Balloon Artists Hunter Valley

A twisted balloon is a party favour children watch being made and then carry out the door. Around the Hunter Valley, balloon work comes bundled with a kids' entertainment booking rather than as its own act, so you choose the party first and the balloons follow.

Party Chameleon Hunter Valley builds balloon sculpting into every character party, together with face painting. The team is based in Cessnock, travels free within 35 km, and prices its character, games, disco and magic parties from $230 plus GST, listed from $253. If balloons matter most, the character format is the one where they always come included.

Kingdom Kids Parties start from the other end: one princess or fairy entertainer for 1 hour 45 minutes, from $350, with face painting, bubbles, a magic show and games. They also appear among the Hunter's balloon artists, so ask how balloons fit into the package when you enquire. Their travel area takes in Cessnock & Wollombi, Pokolbin & Surrounds and Maitland & Lower Hunter.

Things to tell them up front:

• Guest numbers, so there is time for every child to get a balloon
• Whether balloons are a must, which points to a Party Chameleon Hunter Valley character party
• The party address, to confirm it sits inside a travel area
• Where the entertainer can work, out of the wind if the party is outdoors

Round out the day with face painters, or browse ideas for a birthday party in the Hunter.