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[title]Having a magician come to their birthday party is at the top of many children's wish lists. While some birthday party places in New York City (think Fantasma Magic) offer magic shows, there are also tons of party entertainers that you can hire for an at-home magic experiences. Little Houdinis can expect interactive magic shows, sleight of hand tricks, live bunnys, magic lessons and more. Some of the party entertainers, including Max Darwin (check out a video of his famous coin trick here) and Mario the Magician, also perform at events for kids in the city, so they may already be familiar to young party guests.
RECOMMENDED: All party entertainers in New York City
The Amazing Max Darwin
Children may recognize this magician from his show The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things. Expcet lots of fast-paced tricks (kids commonly request the trick where Max's wallet bursts into flames when he's not looking), plus an impressive juggling-routine. $625 for one hour, includes prizes for each child and a special gift for the birthday child (212-931-8553, maxdarwinmagic.com)
Arnie Kolodner
Kolodner re-creates classic tales with theater and magic for kids ages three to 12—from Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty to Batman and Star Wars. Themed balloon animals and face painting are also available. $450–$650 for 45 minutes; additional fee for bookings outside Manhattan (212-582-2633, arnieparty.com)
Domino the Great
This magician combines slapstick comedy and puppetry with mind-boggling magic, and has even performed at the White House Easter Egg Hunt. $500 and up (877-322-1566,dominothegreat.com)
Hijinx!
The party package mixes magic with comedy, puppetry, juggling and balloons. And yes, there's even a live bunny rabbit. $350 for one hour (877-688-3133, hijinx.tv)
Joseph Fields
Fields has been dazzling little ones since the '80s. His shows incorporate comedy, magic, balloon animals and lots of audience participation. $275 and up for 40 to 60 minutes (914-771-5912, nykidsmagician.com)
King Henry Entertainment
The king of all things funny and fast-paced brings his silly magic to your home to entertain your four- to 10-year-olds. Families may recognize this monarch from his cable access show or Brooklyn Cyclones games, where he acts as field announcer. $350 to $450 depending on location (917-650-2978, kinghenryshow.com)
Magical Mayhem
Entertainer Peter Juris is a jack-of-all-trades—He does hysterical magic shows for kids of all ages, plus he can juggle, walk on stilts and twist balloons into all different types of animals and creations. At his "Magic 101" parties, children learn the basics—and get to keep the materials so they can practice and show off at home. $325 for one hour (845-405-1217, peter-juris.com)
Mario the Magician
This illusionist's routine features vintage style, handcrafted props, DIY robotics, slapstick humor, audience interaction and a live dove named Mozzarella. Inquire for rates. (917-605-0662, mariothem
Michael Raccuia
Humorous magic, twisted tricks and lots of audience participation keep kids—and parents—entertained. (Shows for younger children and tweens available.) Call for prices and packages (718-468-4383, magictouchent.com)
Miss Pinkie
Many city parents name this artist as their kids' favorite party entertainer. At her interactive magic show geared to youngsters ages three and up, the birthday child helps find a missing bunny. Afterward, Miss Pinkie crafts balloon hats, animals and sculptures. $425 for 45–50 minutes (800-246-7465, misspinkie.com)
Seth Dale
This comedian presents a funny and interactive magic show that showcases the birthday child to make the occasion special. Best for kids ages four and up. $300 for 45 minutes (845-325-4462, sethdale.com)
Simply Steven Magic
On tap is a magic show tailored to fit your child's birthday theme. Post-show magic lessons, balloon animals, face painting and juggling are also available. $200 for 45 minutes (914-548-2048, simplystevenmagic.com)
Stephen Christopher
Kids get to assist with tricks and get up close and personal with live animals, including a dwarf bunny, a white dove and a boa constrictor (if they so dare). $275 to $625 depending on location and day (800-644-7497, birthdaypartymagicshow.com)