Not Throwing a Party?
Private Visits
An hour built for one to three children, so the character is effectively theirs. Most of these are not parties at all — they are weekday mornings, play dates, and days that mattered to somebody who is four.
When People Book One
Every one of these is something a family actually asked for.
The morning of the actual birthday
The party might be on Saturday, but the birthday is on Tuesday. An hour that morning makes the real day the one they remember.
A celebration that is mostly grown-ups
Aunts, uncles and grandparents, and one child in the middle of it. The character comes for them, so the day is theirs and not just an adult dinner they are sitting through.
Getting ready before friends arrive
The character comes early, does the makeover, and teaches a few games. By the time the guests turn up the birthday child already knows how everything works — and has the photos to show for it.
A character play date
Sometimes just the child and the character. Sometimes with grandma. There does not have to be an occasion at all.
Marking something that mattered
Giving up a thumb. Finishing potty training. Things that are enormous to a four-year-old and invisible to everyone else — worth a visit from someone they love.
Before school
A 7am visit on their birthday: breakfast together, extra glammed up, then out the door. The whole day starts differently.
What the Hour Holds
- ★ Themed active games, songs and stories, the same as a party
- ★ An autographed portrait, printed on the spot
- ★ Then a frame to decorate and put it in, signed by the character too
- ★ Makeovers
- ★ Add thirty minutes for free play — the guest of honor usually wants to show the character their room
"Quite often the guest of honor is really excited to show the character all of their toys, and wants to just share their space and their world."
★ Travel fees apply based on distance from Sycamore, IL. Contact for a custom quote. ★
From Families Who Booked One
We did the sapphire package, a one-on-one experience with Elsa for my daughter's 6th birthday. It was truly magical, everything I had hoped for and more! Jessica is incredibly talented and amazing with kids.
We did the 1:1 session with Princess Belle for our daughter's 4th birthday and it blew me away! Our daughter can get shy around new people and Belle made her feel so safe and treasured. As a mom — I couldn't ask for anything more.
My daughter has a developmental delay and Parties with Character has a ton of patience for her, and the one on one interaction has been so perfect for our situation. My daughter used to be scared of any and all characters and now she's begging for more hugs.
Questions
How many children can come?
One to about three. Beyond that the hour gets tight — we would either add the extra thirty minutes so everything still fits, or agree beforehand which activities matter most to you so those definitely happen.
How is this different from the Silver package?
Silver is a party package for up to 15 children, and the focus is themed active games. A private visit is built for a very small group, so it also includes an autographed portrait printed on the spot, a frame to decorate for it, and makeovers — all inside the hour.
Does it have to be a birthday?
No. Play dates, milestones, a visit before school, or a family celebration that is mostly grown-ups — all of these work. Most private visits are on weekdays.
What is the extra thirty minutes for?
Free play. Very often the guest of honor wants to show the character their room and their toys, and the extra half hour makes room for that on top of everything else. Ask when you enquire and I will quote it.
Where do private visits happen?
Usually at home, which is rather the point — it is their space. I also visit hospitals and other venues; my photography equipment runs on its own battery and needs no outlet, so it works almost anywhere.
Looking for a full party instead? See the party packages →
Tell Me About Your Little One
Let me know the date you have in mind and who the visit is for. I reply within 48 hours.
Ask About a Private Visit