Although we love art entertainment like face painting and balloon twisting, we recognize that “art stations” aren’t right for every party.
Kaleidoscope is proud to offer a huge selection of shows and experiences for your upcoming event, no matter what your venue, guests’ age range, or entertainment goal.
Take a look at what we have to offer, and follow the links to learn more!
Magic Shows
Kaleidoscope is New England’s only creative entertainment agency that hosts it’s own variety of magic shows. You can take a look at all of our magicians here, and the shows that we currently have for you to choose from are:
1h Kids Comedy Extravaganza with Kenny (ages 2-tween)
If magic isn’t your style, our Silly Science Show with Kenny is an amazing alternative!
Created for elementary schoolers, the science show features just as many laughs and cool tricks as Kenny’s famous comedy magic shows, but uses the scientific method to inspire curiosity about how the world works.
For kids who want to get more hands’ on, the Silly Science Show also comes with a slime lab, perfect for ages 4-14!
Can’t decide between magic and science? Our bubble show is a fantastic mix of both!
From the science of how bubbles are made to the magic of what they can do, our bubble show will captivate ages 2-teen with its hypnotic tricks and mystery.
Foam parties are best described as “a dance party in an outdoor bubble bath!” From pre-schools to summer camps to huge corporate events to tiny birthday parties, they are truly one of the coolest and most unique types of entertainment we offer.
Foam parties are amazing for all ages, and our office would love to work with you to customize your guests’ experiences.
Looking to show your employees, tenants, club members, students, or guests you truly appreciate them? Arty Party paint nights are one of our most elevated experiences. Ranging from 90min – 2hrs, our talented paint party instructors will come to any location in New England and host a custom paint night for you.
Guests will sit down as a group and paint together for the full duration of the class, with built-in downtime to socialize or grab a bite to eat.
Paint parties are perfect for tweens, teens, and adults! They also make a great alcohol-alternative party for your school or corporate event, or feel free to serve guests libations as they sip and paint. Either way, the event WILL sell out and be one of your most popular events of the year!
PLEASE NOTE: this is not a kids’ craft station or a babysitting alternative but is best suited for ages 12+.
Looking for a magical alternative to a seated stage-show? Our strolling magicians can wander through any crowd and entertain them one-on-one in a hands-on experience they won’t forget!
Our strolling magic options are:
Clowning-around with Kenny (magic, gags, and juggling–perfect for kids and families)
Victorian classical magic with James (cards, coins, ropes, and rings–perfect for all ages)
Enchanted magical objects with Alexis (precious metals, wooden boxes, and magical rings–perfect for all ages)
Mentalism and mind reading with Marissa (crystals, essential oils, and tarot–perfect for teens and adults)
Don’t let our artists have all the fun–let us teach your guests the arts of balloon twisting, juggling, and magic! From elementary schoolers through senior citizens, our circus camp classes will have everyone at your event clowning around.
Circus camp classes are best done in groups of 10-15 and can be done in “waves” for summer camps or libraries who want to stick to a schedule. Depending on the number of guests per wave, we may suggest longer or shorter time frames, or teach more or fewer concepts.
PLEASE NOTE: adults such as parents, camp counselors, or chaperones are welcome at all classes and should be available if needed as our creative experiences are not babysitting services.
If you’re looking for a hands-on craft station, the tie-dye station is a great option for guests of any age to drop in, create something fun, and continue with the event.
A professional artist will help guests twist, tie, and spray-dye the apparel of their choice. Then we’ll help them bag and label their creations for a low-mess experience that keeps your event moving.
Unlike our more-structured Circus Camp Classes (all ages) or Paint Parties (tweens, teens, and adults), guests can drop in, get crafty, and continue to other activities in your event at any time. For camps, we recommend bringing campers in waves; for parties and events, we recommend having the station accessible for the duration of the event.
Not only are our CT, MA, RI, NH face painters, balloon twisters, and other party entertainers top-notch artists, but they’re great with kids!
Kaleidoscope started in 2013 as a face painting and balloon twisting party entertainment agency based in Connecticut. We’ve since become New England’s largest creative entertainment company with face painters, balloon twisters, caricature artists, magicians, and more in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire with services additionally offered in Vermont and Maine.
Our CT MA RI NH balloon twisters are talented artists who are amazing with kids. Since 2013, Kaleidoscope has been New England’s most popular creative entertainment company–let us show you why!
Clients looking to hire a magician for their upcoming event normally have two options: strolling magic or a magic show.
We asked our resident magicians Kenny and James (as well as our booking agent Jessica) to help us explain the differences so every client can book the best fit for their upcoming event.
What is the difference between strolling magic and a magic show?
