Abrakadoodle inspires the artist in every child. The national mobile arts education program meets both the National and State Standards for visual arts education. Classes are developmentally appropriate and introduce kids to color, texture, shape, and creativity. Abrakadoodle programs are broken into age-appropriate groupings, including Twoosy Doodlers, for children age 20-36 months; Mini Doodlers, for children age three through Kindergarten; and Doodlers, for children in grades one through six.

A summer camp, Camp Abrakadoodle, is offered for children ages three through 12. Check the website for details. Off-track camps are offered as well.

Abrakadoodle Parties are led by an art teacher and feature age-appropriate activities and art lessons, plus each party guest leaves with a framed piece of their own original art. The parties are held at the location of the client's choice

Local Abrakadoodle programs are offered at various locations in Salt Lake City, Park City, Riverton, Herriman, South Jordan, Draper, Sandy, Cottonwood Heights, and Millcreek. Visit the website for more information.

All in Fun offers all sorts of entertainment options for parties of just about any size and nature. The company is based out of Sandy, but brings all the fun on the road to just about anywhere in Utah and surrounding areas. It comes highly recommended by parents who have used its services, with kudos given for great communication and follow through, and exceptional performers.

Services offered include character appearances (princesses, Santa, the Easter Bunny, super heroes, etc.), clowns, face painting, fortune telling, magicians, balloon artists, stilt walkers, mimes, jugglers, story tellers, and more. The company also has several inflatable bounce houses, slides, and obstacle courses for rent, as well as nifty little toon car rides.

Visit the company's website to see a complete list of services and to get prices.

Artistic Entertainers has a variety of entertainment options to choose from to help make any party more exciting. Whether the party host wants clowns, caricature artists, mimes, stilt walkers, DJs, magicians, puppet shows, psychics, face painters, party games, inflatables, hypnotists, karaoke, balloon artists, fire-eaters, street performers, or catering, Artistic Entertainers has it.

Prices vary; fill out the entertainment form on the website to specify the type of entertainment desired, and the company replies with availability, pricing, and options.

Magic Happens is a magic show that can be adapted to any party or event. Birthday party magic shows are just shy of an hour long, and involve the birthday child and several of the guests.

Brett's magic, illusions, and audience participation can spice up corporate or fundraising events too. Call for more information or to reserve a show. Promo videos are available upon request.

Comedy magician Timothy Riggs has been entertaining audiences of all ages for over 15 years. He has the ability to handle large events (company parties, school assemblies, and corporate events) and small events (family reunions and birthday parties). Call for pricing, details, and reservations.

He can be seen doing free magic shows for the public each Saturday at Hollywood Connection.

When balloons, cake, and ice cream aren't enough to make your birthday party guests cheer, consider a call to Creature Encounters.

Kids get eye to eye with a bevy of creatures including snakes, scorpions, tarantulas, millipedes, hissing cockroaches, birds, chinchillas, and other spunky specimens. Kids of all ages are given the chance to hold, examine, and ask questions about each animal.

The animal meet and greet lasts about an hour; extra time can be arranged for an additional fee. This party is a wonderfully quiet alternative to moon bounces, arcades, and the like. The best part is - the kids actually learn a thing or two!

A Creature Encounters birthday party is held at the location of your choice and works for all group sizes and ages. The "encounter" is also great for scouting events, church functions, school assemblies, family reunions, office gatherings, and just about anywhere else folks gather for fun and learning.

Dippy the Balloon Clown knows how to make over 50 different balloon creations, ensuring that children get something they really like. He travels to birthday parties, family reunions, company parties, church picnics, etc. to entertain kids and families. He is available either with or without the clown costume; rates vary depending on whether or not Dippy appears in clown attire and make-up (two hour minimum if dressed as a clown). Fees include all materials.

Photos of many of Dippy's balloon creations can be viewed on the website.

