Merry Christmas from JoJoFun

5 Christmas Games to Play at Home

Ideas for fun with the family this Christmas

It's just over a week until Father Christmas makes his journey across the world to deliver presents to all the girls and boys. We're having a wonderful holiday already delivering funtabulous entertainment to Christmas parties all across London. In fact, we love to know that fun is happening all the time, so we've compiled a list of games you can play at home with the family this Christmas!

Christmas Food Recipes

5 Christmas Dinner Ideas

With Christmas on its way, we've compiled a list of recipes for classic yuletide food to include on the menu. Family and friends will love what's on offer, from traditional snacks to a full course menu with a modern touch. Now's the time to get familiar with these festive recipes and stock up for the big day - read on for Christmas food recipes.

Fun Balloon Activities for Kids

Top 10 Balloon Games and Activities

Here at JoJoFun we love to play with balloons! Not only is balloon modelling included in our party package The Works, but balloon decorations are an increasingly popular choice at celebrations such as birthdays and store launches. Seeing as balloons are so sought after, it's clear we're not the only ones who enjoy them! So this week, we've collected together our favourite balloon-related kids activities for you.

DIY Christmas Tree Decoration

Festive Craft Tutorial from JoJoFun

Images found on Pinterest

With Christmas exactly one month away, the Christmas tree will soon be going up (if it hasn't already!). This time of year is always special and one especially fun activity is adding new decorations to the tree, and so we've compiled this tutorial for you to not only add a new decoration, but a homemade one!

Hire Christmas Party Entertainment in London

Christmas 2015 - Children's Entertainment

Entertaining Elves, Face Painters, Balloon Modellers, Magicians and Father Christmas himself are all set to deliver festive fun to events across London.

We can assist you with entertainment, balloon decor, party bags and all you need to make your Christmas party event very special indeed!

“Your service for both our match day entertainment and Bridge Kids Xmas party was fantastically received by all Chelsea fans and certainly made every child feel very special. I felt you planned and executed perfectly everything that was required and you and your performers ably handled the impromptu situations that arose above and beyond what I expected.” - Kane Curran, Chelsea Football Club.

Perfect for Christmas parties at home, company parties, corporate events, and school events!

View our Christmas catalogue online

Visit our Christmas web page

Colouring Pages for Kids

5 Colouring In Resources from the Web

Who remembers colouring in pictures as children? Back in 'our day', lots of pictures got the wax crayon treatment, including pages in our favourite comics, "bumper" books, and occasionally pictures in grownups' books (much to their dismay!). Well, this is one of the few ways in which times haven't changed - colouring opportunities for children still abound. However, the difference now is that there's a new addition in the mix: digital resources! These days lots of websites have black-and-white images of kids' favourite characters ready to download, print off and colour in. So in today's blog post, we've found our top 5 colouring resources on the web. Get the crayons, felt tips and glitter pens ready and have fun!

Christmas Puppet Show for Children's Parties London

Professional puppet entertainment for your event

With Christmas coming up, many people are securing their entertainment for children's parties now. Did you know you can book festive puppet entertainment with us? Our Puppet Entertainer has designed a super new Christmas show sure to delight the kids.

Are you ready for the Day of the Dead?

Online resources for the Mexican Celebration

The Day of the Dead is an old Mexican tradition celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. On these days family and friends celebrate in memory of loved ones who have passed away - and it is said those departed loved ones are celebrating with them. The emphasis is most assuredly on the celebration - The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos (in its original Spanish), is a joyful occasion with festivals, food, and flowers!

British Wildlife Activities for Kids

5 Art and Crafts Projects for Children

Picture from Newsround

With this "cute furball" in the news, we thought that in today's blog post we'd explore the furry friends found in the garden and at the local park. Britain has many cute furry creatures. Many of which come out at night so we don't see them! Others burrow underground and stay out of sight in the countryside. But sometimes if you're in the right place at the right time, you can catch a glimpse of these wonderful animals!

10 Halloween Activities for Kids

Spooktacular Crafts and Activities

With Halloween just around the corner, here at JoJoFun we're preparing to deliver frighteningly fun children's entertainment at Halloween events around London. We know many of you are planning your own events, so this week we thought we'd help get those creative juices flowing with a roundup of 10 spooktacular do-it-yourself Halloween activities for kids that we found online!

Bermondsey Street Festival 2015

JoJoFun Open Bermondsey Street Festival Fashion Show

We had the great honour of opening the fashion show at Bermondsey Street Festival this year! It was an impromptu request and our sensational Stilt Walker Poppy stepped up to the plate - proving there really is no order too 'tall' for our Stilt Walkers!

