Bounce houses and balloon animals are perennial choices for young partygoers, but if you’re looking for entertainment that’s more original, here are a few fun ideas that even adults can appreciate.
“Bubble-ologist” Casey Carle has blown square, fog-filled, spinning, and six-foot-wide bubbles for Continental Airlines, Old Navy, and a recent episode of Paula Deen’s television show Paula’s Party. Carle and his BubbleMania: Comedy ... With a Drip! team work primarily in the Northeast but will travel internationally. Their act can be purely comedic, or more educational with lessons about the science of bubbles. Rates run about $500 to $1,000 for a half-day and $1,500 to $2,000 for a full day.Most improv comedy strays into raunchy territory, but Improv for Kids is strictly family-friendly. The troupe, led by Off Broadway veteran Walt Frasier, includes performers who have appeared on Comedy Central, Late Show With David Letterman, and Nickelodeon. Performed at New York’s Laugh Factory as well as at elementary schools and YMCAs from Washington, D.C., to Boston, the high-energy show incorporates live music, dance, and Whose Line Is It Anyway?-style improv skits like “Human Mad Libs.” Pricing starts around $1,000, with discounts for nonprofits.
Mad Science of Washington strives to turn children on to the world of science with interactive experiments ranging from dry-ice creations to custom-made hovercrafts. The group, part of a larger company based in Montreal, has entertained clients including the City of Rockville, Lockheed Martin, and Comcast. Single, 45-minute performances are $395, and back-to-back shows cost $575.
“Bubble-ologist” Casey Carle has blown square, fog-filled, spinning, and six-foot-wide bubbles for Continental Airlines, Old Navy, and a recent episode of Paula Deen’s television show Paula’s Party. Carle and his BubbleMania: Comedy ... With a Drip! team work primarily in the Northeast but will travel internationally. Their act can be purely comedic, or more educational with lessons about the science of bubbles. Rates run about $500 to $1,000 for a half-day and $1,500 to $2,000 for a full day.Most improv comedy strays into raunchy territory, but Improv for Kids is strictly family-friendly. The troupe, led by Off Broadway veteran Walt Frasier, includes performers who have appeared on Comedy Central, Late Show With David Letterman, and Nickelodeon. Performed at New York’s Laugh Factory as well as at elementary schools and YMCAs from Washington, D.C., to Boston, the high-energy show incorporates live music, dance, and Whose Line Is It Anyway?-style improv skits like “Human Mad Libs.” Pricing starts around $1,000, with discounts for nonprofits.
Mad Science of Washington strives to turn children on to the world of science with interactive experiments ranging from dry-ice creations to custom-made hovercrafts. The group, part of a larger company based in Montreal, has entertained clients including the City of Rockville, Lockheed Martin, and Comcast. Single, 45-minute performances are $395, and back-to-back shows cost $575.
Mad Science offers interactive experiments for kids of all ages.
Photo: Courtesy of Mad Science
Mad Science offers interactive experiments for kids of all ages.
Photo: Courtesy of Mad Science
Casey Carle's "BubbleMania: Comedy ... With a Drip!" act features bubbles of all shapes and sizes.
Photo: Karina Branch
Improv for Kids incorporates sketch comedy, dance, and live music.
Photo: Courtesy of Improv for Kids
