We had SP for our daughter's 8th birthday - it was a SMASH! Smarty Pants was prompt for set up - worked with our space. There was a 30 minute show, very cute. Then he and Ms Dena made balloon party favors and face painting for the guests. Our daughter felt so special. AND each guest felt special and important because they made custom creations for each kid. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Smarty Pants and I look forward to working with them again. They were great, great, great. (I made my event reservation about 8 weeks ahead of time to help you plan). read more

Our 5 year old loves Smarty Pants - we go to Dags on Tuesdays for fantastic balloon creations :)

SmartyPants is wonderful! I needed a balloon twisting artist for my son's 6th birthday party, and Smarty Pants partnered with Miss Dena to provide both balloon twisting and face painting. The kids loved it! There were 25 little wild things running around the house playing tag and hide and seek until Smarty Pants and Miss Dena arrived. Suddenly, with cries of "the balloon man is here!!" , the little wild things became civilized and polite! Waiting patiently until their turn with Smarty Pants or Miss Dena. Smarty Pants and Miss Dena held their attention for 2 hours - and all of the children were delighted many times, and everyone left with a wonderful party favor (or two or three...!) The balloon and face painting artistry is really incredible. And we had neighbor kids from ages 3 - 12 at the party - all were as delighted as the 6 year olds. Smarty Pants knows how to run a business and create a top notch customer experience. He is very responsive and professional in all of his communications. In addition, 2 weeks after the event, our 6 year old received a package in the mail from Smarty Pants, with a thank you letter and a balloon making kit. Nate and a dozen other kids in the neighborhood were busy for another fun filled afternoon ( the pump and instruction manual were included - so we figure out how to make simple shapes which the kids enjoyed!) Thanks Smarty Pants and Miss Dena! read more

An amazing performance every time! The creativity in performance and balloons make a fun filled exiting show. I loved the 3D idea, stuff like that creates a lasting impression. By the way sharp threads! read more

I needed a balloon artist last minute for my daughter's party. Last minute beggars couldn't be choosers so I went with the first person who appeared qualified and was available. Boy did I luck out. He's the Michael Jordan of balloon twisting, seriously. He entertained the kids for the full 90 minutes but what's more is that he was amazing at relating to the kids in a funny and totally non-creepy way. Turns out he's a dad of a 4 year old, so he get it. Each child at my daughter's party came away with a beautiful balloon creation all their own. I would have him back in a heartbeat my daughter is still raving about Mr. Smarty Pants read more

They were great and I highly recommend them for your next event! I know I will be using Smarty Pants entertainment again in the future. There is no better way to entertain 20+ kids at a birthday party. Thanks for making it a memorable one Smary Pants!! read more

We had Mr. Smarty Pants come to my sons' birthday party this past Sunday and we're blown away! He was so great with all the kids and his balloon skills are amazing! He can literally make anything the kids request! All the kids went home happy and many of the parents requested his info! read more

This is the 3rd year we have used Smarty Pants at our holiday party! He does an amazing job and is very engaging with the children. You will not be disappointed if you book him for your event as he is very easy to work with and responds quickly to all inquiries. He is very professional and punctual. read more

They were amazing! Their show was really funny and some solid magic. Then they stayed and did an incredible amount of face painting and balloons. Not your ordinary balloons though, all kinds of crazy things we have never seen. Truly a one of a kind experience. Kids are still buzzing about it days later. read more

Talk about a balloon genius! Everyone was so impressed with how amazing all the balloon creations were. Smarty Pants was the perfect addition to my daughter's party. read more

Smarty Pants and his wife are one of a kind entertainers. This duo is an absolute must for keeping the little ones busy and happy. I would highly recommend this company if your looking for a one of a kind experience. read more

We recently booked Smarty Pants for our twin's 6 yo birthday party. Kids, parents and grandparents thoroughly enjoyed the show! Smarty Pants connected with the kids and was very patient. All the kids loved the face painting. Our space was a bit tight in our home but they were very accommodating and pulled their show of with perfection. Highly recommend. read more