Our magician James performing a stage show
James: In a magic show, there’s a boundary between the “stage” area and the “audience” area. While volunteers from the audience are often invited up on stage, and the magician frequently makes forays into the audience, there’s a demarcation. The stage (or “platform” or “parlor”) magic show is longer — often half an hour or 45 minutes — with several routines consisting of several tricks, to provide a cohesive whole with a theme. Think of a one-act play.
In strolling magic, the magician approaches individuals or small groups (three to five folks, typically) to present one to three tricks. The magic is more like a conversation than a stage play. Often the members of the audience touch and examine the props, and the magic itself takes place in the spectators’ hands. People sitting a dinner, folks waiting in line for some other event, people standing about — they are the ones who have a bit of magic touch their lives. It’s up close and personal.
Kenny: My personal show is a 50/50 mix of comedy and classic magic with a twist of clown charm. You can expect to see me on a stage while I go through one trick after another with plenty of helpers and laughs. Like most magicians, every show I do is largely the same with some adjustments for the event.
My strolling magic is more clowning around. I do plenty of magic, but can cater each interaction to the event and individuals there. That might be some puppets, juggling, clown gags, balloon twisting, or anything else–all depending on what I think will work best for the audience.
What audiences does *your* strolling magic land best with?
James: For me, it’s often folks above the age of six or seven, though young adults through twenties seem to enjoy it most.
Kenny: My strolling magic is great for all ages, like an animated movie that’s made for kids ages 5-9 but has plenty of jokes and puns for teens and adults.
When would you recommend strolling magic over a show?
James the magician performing strolling magic at a public event
James: Would having everyone sit in rows looking in one direction fit in with your plan for the event? Then go with a show. A corporate dinner and awards presentation, for example. If you have more freedom of motion, mingling, and random movement with no fixed schedule for various phases of the day, go with strolling.
Kenny: I recommend strolling magic for fairs & similar big events where there is 100s off people to entertain a few at a time
Jessica: In my experience planning events with clients, event organizers who don’t have a formal schedule for their event often like the flexibility of having a magician wander through the audience.
When would you recommend a show over strolling magic?
Kenny performing a stage show at a school event
James: When there’s a schedule, when you expect folks to be all in one place at one time, then go with a show. If it’s mingling/freeform, then go with strolling.
Kenny: Private parties, corporate events, big events if there is ample seating.
Jessica: Clients who are booking entertainment with the goal of keeping kids contained often prefer a show so the kids can sit down while parents talk amongst themselves (or also hang out and enjoy the show!
About how many guests will interact with you an hour?
James: For a show — all of them, all at once. For strolling, probably forty people an hour will be directly involved, with as many more looking on as random chance may provide.
Kenny: In a strolling set I can entertain 15-30 people, depending on how amped up the kids or adults are.
What sort of tricks should guests be ready to see in *your* strolling set?
Kenny strolling on a boat for a private summer camp event
James: Folks should expect to see dice, coins, rings, strings, dollar bills. They’ll see classic sleight-of-hand using ordinary objects. They’ll experience the magic in their own hands.
Kenny: Gravity manipulation with water, magic bags they can reach into, a cheeky puppet named Sherbert, ball juggling, and of course plenty of clowning around!
Our summer camp entertainment ideas, activities, and them inspiration are perfect for camps looking for unique programming ideas. We know camp directors face a few challenges: hundreds of kids needing to be entertained, running a complicated schedule, and having to do it all on a budget!
After over a decade of working with YMCAs, town Parks & Recs departments, public schools, and private daycares, we have our summer camp entertainment packages down to a science to make sure all of your campers are thrilled, parents are impressed, and you stay within your budget.
1. Foam Party
Programming Theme: Splash Day
Alternative Theme Ideas: Luau Party, Beach Day
Entertainment Package: We throw a foam party where campers dance to kids bop, take tons of silly photos, and get out all of their energy–all in our amazing foam pit! This “party in a box” model means you have ZERO PLANNING to do, which puts it at #1 for our list of summer camp entertainment ideas!
Bonus summer camp entertainment ideas for your team to implement:
Want to add more to your foam party? Here are some budget programming ideas that your staff can use, based on things we’ve seen other camps do!
Round it out to be a full splash day with more water activities
Water play for younger kids
Water balloon fights for older kids
Water sponge dodgeball
Pool time
Ages: 2 – Teen
Great For: Outdoor camps, camps without pool access
Don’t Recommend For: Camps with only indoor space; daycares that are only for infants and toddlers.
Alternative Theme Ideas: Adventure Day, Magic Day, Aquarium Day
Entertainment Package: We invite a mermaid or pirate of your choice for group shows and individual activities. Gather everyone around for mermaid story time or a pirate magic show, then bring by individual groups for mermaid glitter tattoos or pirate sword balloon twisting.
