the routine is written for
- What they need. Seating, a backdrop wall, a power point, shade
- Whether they run games as well, and for how long
Before you book
What to ask a kids magician
The answers tell you quickly whether they perform for children regularly or occasionally.
- What age is this routine written for, and what changes for a younger or older group?
- How many children is the show sized for, and what happens above that?
- How do you want the room set up, and how much space do you need?
- Is anything included after the show, such as balloons, games or the cake moment?
- If a live animal is part of the act, how is it transported, housed and handled?
Get quotes
Tell us the ages and the space
Magic quotes vary with the age group and the room more than with anything else, so those two details make the quotes far more useful.
- Say the age of the birthday child and the guests
- Tell us whether it is indoors, a hall or a backyard
- Mention if you want balloons or games after the show
Questions parents ask
Kids magician questions
What age is a magic show suitable for?
From about five years up. Four year olds can enjoy a shorter, sillier routine, but under fours generally will not sit still long enough for a show to work. Six to ten is where magic performs best. For younger children, look at toddler birthday parties instead.
How long is a kids magic show?
The magic itself usually runs 30 to 45 minutes, which is about as long as a child audience will hold. Most magicians sell that inside a one hour or ninety minute package that adds balloon models, a game or two and the cake moment, so the performer is with you longer than the show alone.
How much space does a magician need?
A performing area roughly two metres by two metres against a wall, plus floor space for the children seated in front. A power point is usually needed for sound. A living room, a garage, a hall or a shaded verandah all work. Direct sun in an open yard is the hardest setup.
Do kids magicians use live animals?
Some do, usually a rabbit or a dove, and many do not. If it matters to you either way, ask when you book. If an animal is part of the act, it is fair to ask how it is transported, housed and handled, and whether the magician holds the relevant permits for your state.
Can a magician perform outdoors?
Yes, with shade, a solid backdrop and no wind. Wind is the real problem, because cards, silks and light props become unmanageable. A verandah or a marquee is a better outdoor option than the open middle of a yard.
Is a magician better than a general entertainer?
It depends on the age and the room. Magic is stronger for six to ten year olds in a space you can seat them in. A general entertainer is more flexible for mixed ages, outdoor parties and younger groups. Compare kids party entertainers if you are unsure.
Find a kids magician for your date
One brief, quotes from magicians who cover your suburb and perform for your child's age group.