Now in its ninth year, Bermondsey Street Festival is a great opportunity for local artists, musicians and of course fashion designers to showcase their work. The whole community embraces the party vibe with the streets pedestrianised for the day to provide a platform for entertainment, food, drink and fun for all the family.

We are immensely grateful to the staff at the fashion show for giving us the opportunity to open the show! Here's a short clip of the special moment:



Links:
Bermondsey Street Festival
JoJoFun's Bermondsey Street Festival Pinterest Board

10 Autumn Activities for Kids

Awesome Autumn Fun from the Web

With autumn officially here as of this week, it's time to start dressing a bit warmer, leave the sun cream at home, and watch the leaves turn red, brown, and yellow! But all is not lost, we've brought together 10 awesome autumn activities from across the web for you to enjoy this season.

5 DIY Minions Crafts

How to Make Minions Crafts

Minion mania is sweeping the nation with kids everywhere enjoying the delightful characters' adventures in Despicable Me and now their own solo feature film. If you too are mad about Minions then you'll love this week's blog post - we've collected our favourite top 5 Minions craft projects from the web, all complete with tutorials on how to make them yourself. Have fun!

1. How to Make a Minion Party Favor Jar

2. DIY Minion Bookmarks

3. How to Make DIY Minion Puppets

4. DIY Minions Sand Buckets! (With a free printable pattern)

5. Free Minion Inspired Doll+Pillow Patterns

Have you been inspired by this article to make your own Minions crafts? Why not send us photos by emailing andy@jojofun.co.uk and we'll post them on our social media pages!

Happy Teddy Bear Day from JoJoFun

Teddy Bear Day 2015

Teddy Bear lovers across the world are celebrating their favourite toy's special day today. Originally an American celebration, this day is now celebrated by Teddy Bear enthusiasts across the world... and we at JoJoFun are no exception!

Who doesn't have a memory of their favourite cuddly toy growing up, whether a teddy bear, dog, cat or something else? These companions stood by us no matter what, helped us to sleep soundly and were always available to play!

Back to School Blues

Dealing with the Back to School Blues

Going back to school is quite an adjustment to make after the summer holidays. Both children and parents can feel the 'back-to-school blues'. So this week we've collected top tips from around the web on dealing with this time, and hopefully having some fun along the way!

How to Make Paper Mache Maracas

JoJo Music - How to Make Maracas

Here's a super fun project that involves some of our favourite things: balloons, creativity, and making a mess! (The fun kind!)


Images found on Pinterest.

Preparation

Here are the things you'll need to make your own maracas:

• Newspaper. Ask friends and family to save their old newspapers for you so you have plenty.
• Flour
• Water
• Lentils, beans, seeds, rice
• Balloons
• Paints (poster paints work well) or different coloured craft tissue paper
• Sticky tape
• Long cardboard tubes

How to Make Maracas

Part 1

Now it's time to get your hands dirty!

1. Inflate balloons. Inflate as many as the amount of maracas you want to make.
2. Use some of your newspaper (but not all) and make strips of small squares each about the size of a coaster.
3. Cover your working surface with the rest of the newspaper.
4. On the newspaper place a bowl and pour the flour in. We're going to make paper mache.
5. Pour in the water. It should be a thin paste, like oatmeal.
6. Now mix the flour with the water by hand. The kids can join in with this. It will be a bit messy but that's what the newspaper is for!
7. Take one of the pre-inflated balloons and dunk it in the paste. Cover all of the balloon with the paste. You can use your hands to help this part along.
8. Now take your newspaper squares and place them on the pasted balloon. Make three layers of newspaper squares all around the balloon. Don't paper over where the balloon is tied, leave a little round gap there the size of your cardboard tube perimeter.
9. Leave to dry.

Part 2

When the newspapered balloon is 100% dry (it should feel rock solid), it's time to move on to Part 2.

1. You now have a balloon-shaped, solid paper mache container. You can remove the balloon from inside through the round gap at the bottom.
2. Pour your beans, lentils, rice or preferred filler into the container. You don't need much, just enough to make a sound when you shake it later. You can experiment with different fillers and amounts to achieve different sounds. Keep the container upside down when pouring in the filler, and with the next step too, to stop the filler falling out.
3. Create your maraca handle. Take your long cardboard tube and tape over one end of it to block that end. Slot it into the gap at the base of the container, taped-end first (this will stop the filler from falling out of the tube). Don't push it too far in the container or it will intefere with the sound of the maraca. Perhaps one inch inside. You can fix the tube in place with sticky tape.
4. Now you might want to decorate your maraca. You could try gluing strips of the craft tissue paper to it, this would also help strengthen the maraca and handle. Or paint it with your favourite colours.
5. Wait for the paint or glue to dry completely.

