Entertainment for a 3-Year-Old’s Birthday Party: What Works
By Isobel and the Fly By Fun team
For a 3-year-old’s birthday party, the classics work best: a bubble party, a character party with a fairy, butterfly, princess, superhero, pirate or mermaid, or a puppy adoption party. Keep it to about an hour for up to 12 children, pick a character your child already loves, and have a parent or carer stay with each child. Fly By Fun has run parties for children aged 1 to 12 since 2008, and every entertainer holds a current Working With Children Check.
What works at three
Three-year-olds love music, movement, bubbles and characters they already know from books and TV. They join in best with short, simple activities: dancing, bubbles, easy games and lots of praise. A familiar character helps shy children warm up, and simple prizes keep everyone happy.
The best party types for 3-year-olds
- Bubble party (Sydney): bubbles, music and games that even the youngest guests can join in.
- Character parties: the classics, such as a fairy, butterfly, princess, superhero, pirate or mermaid party, with a costumed character leading games, music and prizes.
- Puppy adoption party (Sydney, Melbourne, the Central Coast and Wollongong): each child adopts a toy puppy to take home.
What you can book depends on your city, so check your city page: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Central Coast or Wollongong.
How long, and how many children
As a guide, book 1 hour for up to 12 children, 1.5 hours for 12 to 20 children, and 2 hours for more than 20. For more than 25 children we recommend a second entertainer.
Should parents stay?
Yes. We ask a parent or carer to stay with children under 5. The entertainer runs the games and activities, and you’re close by for cuddles and toilet trips.
Is it safe?
Every Fly By Fun entertainer holds a current Working With Children Check in their state (a Blue Card in Queensland), and you can ask us for the check number. We carry $20 million public liability insurance. Read more in our guide: Do kids party entertainers need a Working With Children Check?
Booking ahead
Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead for weekends and school holidays. Last-minute bookings are possible when an entertainer is free. More ideas for this age are on our 3-year-old birthday party page, or ask for a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What entertainment is best for a 3-year-old’s birthday party?
Classic, simple parties work best at three: bubbles, a favourite character such as a fairy, butterfly, princess, superhero, pirate or mermaid, or a puppy adoption party.
How long should a party entertainer stay for a 3-year-old?
About an hour suits most parties of up to 12 children. Book 1.5 hours for 12 to 20 children and 2 hours for more than 20.
Do parents need to stay at a 3-year-old’s party?
Parents or carers of children under 5 are asked to stay with them at the party, while the entertainer runs the games and activities.
Which parties can I book for a 3-year-old in my city?
Availability depends on the city. Bubble parties are Sydney only. Puppy adoption parties run in Sydney, Melbourne, the Central Coast and Wollongong. Character parties run in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Adelaide, the Central Coast and Wollongong. Perth and Canberra offer face painting and balloon twisting.
Are your entertainers checked and insured?
Every Fly By Fun entertainer holds a current Working With Children Check in their state (a Blue Card in Queensland), and we carry $20 million public liability insurance.
How far ahead should I book?
Booking 4 to 6 weeks ahead is best for weekends and school holidays. Last-minute bookings are possible when an entertainer is free.
