One of Central Florida's most creative and loved producers of puppet theater, Am-Jam Productions brings its unique stylings to traditional stories, adding fun twists that kids - especially preschoolers - love.

The group also offers the Special Occasions, a one-of-a-kind singing group available for parties and special events.

Am-Jam Productions shows can be seen at a number of local libraries, or contact them to book a production at your location.

Banks Helfrich is a one-of-a-kind entertainer whose popular personas perform at a variety of public events and private functions.

There's Healthy Herb, whose mission is to teach kids about food and fitness in a fun, engaging way and the Co-read-ian Comedian whose demonstrates the importance of reading in a hilariously unique style.

And then there's Helfrich's most popular character, Jiggleman, who performs wacky acrobatics and stunts with giant bouncing balls and, quite frankly, has to be seen to be believed. Check out clips from his performances on the Late Show with David Letterman on the Jiggleman website.

Bubba Jumps party rentals supplies Bounce Houses, Slides and Combination inflatables. Rentals start at $120.

Bubba Jumps also supplies 12-foot inflatable movie screens which can be used for movies, karaoke, or video games. Projector and sound systems are also available for rent.

For a dream birthday or special occasion party for girls and boys of all ages, check out Butterfly Dreams.

The company offers all types of theme parties including: Spa, Butterfly Dreams, Princess, Prince, Pirates, Glamour, Girly, Cooking, Stuff-a-Bear, Work Out, Face Painting, Character visits, and more.

Call for more information, current rates, and to book a party.

A birthday clown for all ages, Miss B Haven creates a festive atmosphere everywhere she goes.

Party packages includes one and a half hours of time with Miss B Haven and lots of activities, including balloon sculpting, bubbles, face painting, games, and more.

The company even offers party planning services for a completely hassle free event.

Coast2Coast Party Rentals provides bounce houses, wet and dry slides, obstacle courses, and combination inflatables; all available for delivery to Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and West Volusia counties.

Bounce Houses themes include Batman, Dora the Explorer, Winnie the Pooh, Disney princesses, SpongeBob, Strawberry Shortcake, Power Rangers, and others.

Coast2Coast also rents Sno Cone, Cotton Candy and Popcorn machines, as well as tents, tables, chairs, and tablecoverings.

Inflatable rentals start at $110 plus tax. Concession equipment runs $45 for a 50-serving package. Delivery is free to most areas. Coast2Coast, a family-owned, licensed and insured company, can customize a package to suit your needs.

Crafty Celebrations provides creative learning and age appropriate crafting projects for birthday parties, school groups, and community programs.

A party coordinator brings everything you need for an 1 1/2 hour long party at your home or place of celebration. All crafting materials and instruction are provided, as is the set-up and clean-up. Each child takes home a completed project.

Randy Crain's magic shows encompass high energy, bright colors, fantastic musical routines, amazing sleight of hand, and plenty of audience participation.

In addition to appearing at a number of area restaurants and attractions, Randy also travels throughout the Central Florida area performing for schools, groups, and private parties.

Crain Entertainment offers various birthday party packages, all of which include at least 30 minutes of magic plus balloon sculptures. The birthday boy or girl gets to be part of the show, assisting Randy with tricks and even helping to produce Dwight, the magical (live!) rabbit. Upgraded packages can include a professional magic kit for the birthday child, filled treat bags, pinatas, face painting, and an amazing illusion in which the birthday child floats in the air. Visit the website for complete package information, including current rates.

Randy also offers private magic lessons for kids ages seven and older.

Dr. Cardoo is a Family-Friendly Island Magic Man available for trade show, special events, and tropically themed parties.

With a bag of tricks, some slight of hand magic, and a great costume, the doctor offers great entertainment and photo opportunities for your event.

Dr. Cardoo also performs at Universal Studios' Royal Pacfic Resort in the Islands Restaurant and Jake's Bar every Wednesday from 6pm-10pm.

Want to throw a birthday party where all you need to bring are the kids? Then Events By Design is the party planning service to call.

This unique party service offers their own fully themed and decorated party rooms, as well as complete event management including party planning, set up, and clean up. Choose from fun spaces like the Enchanted Forest and Royal Castle Room, or work with the team to choose an exciting off-site location.

All-inclusive two-hour party packages cost $391 and up. Parties include choice of themed party, a themed character, popcorn machine, games, all party supplies, a themed birthday cake, pizza and drinks, gift packs for guests, and more.

Events by Design also offers additional party entertainment like DJ's, live bands, ballerinas, cartoonists, and more. Call the office for current pricing.

Face Fantastic can transform birthday boys and girls into glamorous princesses, beautiful butterflies, fierce tigers, or one of many other fantastical designs.