And now the final step... Play the maracas!

Did you make your own maracas using this tutorial? We'd love to see them! Why not send us your photos and we'll publish them on future social media updates.

Note: Responsible adult supervision is required at all times when creating with potentially harmful substances such as glue or items that might scare children such as popping balloons. This tutorial should be undertaken using your own discretion depending on the ability of your children, do not let them undertake activities they are not able to.

Fun at Home with Rainbow Soap Bubbles

How to Make Rainbow Soap Bubbles

Here at JoJoFun we know few activities delight kids more than good old fashioned messy play. It brings them a whole lot of laughter and joy and encourages creativity and hands-on learning too. In this week's blog post, we teach you how to create exciting rainbow soap bubbles using everyday kitchen items.

5 Summer Activities for Kids

Summer holiday fun with minimal planning

Over the course of the summer holidays, it's easy to run out of ideas for things to do to keep active. With computers, tablets and phones handy, the trap of spending more time than intended playing computer games is ever present, so we've compiled a list of activities that can all be done with minimal planning!

How to Make Wooden Spoon Dolls

Have fun creating your own puppets from wooden spoons

Kids love playing with dolls and action figures. Endless fun can be had as situations, interactions and games are imagined and acted out. With wooden spoon dolls, you can combine this love of dolls and action figures with arts and crafts - does it get better?

Crazy Colouring Contest

Do you have a little artist at home? Why not enter our exciting colouring contest and win one of our Bespoke Party Gifts!

How to enter:

1. Download the JoJo image file here. Print it off and colour it in.

2. Post a digital version on Twitter with the hashtags #kids #party #competition @jojofunparties (the "@jojofunparties" is so we get notified of your post). Note: follow us on Twitter first at http://www.twitter.com/jojofunparties.

3. We'll thank you for your entry to confirm, and possibly even republish your photo.

4. The winner will be announced shortly after the competition closing date of September 30th on our Crazy Coloring Contest webpage and Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus.

5. The winner will be contacted via direct message on Twitter to arrange shipment of the prize.

Conditions:

1. Entrants must be aged 8 or under.

2. Entrants must be based within the M25.

3. All images entered into the competition may be republished on JoJoFun's website and social media.

4. Competition closes September 30th 2015. The winner will be announced shortly thereafter on our Crazy Coloring Contest webpage and via Twitter

How to Make Playdough

An easy, non-cooked playdough recipe

Playdough continues to delight kids all over the world. This favourite form of creative play is a terrific way to get imaginations 'rolling'! So many ideas can take form in a matter of moments using this very simple medium.

Making your own playdough is a super fun way to bring even more creativity to this activity. Not only do you get to determine the amount of dough you make but you can also make it in all kinds of crazy colours with wacky additions (more on this later). First, let's look at the basic playdough recipe ...

JoJo Art - Styrofoam Stamps

Make Your Own Styrofoam Stamps

Here's a super fun idea for all the little artists in the family! Start saving styrofoam from pizza packages, new gadget and toy boxes and anywhere else you can find it, because next time it's raining outside we have the perfect creative activity for you.

Delicious Ice Pops Recipe

Summer Treats for Kids

During the hot summer months, few things are more welcome than cooling down with a frozen ice pop! But you don't have to wait for the ice cream man, nor the next visit to the supermarket, there is a whole lotta fun to be had by creating your very own ice pops. The ingredients can be very simple and you might even have them to hand!

A Birthday Bead Gift

More Creative Ideas for Kids

After last week's post about Chalk Art, we thought it'd be fun to explore more creative ideas that you and your children can explore. And so this week we look at Beads!

Let's allow these pictures to say the next thousand (or so) words...!

Pictures found on Pinterest

As you can see, beads can be put to many fun and creative uses. You can make bead necklaces, bead bracelets, bead mobiles, bead key rings...

A Birthday Bead Gift

Here's a funtabulous idea! Why not have all your party guests add their bead of choice to a necklace for the birthday child?

It would be a very special gift indeed, something to treasure and a wonderful way to encourage the children to create and share.

As beads contain small parts adult supervision is always recommended. We suggest beads are only used with the age-group indicated in the safety instructions of the beads.

Share your bead art photos with us! Email us the photos and we'll publish them on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus!

Chalking it up!

Colourful and Creative Playground Chalk Art

Last week our very own JoJo got to make spontaneous chalk art in a local playground in SE1. What a joy it was to get all the kids involved in unplanned creative fun!

