How to Hire the Right Kids’ Party Entertainer in Auckland
Hiring a kids’ party entertainer sounds straightforward — but there's a lot of variation out there. A great entertainer will have your child talking about their birthday for months. A not-so-great one can leave you with a room full of bored kids and a very disappointed birthday boy or girl.
After years of doing this, we've seen what parents wish they'd known before booking. Here's the no-nonsense guide to hiring the right person for your child's party.
Step 1: Know What You Actually Want
Before you start comparing entertainers, get clear on what the party needs:
What's your child obsessed with? (Superheroes? Princesses? Dinosaurs? Paw Patrol?)
How many kids are coming, and what ages are they?
Do you want a costumed character, a skills-based entertainer (face painter, balloon twister, magician), or both?
How long do you need them for? (Most parties book 1–2 hours.)
What's your budget?
Having clear answers makes it much easier to shortlist the right companies — and helps entertainers give you an accurate quote quickly.
Step 2: Check Their Reviews (Properly)
This is the single most important thing you can do. Anyone can have a nice website and good photos. What you want to know is: what do real parents think?
Google Reviews: Search the company name + Auckland. Look at the overall rating AND read a few reviews — positive and negative.
Facebook Reviews: Many entertainers have active Facebook pages with real parent feedback.
Don't be put off by a small number of reviews — some excellent smaller companies are newer. But no reviews at all is a red flag.
A Couple of Characters is proudly the only kids party entertainment company in Auckland with perfect 5-star reviews across every single platform. We think that says more than any sales pitch.
Step 3: Look at Real Photos and Videos
Costume quality, energy, and connection with kids are hard to fake in real party photos. Check the company's Instagram, Facebook, and website gallery for:
Real party photos (not professional photoshoots with models).
Clear costume quality — does it look like the character your child loves?
Kids who look genuinely engaged and are having fun.
A variety of ages and party settings.
Short videos are even better. They show you the energy level and how the entertainer actually interacts with kids.
Step 4: Understand Exactly What's Included
This is where people get caught out. Always confirm:
Is the costume included, or is there an extra charge?
What activities are included in the session?
Is face painting or balloon twisting included, or add-on extras?
How many entertainers will attend?
What happens if a character is unavailable at the last minute?
We once had a parent come to us after another company cancelled 48 hours before the party. We sorted it out — but it's a reminder to choose a company that communicates well and has backup plans.
Step 5: Ask About Age-Appropriateness
Entertainment that works brilliantly for a 7-year-old can completely miss the mark for a 3- year-old. A good entertainer should ask about your child's age group and adapt accordingly.
At A Couple of Characters, our parties are designed for children aged 1–10, and our team is trained to adjust the energy, games, and interactions based on the age mix in the room. As a former primary school teacher, Jeandré brings real expertise in what actually keeps different age groups engaged.
Step 6: Book Early
Good entertainers in Auckland book out fast — especially on Saturday afternoons between October and June. As a general rule,
For a standard weekend party, aim to book 4–6 weeks in advance.
For school holiday periods or peak summer weekends: 8–10 weeks in advance.
Christmas parties and end-of-year events: book in October if possible. Last-minute bookings aren't always impossible — just don't rely on it for the specific character your child wants.
Step 7: Trust Your Gut on the Communication
How a company communicates before the booking tells you a lot about how they'll be on the day. Look for:
Fast, friendly replies to your initial enquiry.
Clear information about pricing, availability, and what's included — without you having to chase it.
Confirmation of all booking details in writing.
A follow-up closer to the party date.
If someone is slow to respond or vague about what you'll get, that's a warning sign
The Bottom Line
The right kids party entertainer in Auckland will make your child's birthday genuinely magical — and let you relax and enjoy the party instead of running games for two hours. At A Couple of Characters, we've built our reputation on showing up fully prepared, fully costumed, and fully committed to making every single party unforgettable. We'd love to be part of your child's big day. Ready to book?