The face painting pros travel to a parent's choice of destination and supply lots of glitter, chairs, a table, and the choice of face painting, airbrush temporary tattoos, and glitter tattoos. The team can paint approximately 12 faces per hour and parties should be located in a shady outside area or an indoor space.

Book in advance; call for current rates and availability.

Facepainting by Renette provides facepainting and children's parties all over Orlando and surrounding cities.

With more than nine years of experience with facepainting, Renette uses only the best non-toxic, water-based makeup and each face takes less than five minutes to create - a blessing in disguise for any parent hosting a toddler birthday party!

What child doesn't want to be a fire fighter at one time in their life? With Fire Engine Entertainment, kids have the chance to share in the excitement of being a fire fighter with a real fire truck as the backdrop to their party.

Fire Engine Entertainment offers two birthday packages - the appropriately named "1 Alarm" and "2 Alarm" parties. The 2 Alarm package includes themed party supplies, fire-themed activities, show and tell, photo opportunities with fire gear and the truck, junior fire gear for the birthday child, and a neighborhood ride for each guest.

Parents can also choose à la carte services, including themed party supplies, pre-filled gift bags, and a "Fire Truck Only" package that includes the Fire Truck for one hour, show and tell, photos, and a ride for the birthday child.

The Fire Engine is a 1971 Ward LaFrance with a 45-foot mounted elevating nozzle. This type of engine is still in service in many departments throughout the United States and comes fully equipped. The truck also has child-sized fire fighting gear for your child to use during his or her ride on the fire truck.

Call well in advance to reserve a party.

Giggle Clicks offers computer technology and educational enrichment classes for kids ages 2-1/2 to 7, powered by Imagine Tomorrow Computer Classes for Kids.

Birthday party programs are also available.

God's Little Giggles offers family-themed entertainment suitable for birthday parties, school events, and corporate or church functions.

The team provides full theme parties (including Under the Sea, Fun with Food, The Crazy Science Guy, Mermaid Parties, Super Heros, Arabian Nights, Disco Fever, and more) in addition to face painting services.

A Basic Princess or Prince Package includes a princess crown, wand, jewelry and dress up shoes (or knights breastplate or shield and sword), entertainment provided by a lovely princess or dashing knight, a face painter to transform guests 18 months and older into unicorns, knights, fairies, and more with the aid of a trusty brush and safe, natural face paints.

Classes: God's Little Giggles also provides classes ranging from preschool arts & crafts to beginning face painting for adults. All classes are conducted at the parent's choice of location and class sizes can range from one to 20 children; the cost of supplies is included in the fee.

Call for more information or to book a party.

Hannie The Clown will travel throughout the Orlando area to entertain your kids both young and old with face painting, balloon animals, art parties, or an interactive puppet show.

Just pick a package and choose from one of many characters like Dora, Mother Goose, Strawberry Shortcake, or a good old fashioned clown. Then you'll pick from the type of party you want.

The Traditional Hannie Show includes face painting, balloon animals, magic show, game with prizes, and goodie bags. Other choices include a Carnival Party, Art Party, Pirate Party, and more.

The Tea Party is a local favorite. Hannie brings all of the costumes and the china, and will also give a little history about drinking tea. This party is filled with all sorts of fun activities for your kids.

Party packages start at $165 and a deposit is required to book a party.

For indoor birthday party fun, IPEZ (Indoor Party Entertainment Zone) offers three large play arenas with inflatable slides, bouncers, and interactive games.

Parties include the exclusive use of a designated play arena based on the guests' ages and forty-five minutes in a private room for cake, opening presents, and any other actitivites you choose to incorporate.

IPEZ offers soft drinks, ice cream, snacks, popcorn, balloons, and party favors. Just bring your own birthday cake to complete the party. Packages start at $179 for ten guests. Food and drink items are competitively priced.

IPEZ also offers a Mommy/Daddy and Me open play schedule for kids from 20 months to five years old. See the website for current times and rates.

Children's birthday parties should be fun and memorable, and that's where Jimmy Vee's Awesome Events comes in.

Featured on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jungle Jimmy offers a wide range of party entertainment packages. All shows are custom, so the cost varies.

Jungle Jimmy and the Zoo Crew is a fast-paced, interactive, jungle-themed adventure show designed to keep birthday party guests "in" the action. Kids become the "stars of the show" during the clowning around and participate in magic and other activities. Special puppet characters - Donnie the Ditto Bird, Chico "The Mind Reader," and Cake-E-Doodle - also make an appearance during many of the shows.

The two most popular packages are the Ultimate Jungle Adventure and the Standard Jungle Party Package, both of which are highly interactive birthday party shows that feature comedy, magic, ventriloquism, and a free "Magic Mystery Dollar Bill" for each child.