Face Painting Illusions & Balloon Art, LLC offers face painting, balloon art, and magic for young children all along the Wasatch Front. Entertainers can arrive dressed as clowns for parties or as Santa and his face painting elves around the winter holidays.

The professional face paint is FDA approved and washes off with soap and water.

Parties are best suited for up to 10 children. Call for details and to reserve a party time. Recommendations are available by request.

Fifi the Magic Clown (AKA Gayle Hasler) offers live animal magic shows, face painting, balloon tying, parachute games, and group games. She is one of a few preferred entertainers that Treehouse Museum chooses for special events, given that she interacts so well with children.

Birthday party packages start at $125 for a 30-minute magic show with live animals. The children all get to interact with the animals and perform magic during the show. Add-ons cost $25 each, and include face painting, balloon tying, and games with prizes. Fifi always finds out if the party has a theme, and if so, she caters her show to the theme. The parties are priced for up to 10 children. Additional children cost $2 each. For large gatherings (over 15 people), an option to pay by the hour is available.

Fifi is able to entertain all ages (including the elderly) and abilities. Activities she chooses for her interactive parties can be enjoyed by all people.

Fifi is based in Davis County, but she's willing to travel to wherever a birthday party, family reunion, corporate party, county fair, or school party needs her. He shows have taken her from Logan, to Park City, to Salt Lake City, to Beaver County. Travel fees apply to some destinations.

Geologist Jerry Bergosh, AKA "The Jurassic Sandman", specializes in sand. He sells sands of many colors and textures, in addition to sand-related arts and crafts. Check the website to see what's available, and then call to place an order.

The Jurassic Sandman also does birthday parties, family reunions, and scout troop events. Parties are best for ages four to 12. You choose the location, and the Sandman comes bearing rock hammers, fossils, crystals, and Jurassic Playsand, then everyone can dig in. He even brings an erupting Jurassic volcano for the birthday child. The parties are hands-on, and can be done inside or outdoors. The cost is $155 for up to 12 children. Additional children are $4 each. Parties last one hour. Call to reserve a party time.

Magician Lance Nielsen has been performing magic shows and twisting balloons for over 20 years. He can frequently be seen at local venues such as libraries, daycare centers, fairs, and schools. He also offers magic classes at places such as The Mayan in Sandy and at the John Hutchings Museum of Natural History in Lehi.

He can be booked for private functions such as family reunions, corporate parties, church gatherings, birthday parties, scouting events, and just about any other occasion. Typical birthday parties include 45 minutes of magic, and 15 minutes of balloon twisting. Each child in attendance receives a balloon animal to take home, and the birthday child receives a top hat containing candy, a magic book, and a magic set (a little box of eight to 10 tricks). Call for details and reservations.

Lance's magic shows are enjoyed by children of all ages, and have great appeal for adults, too. We saw him perform at a preschool function and were amazed at how well he entertained the children as well as all of the adults in attendance. His shows include a lot of audience participation, so be prepared to be a part of the production.

Two magic books have been authored by Lance Nielsen and they are available for purchase directly from him. One book is appropriate for younger magicians, while the other is geared toward older kids and adults.

Lance performs birthday shows from Provo to Ogden. He is willing to travel out of state for corporate appearances.

These "mad scientists", decked out in lab coats, come to birthday parties and present a high-energy, interactive science show including effects like laser lights, glow in the dark reactions, chemical magic, and more.

The entertainers do all the set-up, and are able to adapt the presentation to any party's age group and size. The show lasts 45 minutes to an hour, and kids get to make things like Mad Science putty, slime, or super bouncy balls to take home.

The basic party package is $149; add-ons can bring the cost up to $300, depending on the number of guests. Add-ons include bubbling potions, dry-ice demonstrations, and even cotton candy making. The complete party package includes branded Mad Science decorations and party bags. Travel fees apply to counties outside Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake.