The ease of making art this way is a big part of its appeal. It's a reminder of simpler times when climbing trees, hide and seek and other effortless games were the order of the day! And what could be simpler when it comes to making art than remembering to pack a few sticks of chalk the next time they want to go to the playground?

Why not give it a try - it's easy and the chalk washes away in the rain, leaving a clean canvas for your next visit ;)

Have you made chalk art recently? We'd love to see it - why not send us your photos by email and we'll publish them here on our JoJoFun blog!

How To Tie Shoes The Easy Way

How to Teach Kids to Tie Shoelaces

Did you know there's a superbly easy way to tie your shoes? So easy, children can learn it in a snap!

This technique trumps other techniques such as "The Bunny Ears" technique for quickness. It's both quick to learn, and quick to apply - in fact the most time consuming part of the procedure once learned is the crossing of the laces at the beginning.

JoJoFun's Top 3 Sugar Alternatives for Cakes

Natural Sugar Alternatives for Birthday Cakes, Christmas Puddings, and Celebration Snacks

With sugar being a major contributor to all kinds of health conditions, many people have cut down or cut it out of their diets altogether! But what do you do at birthday parties, Christmas celebrations and other party events when cakes and sweet snacks are an almost inseparable part of the festivities? We invite you to explore the wonderfully delicious, sometimes surprisingly healthy world of sugar alternatives!

International Children's Party Entertainers

Since JoJoFun was established nine years ago, we've entertained over 80,000 children at parties all over London and the surrounding counties. These party events have run the gamut from birthday parties at home to corporate events for Saatchi & Saatchi, Chelsea Football Club and others and public and community events such as Olympics and Jubilee celebrations. We love entertaining and continue to bring a whole lotta fun to London while we are also delighted to receive invitations from further afield...

We've had the pleasure of entertaining in Abu Dhabi, Turkey, and most recently Cairo - they say a picture is worth a thousand words, and on that note here's a colourful selection of our international party events!

Are you looking for children's entertainers in London? Perhaps you'd like to present a unique international opportunity to JoJoFun? Check availability, book online, enquire by phone 0774 319 6691 or email jojo@jojofun.co.uk

Hire a Children's Entertainer in London

Children's Entertainment Hire in London

Are you looking for children's entertainers in London? We offer a range of party entertainment for kids perfect for birthday parties, weddings, corporate events, school celebrations, and anywhere children's party entertainment is required!

After 9 funtabulous years delivering a whole lotta fun in London and the surrounding counties, you know your party's in good hands with JoJoFun!

Use these handy quick links to find the children's entertainment you're looking for!

Hire a children's entertainer in London
Hire a balloon modeller in London
Hire a magician in London
Hire a face painter in London

More Entertainment Options

Check availability, book online, enquire by phone 0774 319 6691 or email jojo@jojofun.co.uk

Mascot Hire London

Imagine all the characters from children's favourite films and TV shows coming to life! That's exactly what happens at a JoJoFun party. We bring walk-about mascot fun to all kinds of kids party events from birthdays to corporate events and school celebrations (and much more!).

Giant Bubble Show for Children's Parties in London

Bubble Show for Children's Parties

Exciting news! New to JoJoFun, Bubble Shows are available to book now at children's parties!

Enter the wondrous world of imagination as you step inside a giant bubble! This incredible party package brings interactive bubble fun to you. Experiments and tricks are led by our professional "Bubbleer", leaving party guests awestruck and full of smiles.


Visit our Bubble Show web page

Want to book a Bubble Show for a kids party in London? Check availability, book online, enquire by phone 0774 319 6691 or email jojo@jojofun.co.uk

Summer Entertainment for Kids

If you're looking for children's entertainment for a party this summer, we're thrilled to announce our availability for your celebration!

Summer is the time for all kinds of kids party events. School events, Community celebrations, Corporate events, BBQ parties, not to mention special celebrations where the children might need an entertainer such as weddings and other ceremonies.

What entertainment is available in London this Summer?

All-round Entertainers. Bringing a dazzling combination of songs, stories, games, balloon modelling, magic, bubbles and puppets! Read more...

Face Painters. A popular choice, children's imaginations come to life! Read more...

Balloon Modellers. Adding a twist of funtabulous balloon artistry to kids parties. Read more...

Magicians. Spell-binding fun by a children's magic master! Read more...

Fire Entertainers. Sizzling and sensational fun delivered by a professional Fire Performer. Read more...

... and so many more options...