Bonus summer camp entertainment ideas for your team to implement:
Want to add more to your pirates and mermaids day? Here are some budget programming ideas that your staff can use, based on things we’ve seen other camps do!
Have campers dress up as mermaids and pirates.
Hold a “talk like a pirate” contest all day–give each kid a sticker to start the day. If an adult catches them talking without a “pirate accent” they lose the sticker. Whoever can go the entire day talking like a pirate wins!
If your camp has occasional pool access, this is also perfect for a pool day to keep groups busy while they’re out of the pool.
Ages: Our mermaid story time is perfect for ages 2-6, and our pirate magic show is perfect for ages 4-9. Invite one or both of them for a mix-and-match day that fits your needs.
Great For: Camps with younger kids (for mermaids); camps looking to keep kids busy on pool days (both mermaids and pirates); camps who love dress-up days (both mermaids and pirates).
Don’t Recommend Mermaid Story Time For: Camps that are primarily elementary and middle school (mermaid story time is best for younger kids)
Don’t Recommend Pirate Magic Show For: Camps that are mostly toddlers or PreK (magic needs more attention span than that)
Entertainment Package: Kenny the Clown comes and entertains the whole group with a 30min magic show, then takes groups for a juggling lesson using easy-to-juggle clown scarves. Bonus: add a second clown for speedy face painting or simple balloon twisting.
Bonus summer camp entertainment ideas for your team to implement:
Want to add more to your circus camp day? Here are some budget programming ideas that your staff can use, based on things we’ve seen other camps do!
Put on a talent show to create your own variety show as part of the camp circus!
If you have snack time, consider renting a popcorn or cotton candy machine.
Ages: 4-9 for the magic show, 7-teen for juggling class. Learn more here.
Great For: Camps with a stage; arts camps; camps that can program different activities for different ages.
Don’t Recommend For: Daycares that are only for infants and toddlers
Alternative Theme Ideas: Clown School, Circus Camp, Carnival
Entertainment Package: One of our professional balloon twisters will come with enough supplies for groups of up to 15 kids to learn designs at once. Students will learn between 2-4 designs (depending on age and time alotted) and take home their creations.
Bonus summer camp entertainment ideas for your team to implement:
Want to add more to your balloon class? Here are some budget programming ideas that your staff can use, based on things we’ve seen other camps do!
Have staff come to the class to twist along (and have fun!), as well as keep things running smoothly
Include other balloon crafts like origami or paper mache hot air balloons
Consider balloon-themed sports like water balloon fights, balloon-popping relay races, or water balloon dodge ball!
Ages: 7-teen for balloon twisting class, but professional balloon twisting time can be added so younger kids aren’t excluded. Learn more here.
Great For: Small-group breakouts, library camps, arts or STEM camps
Don’t Recommend For: Daycares that are only for infants and toddlers
Alternative Theme Ideas: Arts & Crafts Day, 60’s or 70’s Spirit Day
Entertainment Package: We set up a do-it-yourself tie dye station using spray-dye for a low-mess experience. Campers can bag their shirts immediately after creation and put them in their backpacks to avoid confusing mix-ups when picking up their shirt (no air-dry time required).
Bonus summer camp entertainment ideas for your team to implement:
Want to add more to your tie-dye station? Here are some budget programming ideas that your staff can use, based on things we’ve seen other camps do!
Host the tie dye station for the first day of Color Wars to get everyone in the spirit, and let our office know at booking what colors your camp teams will be repping so we can bring the right colors for you
Before dying the shirts, let kids get creative with Sharpies and draw their own designs in black (or let them write their name / group on the back like jerseys)
Bust out all of your favorite craft activities like chalk art, weaving, or jewelry making for an amazing art day.
Host a different decade every day of the week, and throw in airbrush tattoos (below) for 80’s or glitter tattoos for 90s/00s/Y2K
Ages: 5 – Teen
Great For: Camps that don’t typically have arts and crafts time; take-home projects
Don’t Recommend For: Camps with indoor-only space; camps that are nervous about kids potentially getting dye on clothing or floors.
Alternative Theme Ideas: Kids in STEM, Slime Day, Science Museum
Entertainment Package: Our mad scientists will present the kids with a show (similar to a magic show but grounded in the scientific method) and follow it up with hands-on slime labs!
Bonus summer camp entertainment ideas for your team to implement:
Want to add more to your science day? Here are some budget programming ideas that your staff can use, based on things we’ve seen other camps do!
Throw contests where the winning group(s) get to “slime” their camp counselors at the end of the day!
Couple this with other STEM projects: paper boat races, pinewood derby, crystal growing, or seed starting!
