Their favorite.
Their birthday.

Start with what your child already enjoys. A child who spends the afternoon building with blocks may respond well to a character who invites them to help with a simple challenge, while a child who loves stories may prefer a visit built around a gentle tale told in the character's voice. Discuss these ideas with the team and ask which activities suit your child's age and energy. Naming two or three favourite things at the start helps the visit feel personal instead of generic.

It also helps to be honest about shyness. Some children want to hug the character straight away, while others prefer to watch from a parent's lap for a while. Tell the team which kind of child you have. A good visit leaves room for both, and the entertainer can follow your child's lead rather than pushing the party forward on a fixed schedule.

Decide whether the visit should happen at home, in a rented room, or in another space you have arranged. Each setting changes how much room there is for movement, how loud the group can be, and how easy it is for a small guest of honour to sit near the entertainer. Ask the team how they would adapt the visit to a small family gathering versus a larger group of classmates, and whether a calmer pace suits the younger guests.

Think about the rhythm of the hour as well. A typical planning conversation covers when to welcome the character, when to break for cake, and when to let children have a quiet moment. Discuss these ideas with the team so the visit fits around food, games and any siblings who may want attention. The aim is a comfortable group rhythm that a parent can feel good about, rather than a rushed run through a list.

Plan the arrival before the big moment. Decide where the entertainer should enter, where the birthday child should wait, and who will greet the character first. A short note to the team about these details helps everyone feel relaxed. Ask how the performer prefers to be introduced and whether there is a quiet place nearby for the costume to be put on or taken off out of sight of guests.

At the end of the visit, plan a clear handoff. Some families prefer the character to say goodbye in the room, while others want photos or a final group moment before leaving. Ask the team what they can suggest and confirm the arrangements in writing so there are no surprises on the day.

Before committing, ask the team to walk you through an example visit suited to your child's age. Ask which activities are part of the plan and which are optional, how long the performer expects to stay in the room, and how they handle children who want to watch rather than join in. These questions help you compare options fairly and avoid assumptions about what is included.

Also ask how the visit can be adjusted if plans change, and confirm the arrangements you have discussed. Keep notes of the answers so you can refer back to them on the day. Clear conversation at this stage is the best way to make sure the visit fits your party.