Smarty Pants delivered an awesome TMNT themed birthday party at our home for my 4 year old daughter! Fun, fun, fun all around! His show amused young and old and was very thought out and professionally executed. Would highly recommend for children's birthday parties. read more

Smarty pants is one of the best entertainers not only in Chicago but in most states. He is a professional that truly does care for the kids he performs for. If you want a party that your children will talk about for weeks maybe even months hire Smarty pants and Miss Dena. read more

This show was at our local library, Downers Grove. I thought it would be some guy making balloon animals and tossing them out to the kids. It was not that. It was much, much better. Smarty Pants and the Lovely Miss Dena put on a show that was reminiscent of the circus. It inclluded amazing magic tricks, music, audience participation, humor, . There were a few balloon dogs, but Smarty Pants also rode a balloon motorcycle, he used it to jump over the balloon bicycle. This show is appropriate for kids, and the adults who love them. It is a smart, intelligent, hilarious experience. read more

Smarty Pants and Ms. Dena continue to impress us! This is the second time our family has had them perform at a birthday party for us. This time for our youngest son who turned 5. Everybody has such a great time. There are still balloons at our home, even though the party was weeks ago! No need to think about it, just hire them! I am trying to find another reason to do so! read more

Smarty Pants came to our Easter Party and was the biggest hit!!! Even the mom's could not believe the cool things he was making for the kids. We will definitely use him again! Ashley read more

5 Stars for Smarty Pants! Actually, it was more like six stars, but that's not an option. Smarty Pants was a last minute replacement for our event, and proved to be one of those Plan B = Plan Better. He was punctual, energetic, outrageously creative, and most importantly, put huge smiles on our hospice programs youngest patients and their families. Thank you for really personalizing your talent to fit right in to the theme of our event. read more

I hired Mr. Smarty Pants and Ms. Dena for my daughter's 5th birthday a few weeks ago. It was an amazing party and very much worth every penny!!! The Big Balloon Show was awesome - I had an audience of (15) kids, ranging 3 - 7 and everyone was glued to what Mr. Smarty Pants was doing...even the Adults! We loved him!! He did a very good job of tailoring the show to my home and audience. Ms. Dena painted faces, arms, etc. after the show! They both took their time and made sure that every child had balloons and faces/arms painted before packing up and leaving. I couldn't find one thing that could have been better. Thank YOU Mr. Smarty Pants and Ms. Dena!!! read more

I clearly did not see the same shows as the other reviewers that gave 5 stars. I saw a show this past weekend and was very disappointed. Smarty Pants was not funny at all, didn't captivate the audience and his wife (partner in the show) was mean to the kids. This is not the line of work for her. I was also surprised that none of the kids got a balloon at the end. Yes the balloons he made were good, but the idea of him trying to teach science using balloons didn't work. In addition, the wife kept picking the same kids for the assistants....not very fun for the other kids that just sat there hoping. If I actually paid for these two - I'd demand a refund. read more

Smarty Pants was amazing! I did a lot of research for a balloon artist as I wanted someone that was reliable but that I would also be comfortable being with the kids. I watched all the videos and was so impressed by the interaction and fun! I booked smarty pants for the balloon portion for by sons 4 year old birthday party at a Southport pizzeria in the basement party room and it was amazing. The funny part is he goes there every Tuesday for kids night and everyone in the restaurant has such good things to say before he even got there. Smarty Pants was on time and so engaging with all the kids and made the MOST amazing balloon art for all the kids. Everyone kept asking where I found him! It was such a fun time for the kids but even more amazing for the adults to watch the magic he made with balloons. If I had more room I for sure would have done the bigger show but will for sure be. Ack for Tuesday kids night!! Thanks making the party so fun and unique! read more