Make it a “science museum” day and bring astronomy, dinosaurs, or history into your programming with crafts or a movie screening.
Combine it with the Bubble Show (below) for a Science Week
Ages: 5 – 10
Great For: Camps that like to schedule seated activities; arts camps looking for something out of the box and educational; camps with families who value multi-disciplinary activities.
Don’t Recommend For: Camps that focus on high-energy activities; camps that focus on toddlers and Pre-K only.
Alternative Theme Ideas: Splash Day, Kids in STEM, Science Week
Entertainment Package: Our Bubblologist comes and puts on a show that’s equal parts magic and science–all about bubbles!
Bonus summer camp entertainment ideas for your team to implement:
Want to add more to your bubble show and play? Here are some budget programming ideas that your staff can use, based on things we’ve seen other camps do!
Kids love bubbles! Add a bubble station and bubble photo booth for multiple stations for every group to rotate through.
Add crafts to your bubble day like DIY pipe cleaner bubble wands; “bubble painting” with bingo stampers; and bubble painting.
Combine a bubble day, a foam party day, and pool day to create a whole splash week!
Combine it with the Science Show (below) for a Science Week
Ages: 4-10
Great For: Camps that like to schedule seated activities; arts camps; camps with families who value multi-disciplinary activities.
Alternative Theme Ideas: Glow, Overnight Sleepover, Dance Party
Entertainment Package: We provide a DJ, party lighting, and black-light reactive face painting. Your summer camp is instantly transformed to a family-friendly night club!
Bonus summer camp entertainment ideas for your team to implement:
Want to add more to your black light party? Here are some budget programming ideas that your staff can use, based on things we’ve seen other camps do!
Have kids wear only black and white so the white glows under UV
Couple morning black light face painting with a glowing mini golf field trip in the afternoon
Add light painting or glow stick crafts earlier in the day and watch your creations come to life!
Ages: 4 – Teen
Great For: Camps with large indoor space where windows can be shut and lights can be turned off.
Don’t Recommend For: Camps that are only outdoors during the day.
Alternative Theme Ideas: Picasso Day, Day at the Museum, LIT/CIT Appreciation Day
Entertainment Package: We throw a paint party for your teens where we go step-by-step with a real art teacher to create masterpieces we can take home. (The most common paint party feedback we receive from camp directors is “I can’t believe how engaged the kids are”. If you’re struggling to keep tweens and teens off of phones, this is a great activity to have them lock in on the real world.)
Bonus summer camp entertainment ideas for your team to implement:
Want to add more to your paint party? Here are some budget programming ideas that your staff can use, based on things we’ve seen other camps do!
Bust out all of your favorite craft activities like tie dye (above), weaving, or jewelry making for an amazing art day.
Have a “dress like a famous painting” costume contest and assign each kid a famous painting (Starry Night, Mona Lisa, The Scream, Andy Warhol’s Soup Cans, The Persistence of Memory) and give out awards for Most Fashionable, Most Creative, Best Acting, Most Artistic, and more!
Host a chalk art contest where the LITs and CITs work with their groups to create an original piece of work, again handing out awards for Most Colorful, Best Teamwork, Most Artistic, and more!
Ages: tweens, teens, and adults.
Great For: Camps that like to schedule seated activities; arts camps; camps with families who value multi-disciplinary activities; camps with populations of tweens and teens looking for more mature pogramming.
Don’t Recommend For: Camps with limited space; camps that are nervous about kids potentially getting paint on clothing or floors; camps on a tight budget; camps with a focus on kids in pre-K or elementary school.
Entertainment Package: New England’s most popular clown, Kenny, will entertain your kids with a 45-60min show full of comedy, puppets, juggling, and magic.
Bonus summer camp entertainment ideas for your team to implement:
Want to add more to the day you host Kenny’s extravaganza? Here are some budget programming ideas that your staff can use, based on things we’ve seen other camps do!
Have kids create their own paper bag puppets and write their own skits for their original characters.
At Kaleidoscope, we’ve been doing Unicorn parties for almost a decade. We’ve seen the trend go from My Little Ponies to something so much more glittery, sparkly, and iridescent. In fact, the trend has grown so much that our office staff had a “Unicorn Meeting” so we could brainstorm all the great ways we can make your Unicorn party super original and memorable! Here they are–take a look, and when you think you’ve found some good choices, our booking specialist can help you with a quote:
Speedy face painting is just-as-impressive, three-to-four-times-as-fast face painting perfect for huge crowds. By simplifying the designs and adding multiple colors at once, our speedy faces with drop the jaws of your guests while tearing throw even the longest line!
Glow Parties with black light face painting and balloon twisting are perfect for tweens, teens, and adults looking for a twist on traditional party entertainment!