Mad Science also offers summer camps at various locations throughout the Salt Lake Valley. The camps run weekly from June through August, and are geared toward ages six to 11. More information and registration details are available on the Mad Science website.

Mad Science visits schools, libraries, and camps to give demonstrations as well. Check the GoCityKids calendar to see if any Mad Science public special event performances are scheduled near you. They are a real blast for kids ages five and up.

If you are interested in bringing a Mad Science assembly or afterschool program to your school or organization, give them a call.

Magician Christopher Fair can frequently be found at local libraries and daycare centers performing his popular show, "Magic with a Flair." He also is an attraction at county fairs, where he performs a strolling magic show, pulling tricks out of his portable bag of magic. He is one of a few favored entertainers that Treehouse Museum chooses for special events, given that he interacts so well with children.

Christopher's magic shows are enjoyed by children of all ages. Besides magic, the shows have a good dose of humor too, and include appearances by Maggie, the rabbit puppet. Audience participation is highly encouraged.

Birthday party shows can be arranged by phone. Christopher Fair visits your location and puts on a 40 minute show full of fun and magic to entertain the party guests. The birthday child even gets in on the act, serving as the magician's assistant.

Magician Doug Roye has a life-long passion for the art of magic, and he loves to mentor young want-to-be magicians. Kids who can't get enough of a good card trick or sleight of hand trick can sign up for one of Doug's Royal Academy of Magic magic classes for kids. In the classes, children ages eight to 14 can learn some tricks of the trade and see if they have what it takes to be a master magician. Classes meet for four weeks, one hour each week, in Midvale. The cost is $45, which includes all materials. Upon completion of the beginning magic class, the children can advance to the intermediate class and perform publicly in magic shows which are held every other month at local libraries. Check the calendar for the young magicians' performances, called "It's Magic." Call or email Doug to find out when the next class begins.

Magic parties are another offering from Doug Roye. At Doug Roye's Magic Parties, parents can choose either a Magic Show or a Magic Class, depending on the age of the birthday child and guests. The Magic Show Party is good for ages four to eight. The birthday child plays an active role in the show, and even gets to do the final trick - pulling a rabbit out of a hat - in full magician attire (cape and top hat). Magic Class Parties are good for children ages nine to 12. The birthday child and guests witness seven magic tricks and then learn how to perform the magic routine themselves.

Mont Dutson is a magician who offers magic shows for birthday parties, schools, day cares, and preschools, as well as a stage hypnosis show.

Four different birthday party packages are available. Each is a 45 minute show, and can feature such things as balloon animals, magically produced candy for the kids, mystery dollars with four take-home magic tricks, Beethoven the Baffling Bunny (who sticks around after the show to hang out with the children), goody bags, and more. See the website for a complete description of party package inclusions.

Kids ages seven and up might enjoy Mont's workshops. The hands-on Magic workshop features a magic show followed by instructions on how to do the magic from the show, then everyone gets to learn and practice the magic. All magic trick props are provided and each attendee gets to take them home. The Balloon Animal Workshop is an hour spent learning to make balloon animals. Students learn to make four animals to take home. Pumps and balloons are provided for use during the workshop.

Mont Dutson also provides comedy magic shows and stage hypnosis shows (yes, he's a hypnotist, too) for family reunions, company parties, and more. The shows are clean - free of obscenities and objectionable material, perfect for all ages. Audience members (i.e. your friends, relatives, guests, co-workers, and maybe even you) are the stars of the comedy hypnosis shows.

Mont also teaches in-home weight loss hypnosis seminars for adults. Just gather a group of friends together and Mont comes to your home to help you reach your weight loss goals. Each participant goes home with a hypnosis CD and workbook. More details are available at www.homeweightlosshypnosisparties.com.

A small travel fee may apply if the destination is farther than 25 miles one way from downtown SLC.

Party Times rents out just about anything to make a party more fun.