You know the old saying when people talk about their "job" and they feel blessed because they get to do what they love for "work" - this is what Smarty Pants and Miss Dena are all about. Complete dedication and love to entertain and indeed they DO ENTERTAIN!!! I have NEVER experienced such TOP NOTCH entertainment!! We turned our son's 6th birthday into a Carnival/Circus party setting up booths with games, prizes, popcorn and more but Smarty Pants and Miss Dena were the hit showcase of the party!! They arrived early and set up for their show. They were both very friendly, polite, professional and helpful :) I have NEVER experienced such TOP NOTCH entertainment!! We turned our son's 6th birthday into a Carnival/Circus party setting up booths with games, prizes, popcorn and more but Smarty Pants and Miss Dena were the hit of the party!! They arrived early and set up for their show. They were both very friendly, polite, professional and helpful :) I have been to other birthday parties with magicians and entertainment but NEVER have I seen the children laugh as loud and hard for an ENTIRE show. I signed up for the big balloon show and coincidentally I also signed up for more kids than whom showed up. It worked out even better because of the time allotment, Smarty Pants and Miss Dena were so wonderful and just continued to make balloons and paint faces and hands. The quality of the painting is ART and not your typical face painting. 5 Stars!! We never felt rushed at any time and it was overall such a pleasurable experience all around. It truly was UNLIMITED fun for all, I was even tempted to ask for my own balloon because I have never seen anything like these. The balloons like the face/hand paint are also a MASTERPIECE of art. Our son was gifted with a giant balloon clown that had to be 6 feet tall and when I say CLOWN, this clown could be in a book for the coolest looking balloon figure EVER (he is still inflated almost a month later) and he was also presented this during the show, along with an amazing monkey hat that was more than just at hat as he was part of the show. It gets even crazier, the birthday boy hat was at least 2-3 feet tall, multi-colored with lights in it... I could NOT believe the stuff they did for the birthday boy and for the kids in the audience while the show was presented. Everyone was included and the kids were in awe! SO COOL!!! Now add in all of balloons and fun after the show!! Oh boy, you could sign Smarty Pants up for a fun party for adults as I was truly entertained and amazed as well. I give Smarty Pants and Miss Dena 10 STARS and we will be having them back in the spring for our other son's birthday party as our boys almost every morning since our son's party are asking us if Smarty Pants is coming to their house today? So cute!!! Don't miss out on this experience that will be unforgettable. Truly at gem for children's parties and a memory that your child will never forget. TOP NOTCH! 10 STARS!!!! read more

We worked with Smarty Pants for a corporate family party and everyone loved it! The show is interactive and the kids are constantly in giggles. Smarty Pants even let us keep the large balloon props that he brought for our show - it was great! read more

We had Smarty Pants and his partner at our party and were very happy with his performance but his partner was not a pleasant woman. One of my guests told me they ask her a question and she was very rude to them also. I'm not sure what her purpose in the show is. If he were doing a show by himself we would have him back but as a team we won't be using them again. read more

The best balloons! Super nice,very clever and classy! Fast, too.

Awesome, amazing THE BEST!!!! beating myself over the head , I should have done the balloon/face painting combo!!! Next time, Thanks for blowing everyone away! You are the talk of the town. read more

We had the honor and pleasure of having Smarty Pants at our son's birthday party. He was a total delight from start to finish. He was simply the best at what he does and was also funny, witty and extremely personable. He had already had a long public engagement that day before ours, and you could never tell he had been literally doing his work all day long and into the night for us. He was engaging, never tired - he managed to engage kids of all ages from boys at the "too cool" age for balloons, to teenagers, adults and the seniors in our family. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone for any aged group. Looking and thinking for another party or event to have him again before my son's birthday next year! read more

Mr Smarty Pants was perfect for my son's 7year old bday party. He made amazing ninja, Pokemon and soldier balloon costumes for all the kids. All of the party-goers (including parents) were so impressed. read more

I can't say enough wonderful things about Smarty Pants and Miss Dena! They provided entertainment for my son's and his friend's joint 4th birthday party. WOW! I, along with all of the parents, were blown (no pun intended) away. The balloon show was a huge production....they did an incredible job of keeping the kids (and parents) entertained. And the balloons! He made special hat and "gear" for the birthday boys....it was epic. All of the kids had a chance to get balloons after the show (and not just a generic poodle, mind you....these were masterpieces). Miss Dena also did face-painting (my son went back for seconds....I've never seen a Spiderman like the one she did. He was in HEAVEN). We were so impressed by their professionalism, talent and creativity. They are nothing short of amazing. Parents and kids are still talking about them....they were a HIT! Highly recommended! read more