Check availability, book online, enquire by phone 0774 319 6691 or email jojo@jojofun.co.uk

Stilt Walkers for Hire

Book a Stilt Walker in London

Are you looking for Stilt Entertainers for hire in London? Look no further. Our taller than life Stilt Walking entertainers are available now to book for children's party events.

Having entertained at Muswell Hill shopping centre during Christmas celebrations, Silverlock Hall for community celebrations, and Chelsea Football club for match day celebrations - to name a few of the exciting events we've performed at - there's truly no order too "tall" for these Stilt Walkers!

Ready to hire a Stilt Walker for a kids party in London? Check availability, book online, enquire by phone 0774 319 6691 or email jojo@jojofun.co.uk

JoJoFun in Cairo

JoJo and Sparkles at Trillium Montessori in Cairo

Trillium Montessori invited JoJo and Sparkles to entertain at their International Day celebrations in Cairo! It was a fantastic 2 day extravaganza, and you can see all the fun on our Pinterest board dedicated to the event.

JoJo reports from Cairo via Trillium Montessori's Facebook page: It was an absolute honour and privilege to be invited to Trillium Montessori in Cairo in celebration of your International Day! Thank you Trillium for taking such good care of us! You are perfect hosts in every way and we can't say enough about your attention to detail. What a fantastic environment for children to learn and grow. We had so much fun!

Trillium Montessori replied: This testimonial of yours is such an honour! It was great dealing with professional entertainers like you. What a delight having you share this day with us; you brought joy to our children’s hearts and ours. Thank YOU JoJoFun!!

What a delight!! Many many thanks to everybody who took part!!

Visit online:
JoJoFun Children's Entertainers
Trillium - The Montessori House

Follow JoJoFun Childrens Parties and Childrens Entertainers's board JoJoFun at Trillium Montessori in Cairo on Pinterest.

Hire a Magician for a Kids Party in London

Kids Magician Party in London

Kids magic is a skill all its own, quite different from magic for adults. You not only have to have a gazillion tricks 'up your sleeve' but you also have to hold the attention of children for all the time you're performing, perhaps the most amazing magic trick of all!

Children's Entertainers for Birthday Parties

What is The Works?

Over the course of 9 years of delivering professional children's entertainment, we've developed and fine-tuned the greatest kids entertainment package available to hire. We call this package The Works!

Disney Party Themes

Disney Party Themes for Kids

The magical world of Disney has delighted children throughout the world for generations. It's no surprise that Disney characters are some of the most popular choices people make when choosing a theme for their children's party.

Easter in London 2015 - Fun things to do

Easter in London 2015 for kids

How are you celebrating this Easter? With just over a week before the Easter Bunny delivers yummy chocolate eggs, we're all set to deliver Easter Entertainment to kids all across London. Now in our 9th year of bringing first-rate entertainment to children, we know just the right balance of entertainment options to offer for your Easter party.

Kids Party Tables And Chairs Hire

Are you sitting comfortably? Then let the party begin! Having covered Party Bags in last week's post, we thought we'd resume our exploration of Party Extras this week with Tables and Chairs.

Kids need there own dining area at children's parties. A place to chow down on cake and treats with kids-size chairs and kids-size tables!

Here at JoJoFun we provide the perfect table and chair hire for your kids party. Suitable for both outdoor and indoor parties, the chairs are colourful and the tables fit together so you can make one long table for many guests. Just add your tablecloth, tableware and party food and Hurray! Your kids dining area is all set.

The fee for hire, delivery and pick-up of 20 – 25 chairs and 4 tables (as pictured) is £150. Table cloths and tableware not included.

Visit our Kids Table and Chairs page online

Or enquire now by phone 0774 319 6691 or email jojo@jojofun.co.uk

Party Bags for Kids

So much goes into planning a children's party. I'm sure if you've hosted a party before, you know just how much there is to take care of, and if you're planning your first, you must be finding out! We strive to make all this easier for you by giving a complete party entertainment package, so when you book a JoJoFun entertainer, you know for sure the kids will be completely entertained for the duration, and you don't even have to worry about providing a sound system as we bring all our own microphone and equipment.

Fire Shows in London

Fire Shows - Don't try this at home kids!

Looking for something different this Easter? Our pro Fire Entertainers bring sensational, sizzling fun to events in London. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, corporate event, school or seasonal event, Fire Entertainers are a perfect choice for your outdoor party.

Fire Breathing, Fire Eating, Fire Juggling... you name it, our Fire Entertainers bring their 'A' game to parties, professionally and safely dazzling guests with incredible mad skills!

See our webpage for a preview of the awesome Fire Entertainment in store for you.

To book a Fire Show in London now click here.

Alternatively, for events outside London check availability for Fire Entertainers here.