Visit the website to see a selection of party supplies and inflatables, or to fill out an inquiry form to reserve a party.

A drawing-based art education program for kids of all ages, KidzArt allows students to produce original works of art - complimented with artistic projects and exposure to many mediums - while enhancing creative self-expression in all areas.

The mission at KidzArt is to provide kids of all ages with the opportunity to have art in their lives, increase their skills and knowledge of various art media, learn to draw using a proven method, and most of all, to have fun.

KidzArt facilitators come directly to the students and the program is available for after school program, birthday parties, workshops, home school programs, in-school programs and field trups, Boy Scout and Girl Scout badges, and camps.

Mad Science is a leading provider of hands-on science experiences for kids throughout all of Brevard County.

These entertainers offer birthday parties at your choice of location, science shows, after school programs, summer camps, corporate events, science booths, and in-class workshops. The Mad Scientist's goal is to spark imaginative science learning by providing fun and engaging science activities.

Mad Science serves all of Brevard County.

Mad Science is a leading provider of hands-on science experiences for kids.

These entertainers offer birthday parties at your choice of location, science shows, after school programs, summer camps, corporate events, science booths, and in-class workshops. The Mad Scientist's goal is to spark imaginative science learning by providing fun and engaging science activities.

Owned by a former Mrs. America, Masquerades and Fairytales definitely knows how to throw themed Birthday Parties for girls ages two to 12.

Party themes include Fairytale Princess - where guests play in a fully decorated party room with a ten foot tall Castle Set, dress up in a ball gown or knight's costume, and then participate in storytelling and activities - Diva Dance Party, Mermaid, Pirate, and Slumber Party. Masquerades and Fairytales also offers at-home parties.

All in-store packages include up to 12 guests, themed party rooms, party hostess, set up and clean up, paper products, activities, and more. Parents need to supply a birthday cake and drinks. Favor packages are available for an additional cost.

Orlando-based face painter Miss Harriet provides face painting services for a variety of events including birthday parties, community events, open houses, business and corporate events, trade shows, grand openings, and more.

Moon-Walker Party Services offers one of the largest selections of moon-walks, bounce houses, slides, carnival games, dunk tanks, inflatable obstacle courses, water inflatables, and concession machines around.

Check out the website for pictures of hundreds of inflatables available for birthday parties and special events. All rental prices are based on eight hour rental time and families receive free delivery and setup for rental orders over $125 (local delivery area only).

Moon-Walker Party Services delivers to Lake, Osceola, Orange, Polk, and Seminole Counties.

Richard Peeples, aka Mr. Richard, truly is the cure for syrupy-sweet, saccharine children's music. His highly infective brand of singing and storytelling makes him one of the hottest entertainment acts in the area.

He has released two albums and performs at area schools, book stores, and parties. Call or email for more information.

Great parties - for the young and old - are defined by great entertainment. Once Upon a Time Events travels all over Central Florida to bring smiles to children's faces with its unique entertainers.

Parents can choose from a number of party packages, including:

Cotton Candy the Clown: Cotton Candy arrives at the party location amd hosts games, crafts, and a magical birthday show. Each party-goer receives a face painting, a balloon sculpture, a craft, prize, and more.

Princess, Fairytale, or Pirate Party: Parties are conducted in the location of choice and include a host - Princess T - and all children receive a face painting, balloons, craft time, games, story time or magic show, and a crowning ceremony.

Ultimate Princess Dress-up & Tea Party: This two-hour party is coordinated by Princess T and a helper and features dress-up time with gowns and accessories, hair and make-up, craft time, story time, a princess parade fashion show, and a tea party.

Glamour Workshops and Parties: This hands-on traveling glamour girl's workshop is tailored to "tween" girls between the ages of seven and 12 years old. The workshop offers girls a moral approach to beauty through an interactive glittery glam makeover and character lesson.

Additional parties are also available. See the website for a full listing of packages.

A non-refundable deposit is required to book a party package.

Party Pals entertainment group brings a "mini" theatre - complete with a character, props, and more - to party locations in Central Florida.

Packages include a variety of storylines, such as the Fairy Princess Crowning Gala, the Silly Clown Show, Positively Puppets, and the SwashBuckling Pirate Adventure.

The CEO of Party Pals, Kimberly Rhoades, has entertained little ones for many years in a variety of venues from touring the Pacific Northwest as an actor, puppet master, and puppeteer, to professional clowning, and most recently as a character performer at one of Orlando's largest theme park resorts.

PartyTrains.com provides hand-operated and motorized trains and other forms of railroad-themed entertainment for birthdays parties, grand openings, festivals and more throughout east Central Florida.