I wanted my granddaughter's 7th birthday to be extra special. It was her "golden birthday". As i researched child entertainers, I came across Smarty Pants websight. I noticed he had appeal to boys and girls. I also notice his wife comes along a does face painting after the balloon show. My concern was the expense. I went out on a limb and booked Smarty Pants for our birthday party. I am so glad I did! Smarty Pants and his lovely wife Dena were fabulous with the kids. His show was entertaining and the balloon creations were spectacular! My granddaughter received so many exceptional balloon creations. Everychild left with at least two balloon creations. Every child that wanted their face painted, was awarded their request. Smarty Pants and Dena stayed beyond their hour and a half obligation until every child request for balloons and face painting was granted. It was a party to remember. The kids and parents were mesmerized! If you are looking for that exta special touch to your childs birthday party, call Smarty Pants! Nanabird read more

My family has had the pleasure of seeing Smarty Pants several times. He makes rather amazing balloons and always keeps everyone laughing--kids and adults. We have seen him at a restaurant during busy dinner time. He takes his time to talk to the kids and get to know what they like and always creates something fantastic. He's has come to my children's school two years in a row and all I can say is the students SCREAMED and wanted to hug him when they saw him again. He's funny, quirky, engaging, and loads of fun. read more

This dynamic duo is simply fabulous! We hired Smarty Pants and Miss Dena for our twins' 6th birthday party and they were incredible. The kids (and parents too) were in awe of the awesome balloon creations and the big balloon show. Smarty Pants had incredible patience and quickly redid any balloons that popped during the party. Miss Dena was equally talented with her amazing face painting skills. Hire these two for your next event and you won't be disappointed! read more

Smarty Pants was the children's entertainment for my son's baptism this past weekend. Hands down, Smarty Pants is the best balloon artist I have ever seen! All the parents and kids were ecstatic over the wide range of complex balloon designs he makes on the spot! He also brought Dena along who was great at face painting. From my initial inquiry all the way through to the baptism, Smarty Pants was very professional, prompt and accommodating. I highly recommend Smarty Pants! read more

I had seen Smarty Pants and Miss Dena perform and was suitably impressed. I had kept them in mind for the future. We had a baptism luncheon with 20+ kids in attendance. We had the kid's meal served first and then had Smarty Pants and Miss Dena perform their balloon making and face-painting for the kids while the adults could enjoy their meal. His Balloon-work and her face painting are works of art. The kids had a great time. I heartily endorse their show. read more

I will start off by saying that this review will be very fair. They are very talented in the balloon making and face painting area. I will not take that away from them. However, they are very rude people and not very pleasant. I was planning my son's first birthday party and wanted him to have the best party. I have seen smarty pants perform at another party and liked what I saw. So, I reached out to them to inquire about the date and from the beginning it seemed as though they were bothered. I found it odd that the package that I had originally wanted I could not do because they do not perform the same show twice in a day. So, I was forced to pick a more expensive package. The day of the party they had trouble finding the address due to my fault of not giving exact address. I was totally fine with them being late because it was not their fault however, when speaking with them on the phone to help direct them, they were so rude. When they finally arrived they set up and acted as if they did not want to be there. Miss Dena had attitude and had her head down the whole time while face painting. I had several parents come up to me and ask why the entertainers acted bothered being there. I was embarrassed with the way they were acting and quite aggravated that I spent so much money for them to put on a performance that I was not pleased with. As they were leaving, I was tending to my son and they were asking where the lady with the baby was instead of having the professional courtesy to refer to me as the hostess or by my name which they had. They did not even address my son or give him a toy other than a balloon. I was extremely disappointed and would not recommend them for a party because they lack professionalism and are not friendly. read more