Any opinions on local children's party clowns in Palo Alto area, CA? other fun for 5th bday - new to area?

Question

Trying to plan a birthday party for 5 year old daughter - looking for clown, face painting or other, but request opinions.
Thanks!

Answer 1

Just a precaution on having a clown at a 5 year old's birthday party. Clowns (and large costumed characters) can often trigger very bad reactions in children that age. Speaking as someone who wasn't aware of that when I planned my son's birthday party many years ago, make sure that ALL of the children you're expecting are going to be comfortable with a clown. We had a little boy who screamed like he was being killed each time he saw the clowns (lovely man who was making balloon animals and his wife who was face painting and juggling). We ended up asking the performers to leave early because it was so chaotic.

After it happened, it seemed that everyone I spoke to had a similar story.

A neighbor of ours had the most amazing success with an inflatable. Even the parents were playing in it and there were no mishaps or tears.

http://bayareajump.com/largecombounites.html
This will give you an idea. Our friends had one similar to the olympic arena. It was set up in their yard before the party and they took it away promptly. It didn't cause any lawn damage.

I notice they deliver free to Palo Alto :)

Answer 2

It shouldn't be hard to find clowns in california.