Thew company's Party Train Express is a motorized engine that pulls 7 passenger cars (1-2 children per car), and a caboose for an adult chaperone. The train can ride on cement, asphalt, grass, or pavement and goes up to 4 miles per hour.

The Crank Car Train Show features two kid-sized crank cars that travel on 100-feet of track. On site set-up requires a minimum 30-foot-by-40-foot flat space.

Cost for both the Party Train and Crank Car Train is $285 for two hours and $100 for each additional hour; a full 8-hour day runs $750.

The indoor Train Table Party includes two train tables featuring wooden trains, tracks, buildings, bridges, and other play items, and a battery-operated rideable train suitable for children up to 45 pounds that can be used on or off the accompanying track. Cost is $185 for two hours.

Party add-ons, including hats, whistles, filled goody bags and party supplies are also available.

A deposit is required to hold appointments; a nominal travel fee is charged depending on location of event.
Special fundraiser package rates are available for non-profit organizations.

Throw a party without doing a thing. With Perfect Little Parties by Jen, parents can choose from packages that offer everything including custom invitations, dress-up costumes, crafts, activities, tea party snacks, goodie bags, pictures, and more.

Themed parties include Princess Tea, Glamour, Rock Star, Dress-up Tea, Scrapbook, Fairy Tea, Pajama Parties, Spa, and more.

Party add-ons - like pinatas and meals - are also available.

Call or visit the website for more information and to book a date.

A one-stop shop for all your party needs, Perfect Occasions offers party supplies, catering, rentals, and even an in-house DJ for your party.

If you need help with your event, let their event planning team take care of the details, or have them cater your party.

Pretty Party Ponies has been supplying ponies for private party pony rides since 1993. Ponies can be accompanied by Pepperment the Clown, who provides face painting, performs magic, and creates balloon figures. Services are also available a la carte. A complete price list is available online.

The company provides small, medium, and large ponies and horses, based on the customer's needs. The horses are transported to your home or party site.

Parties can be scheduled Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-9pm; call for additional details.

Richard the Adequate (aka Rick Waddington) specializes in close-up sleight-of-hand, cards, coins, levitation, and comedy.

Kids climbing the wall - literally? With Rock on the Run, they're encouraged to do so!

The company offers a rental rock wall great for birthday parties, special events, and group programs that is appropriate for climbers of almost any age. The unique truck-based design allows the team to set-up in places where normal trailered walls can't. The wall stays attached to the truck during the entire event and has four climbing paths ranging from easy to difficult. A trained instructor is provided for each climbing path.

Packages start at as little as $150 an hour for any two climbing paths. Lighting for night climbs is also availible.

Visit the website for full package costs and add-ons.

Families looking for a dinner theatre experience that features more thoughtful audience interaction (as opposed to cheering for a red, blue, or green pirate or knight, for example) - and much better food - should make a reservation at Sleuths, our hands-down favorite dinner show.

The enthusiastic and hysterical cast have a rotating repertoire of who-dunnits, ranging from a fox hunting banquet to a college reunion to a wedding... and beyond. The show we saw, The Family Tree, is set at an English estate owned by a scientist whose specialty is cloning. The script does have a few risque elements, but most of them sailed over the heads of the children in the audience, and a wonderful time was had by all ages. Our table included three older women celebrating a birthday and a family of five (including two children and a grandmother) who'd driven to Orlando from Worcester, MA.

After gathering in the shop/ticketing/bar area for hors d'oeuvres, the audience is called by table number into the dining room - round tables of ten all offer fine views of the small stage. Once the game is afoot, each table works as a team to look for clues and come up with questions for the cast that will help everyone determine who dunnit (usually a murder) and why.

The food (audience members choose from prime rib, cornish game hen, or lasagna when reservations are made; the prime rib carries a $3 surcharge) is delicious. Dessert choices include chocolate cake or strawberry shortcake.

The Merry Mystery Dinner Adventure, a lunch or early dinner show specifically for kids, can be booked as a birthday party option or as a family treat. The two shows, The Faire of the Shire and The Magical Journey of Juniper Junior are mysteries without murder (and with less innuendo than the regular shows) and offer a great opportunity to kids to work together using brain power to solve the crime. The kids' shows are also less expensive: $16/child; $28/adult.

Moonwalks, Water Slides, Dry Slides, Obstacle Courses, and Cotton Candy machines are all available for your birthday party or other special event.

Moonwalk themes include Dora the Explorer, Disney Princess, Spiderman, and Shrek. Rentals start at $75 plus delivery and tax. A Cotton Candy machine comes with all of the materials you need for 50 servings and is $50, but requires that you also rent one of the inflatables.

Space Jump, Inc. delivers and sets up your selection to make sure everything is in working order before your party begins. The team will also come back to break down everything after the fun is over.