Magic tricks for kids’ shows and birthday parties: a buyer’s guide
How to choose magic for a children’s party or family show, with tricks from our store sorted by what they do best.
By The Online Magic Store
· 4 min read
In this story 8 sections
Kids want to laugh, shout and join in. The best tricks for a children’s show are big and visual, have a bit of comedy, and give a child a job to do. Start with one comedy prop, one participation routine and one visual trick. Below are options from our store, with what each product’s own description says it includes.
Performing for children isn’t the same as performing for adults. Sleight-of-hand subtlety gets lost on a room full of six-year-olds, but a prop that “misbehaves”, or a child who becomes the hero of the trick, gets screams of delight. Whether you’re a parent planning a party or a performer building a family show, this guide will help you choose.
What makes a good magic trick for kids?
- Visual. Children should be able to see the magic from across the room, without needing to remember a card.
- Funny. Comedy props where things go “wrong” for the magician are a classic for young audiences.
- Interactive. A child who helps on stage gives the whole room someone to cheer for.
- Sturdy. Kids grab things. Props that survive a drop are worth paying for.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Kids Kards 25th Anniversary Edition | A story-led card routine | $29.95 |
| Pro Diminishing Cards | Family parlour shows | $65.00 |
| Multum Parvo Pro | A visual classic with tough glasses | $65.00 |
| Wonderbag Barbie | Making a child the star | $69.95 |
| Mr. Wand | A funny character on stage | $79.95 |
| Comedy Microphone | An opening comedy gag | $79.95 |
| Comedy Bubble | A full comedy routine with bubbles | $110.00 |
| Vanishing Glass of Milk PRO | A comedy “sucker” trick | $110.00 |
Which tricks get the biggest laughs?
Mr. Wand by Mr. Daba is a wand with an animated mouth, so it becomes a character in your show. Its description says it can even be used for ventriloquism, suits beginners and experienced magicians, and is made for parties and school events.
Comedy Bubble by Mago Flash is a full routine that combines classic effects with bubbles. The story: the magician’s white handkerchief is dirty, so it goes into a magic washing machine, which overheats and “catches fire” before magic saves the day. It is described as a comedy and children’s routine for the whole audience.
Comedy Microphone by Richard Griffin is a gag where the top of the microphone keeps popping off, until it finally goes off with a flash of fire and sparks. It is made for comedy magicians, comperes and children’s magicians. Because it involves flash and sparks, read our fire and smoke magic safety guide first and keep children at a safe distance.
Which tricks put a child in the spotlight?
Wonderbag Barbie by Gustavo Raley is built around a child helper. Headbands of famous characters are shown, a child picks one from a bag and wears it, and after the hidden character is guessed, a small cape appears. When it’s too small to wear, the child steps into the bag and it turns into a large cape. All materials are included, and it is described as ideal for hall and stage magic.
Kids Kards by Richard Pinner tells a sweet story. A group of children made you a special hand-designed deck as a thank-you, but it isn’t very practical, so you magically change it into a normal deck, do a little mind reading, then change it back. The design is language-free, and the description says the deck does all the work.
Which tricks are the most visual?
Multum Parvo Pro from Bazar de Magia is a classic: liquid from a large glass fills a smaller glass, then a smaller one, and so on, until you drink from a very small glass and hand it out to be looked at. The four polycarbonate glasses are described as resisting falls, which is handy around kids. The tallest is 13 cm (5.2 inches).
Vanishing Glass of Milk PRO, also from Bazar de Magia, makes a glass of milk vanish, glass and all. It is a sucker trick: you pretend to explain the secret for laughs, then make it disappear completely. It is described as very easy to perform and suits adults or children. Stock is low.
Pro Diminishing Cards by Trevor Duffy has been tried and tested by its creator for over 30 years and is described as a favourite for kids and family audiences. It includes cards in five sizes of genuine card stock, a display stand, a storage case and online instructions.
What if the child wants to learn magic?
If you’re buying for a child who wants to be the magician, look for a learning kit instead. The How to Be a Magician Kit from Ellusionist ($99.00) is described as for everyone over 10. It comes with a box of props and downloadable videos teaching 47 tricks, taught by Peter McKinnon, Chris Ramsay and Adam Wilber. For teenagers, see our magic gifts for teens.
How many tricks do I need for a kids’ party?
For a short party set, three or four strong routines are plenty: open with a comedy gag, put a child in the spotlight in the middle, and close with your most visual trick. Young children have short attention spans, so a tight show beats a long one. Browse more options in our stage and large audience collection.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of magic tricks do kids like best?
Children usually love tricks that are visual, funny and interactive. Props that seem to misbehave, and routines where a child helps on stage, tend to get the biggest reactions.
What age is the How to Be a Magician Kit for?
Its description says it is for everyone over 10.
Are any of these tricks safe to use around children?
Check each product’s description and instructions before you perform near children. Comedy Microphone ends with a flash of fire and sparks, so follow fire safety advice and keep children at a safe distance. Multum Parvo Pro uses polycarbonate glasses described as resisting falls.
How long should a magic show for kids be?
Keep it short. Three or four strong routines make a good party set, opening with comedy, involving a child in the middle and closing with your most visual trick.
