When planning a children's birthday party, two of the most popular entertainment choices are:
- Face Painting
- Balloon twisting
But which one is best for your party?
The answer depends on:
- Children's ages
- Number of guests
- Venue size
- Party style
- Budget
Here's a simple breakdown to help you decide.
Why Children Love Face Painting
Face painting transforms children into:
- Tigers
- Butterflies
- Superheroes
- Princesses
- Dinosaurs
- Dragons
It adds excitement instantly and helps children fee part of the party theme.
Face Painting Works Best For:
- Ages 3-10
- Themed parties
- Smaller to medium guest numbers
- Indoor venues
- Photo-focused parties
Benefits of Face Painting
- Creates memorable photos
- Huge variety of designs
- Great for themed birthdays
- Keeps children engaged individually
Things to Consider
Face painting usually takes:
- Around 4-6 minutes per child for full designs
- For larger parties time management is important.
Why Kids Love Balloon Twisting
Balloon twisting is interactive, fast-moving and exciting.
Children love watching balloons transform into:
- Animals
- Swords
- Flowers
- Hats
- Characters
The entertainment is both visual and hands-on.
Balloon Twisting Works Best For:
- High-energy parties
- Larger groups
- Outdoor events
- Mixed age groups
- School fairs and festivals
Benefits of Balloon Twisting
- Faster for large groups
- Intercative and lively
- Children take creations home
- Excellent queue entertainment
Things to Consider
Complex balloon creations can take longer, so large events may need simpler designs to keep queues moving smoothly.
Which is Better for Younger Children?
For ages 3-5:
- Face painting is usually the biggest hit
- Simple balloons also work extremely well
Many parents choose both together for this age group.
Which is Better for Large Parties?
For parties with:
- 25+ children
- School events
- Community events
Balloon twisting can often move faster than detailed face painting.
However, combining both creates the best overall experience. For very large events with large budgets it is best to have 2 face painters and 1 balloon modeller so that the queues will move at roughly the same speed.
Why Many Parents Book Both
Face painting and balloon twisting work brilliantly together because:
- Children can alternate queues
- There's constant entertainment
- Different personalities enjoy different activities
Some children love costumes and roleplay. Others love taking home balloon creations.
Combined entertainment also creates a more premium party experience.
Indoor vs Outdoor Considerations
Face Painting
Best indoors or shaded areas
Balloon Twisting
Works both indoors and outdoors.
For summer garden parties, many families combine:
- Balloons
- Bubble Shows
- Glitter Bars
Final Thoughts
There's no wrong choice - both are hugely popular with children.
If you want:
- Stunning photos and themed fun → choose face painting
- Fast paced interactive entertainment → choose balloon twisting
- Maximum impact → combine both
The best entertainment depends on your party style, guest numbers and age range.
Children's Party Entertainment in London
I provide:
Across London and surrounding areas including:
- Camden
- Kensington
- Islington
- Barnet
- Enfield
- North London
- West London
- Hertfordshire
Contact me to check availability for your party or event.