What to Expect When You Book Face Painting for a Kids' Party

Face painting is one of the easiest ways to keep a group of kids happy, and one of the most fun to watch. A good painter turns a line of shy, wiggly kids into tigers, butterflies and superheroes in a few minutes each. If you've never booked one before, here's what to expect and how to set the party up so everything runs smoothly.

What Goes on the Skin

This is the question most parents ask first, and it's the right one. At Clowning Around, our painters are trained in safe techniques and use professional-grade, natural products. That's the standard to look for with anyone you hire: someone who can tell you what they use and why, and who cares about it. Craft store paint and markers are not made for faces, so don't be afraid to ask.

If your child, or any guest, has sensitive skin or known allergies, say so when you book. A good painter will want to know, and can plan around it. Parents of very young children might also want to be nearby, so the little ones feel comfortable in the chair.

How Many Kids, and How Much Time

Each design takes a few minutes, and a detailed one takes longer than a simple one. That means the guest list and the length of the booking need to line up. A big party with a short window may need simpler designs, like cheek art, stars and small animals, so everyone gets a turn. A smaller group can enjoy full faces and more elaborate ideas.

When you call, share the number of children, the age range and how long you'd like the painter to stay. We'll help you work out what's realistic, and we have custom packages for birthday parties and corporate events. It's far better to plan the time honestly than to promise every child a masterpiece and run out of afternoon.

Set Up a Good Spot

A painter needs a few simple things: a table or a stable surface for the kit, a chair for the child, decent light and a bit of space. Shade is nice outdoors, and a spot away from the loudest part of the party helps kids sit still. If the weather's hot, a shaded patio or a garage with the door open is better than direct sun, which is hard on both the paint and the painter.

It also helps to keep the line orderly. Some hosts use a sign-up sheet, a small stool for waiting or a helper who calls the next child. Kids get restless in a long line, so a simple game, a snack or a balloon animal nearby can keep them busy while they wait.

Choosing Designs

Most painters bring a menu of designs, and kids love flipping through it. Popular picks include animals, butterflies, flowers, superheroes, rainbows and sparkly stars. If your party has a theme, tell the painter in advance so they can lean into it. A space party might get planets and rockets. A farm party might get cows and chicks.

• Let each child choose their own design, within reason.
• Start the youngest or the shyest kids first if you can, since they warm up fast.
• Keep a few quick designs ready for when the line gets long.
• Ask for a design on the arm or hand for kids who don't want a painted face.

Before and After

Face paint is meant to wash off with soap and water, but give it a little time to dry and tell kids to keep their hands off it for the first few minutes. Consider having wet wipes or a washcloth on hand for the end of the party, and keep paint away from eyes. Let parents know before pickup so nobody is surprised by a cheetah at the door. Some kids love to wear their design home and show it off, so don't rush to scrub it away if they're proud of it. A quick photo before bedtime wash-up is a nice way to remember the party.

Face painting pairs well with balloon twisting, which keeps the waiting kids busy, and we do both. Ready to book? Call Clowning Around at (402) 432-9610 or send us a note through the contact page. We're open every day from 7 AM to 9 PM, and you'll speak directly with the owner.