Customers can choose from a large variety of inflatables for their parties. Packages start at $145 for four to six hours, and include local delivery and set-up of a bounce house and two carnival games. Parties with inflatable slides start at $200; slides can be used with or without water.

Clowns are always fun (as long as you're not afraid of them), and Party Times arranges to send a clown to your party for an hour of animal balloons, face painting, and other fun. Prices for clowns range from $75 to $90.

Other party entertainment options are petting zoos, rock climbing walls, dunk tanks, disc jockeys, hypnotists, caricature artists, karaoke, carnival booths, and just about anything else you can imagine. Prices vary; call to arrange a party that works with your budget.

Parents wanting to add a little extra sparkle to their little girl's birthday celebrations, slumber parties, or tea parties can invite the Pink Princess to the special occasion. The Pink Princess shows up in a beautiful pink gown and gives the girls royal treatment as she entertains them and teaches them the importance of inner beauty.

A 15-minute visit from the princess starts at $45, and includes photo opportunities and a special storytime. Other party packages include options such as princess games and activities, take home wands and crowns for the guests and birthday girl, and princess make-up application for the girls.

Visit the website for complete details and pricing, and call or email for reservations.

For little girls that have an affinity for princesses, princess attire, and being treated like a princess, Princess Parties offers a personal visit from Sleeping Beauty or Snow White at birthday parties, tea parties, or any occasion fit for a princess appearance.

Appearances from Snow White or Sleeping Beauty start at $50. The $50 option is something along the lines of a singing telegram, including a 15 minute visit from Snow White/Sleeping Beauty, songs, and a Polaroid photo with each child. Party packages range in price from $100 to $190. All packages include games and activities hosted by Snow White/Sleeping Beauty and Polaroid photos with each child. The basic package is one hour long. Some extras included in other packages are doll birthday cakes, princess punch, invitations, party favors, pizza, crafts, and even princess costumes for guests to keep. Parties are priced for up to eight children; small fees apply for additional children. For something extra special, add limousine service to take each little princess home from the party for $120.

To book a Sleeping Beauty party, call 801.544.1521 or email utahprincessparties@yahoo.com. For a Snow White party, call 801.295.3525 or email parties_princess@yahoo.com.

Princess Parties is based out of Davis County. A $15 travel fee may apply if the party location is greater than 25 miles away from Bountiful.

Scales and Tails Utah specializes in Reptile Parties for birthdays, school groups, scout groups, community events, and pretty much any event where reptile visits are desired. An assortment of reptiles and creepy crawlers are brought to the location of the client's choice to entertain the guests. After the show, party goers are allowed to touch and hold some of the animals.

Call for reservations. Scales and Tails takes its show throughout the state of Utah, and even into neighboring states. Travel fees apply to locations outside the Salt Lake Valley.

Sumo-Tyme provides party planning and party rentals for all types of parties and age groups. It rents out a large variety of inflatables, carnival games, tents, banners, vending machines, pinball/video games, air hockey/pool/fooseball/ping pong tables, mechanical bulls, climbing walls, etc. The company can also send out clowns, costumed characters, and face painters.

Visit the Sumo-Tyme website to see a complete list of party services and rentals, and call for pricing.

A gym on wheels, full of gymnastics equipment that comes to you. Kids can play on a trampoline, bars, beam, wedge mat, zip line, bungy system, tunnel, rings, rope ladder, and more, all within a full-size bus.

The Tumble Bus comes to birthday parties, company picnics, day cares, home schools, and any special event. Bithday parties start at just $100 for up to 10 kids and last an hour long.

Utah Funny Girl Productions has all sorts of entertainment options for families and children, and for corporate entertaining as well. The company provides singing telegrams, pranks, disc jockeys, karaoke, themed parties, baloon twisters, face painters, magic shows, costumed characters, story telling, and the only Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Clown in the state of Utah. Check its website for a complete list of options.

Children can choose from a large selection of themed birthday parties. All parties are 1 1/2 to 2 hours long and include games, songs, and activities for eight guests. Additional guests can be added for $10 each. Themes include Idol Madness Karaoke, Buccaneer Bash, Fortune Telling Party, Marvelous Make-over Fashion Show, Royal Princess Tea Social, Cheetahlicious Diva Party, Racer Mania Pit-stop Party, Circus Fit Clown Class, Mission Possible Secret Agent Party, Magic Show (with Daisy the Clown or Magica the Great), and the Mad Hatter Un-birthday Party. Themed parties vary in price, from $200 to $400. Call or email for specific price information.

Wasatch Family Fitness is an organization designed to meet the fitness and wellness needs of the people who live and work along the Wasatch Front and Back. It is the local franchise owner of Stretch-n-Grow, Inc., the world's largest children's fitness and wellness program. A wide range of classes are available for children and adults, including nutrition, motor skills development, sports training, anatomy and physiology, yoga, dance, preschool sports, and personal fitness. Some parent/tot classes are offered as well, including Preschool/Parent Yoga and Parent-Toddler Fitness Adventures.

The goal of the programs is to ensure that children get an early start in establishing fitness and wellness habits as a foundation for healthy lifestyles for the rest of their lives. Every class is based on national standards for fitness and nutrition. Certified youth fitness coaches make sure that everyone involved has a fun and "exerciting" time.

In addition to the services provided in its studio, the organization also provides its services through daycare centers, preschools, and recreational centers in Salt Lake County, Davis County, and Summit County.

Birthday party packages are available. The parties take place in people's homes or at another designated location. The basic party package starts at $80 and includes 30 minutes of "exerciting" fun for up to 15 children, a certified youth fitness coach, props/equipment, music, and a gift bag and t-shirt for the birthday child. Additional children can come to the party for $7 each. A large variety of themes are available (Superhero Stars, Outer Space, Dinosaurs and Dragons, Jungle Adventure, Princess and Knight, Under the Sea, Sports, etc.). See the website for a complete list of parties and inclusions of other party packages. It is advisable to book parties at least three weeks in advance.

Wasatch Family Fitness has no membership fees.

Wild Things Science and Animal Explorations offers hands-on educational science programs featuring live exotic animals, including parrots, snakes, insects, bunnies, chinchillas, ferrets, and more. The company takes its live animal interactions to day care centers, preschools, elementary schools, birthday parties, and community or private special events throughout northern Utah.

Birthday party package prices vary depending on the number of animals involved. To limit stress to the animals and maximize interaction with party guests, parties are best enjoyed by groups of 25 kids or less.

Call for details and to book an animal encounter.

Yoga Monkeys is a traveling yoga studio, offering classes at daycare centers, schools, yoga studios, parks, recreation centers, camps, community centers, and even private homes. The studio also offers yoga birthday parties, as well as group lessons for mom's organizations, scout troops, etc. The classes aren't just for the wee ones; Yoga Monkeys teaches babies, children, and teens. Mom and Tot classes are available too.

Some private, in-home yoga class offerings include Baby Yoga (for ages 2 months to crawling), Toddler/Preschool Yoga (for ages 18 months to five years), Kids Yoga (for ages six to 12), and Family Yoga (for everyone in the family). The private classes are by appointment only, and Yoga Monkeys provides all the yoga mats, props, music, etc.

Yoga Monkey's Mom & Tot Yoga classes, for moms/dads/caregivers along with children ages 18 months to five years, are offered at Centered City Yoga's west studio location. Check Yoga Monkey's website for a current schedule and for pricing.

The Mom & Tot Yoga classes and Yoga for Kids classes (yoga activities and games for three to seven-year olds) are offered at The Yoga Center.

Kids Yoga workshops are offered at the Kula Community Yoga Center.

Birthday party packages are perfect for people of all ages, from itty-bitty to teens. Visit the website for a list of themes and for pricing. Parties can be held at the location of the client's choice.