What is your favorite walk around / close up routine (effect) you do for kids?

Hi,
I have never been booked to do close up or walk around for kids. However, when I work holiday parks etc. I sell them a kid's magic show, then after a short break I go around table to table and there are kids there but I do my normal close up. Kids seem to love it just the same as the adults and I get more spin off adult close up bookings than I would if I played to the kids. Obviously this is more profitable to me.
phillip

I think that Star Gazer is a great close-up kid effect.

I don't get booked to do walk about close up for kids, but if I'm booked to do walk about balloon modelling and I get a chance I often do a little trick or two. I always have a couple of rubber bands on me and then I can do the Crazy Man's Handcuffs; it always goes down a treat.

This is not the type of performance I usually do either, but my normal kids birthday show is such that I can perform in a walk around situation if need be.

If you are just working from your pockets the 'Judy the Mouse' is a good stand in for Rocky.

Also you don't want to make the same mistake I did about 10 years ago when I was starting out & approach someone with the colour changing pocket knives.

I love to appear a coin, vanish it, reappear it and turn it into a small size candy for the kid.
Mago Mai

Like you guys, I don't really do close-up effects for kids, but one trick that I do like and always goes down really well in a suitable environment is "spooky hand". It's a kind of automaton hand that moves along a spread of cards and finds a previously chosen card. The kids always freak out!
Mark

I always have these close-up items on me in case I'm spotted in public as "The Magician". (Besides the always-ready TT!)

A bunny paddle, a haunted key, and a three inch wand for the "on the ear" vanish.

This way, I can do anything from one quick trick to a five minute mini-show.

I wrap up by giving them a fortune telling fish with my contact info on the back. They go away happy and you look good to take the time to make them smile.

LWolf, I also LOVE Star-Gazer! I should really break out those instructions again and get some refills!

As for my favorite closeup effect for kids goes...it would have to be spongeballs. I do it in birthday situations as well and everyone loves it. The possibilities that come with a couple little sponges never fails to amaze me. There is a lot you can do and there are many opportunities to make the kid feel special. Just my opinion!

-Andini

I have done close up for kids maybe five times as a paid show. People don't ask for it much unless it is an event like a school carnival or company picnic where walk around is a better format than a formal show.

Sponge balls are the numero uno in popularity and I'm amazed it wasn't mentioned thus far. I also get a great reaction to the vanishing silk using the ever popular TT.

Speaking of TT, I have used it to reconstruct an opened packet of Equal, twice for kids in a walk around venue and they like that as well.

Sponge balls and a bunny paddle.

Sponge balls, Professor's Nightmare, my children friendly presentation of Card in Mouth. Impossible box (not really a trick but it can be left with someone to play with). I like the idea of using Star Gazer.
I do strolling as part of most party bookings as a little bonus if it's appropriate.

Taking my thumb off! I always have this one on me and ready to go. One of the first tricks I ever mastered!!! (And I still really do it, kids love it.)

GlenD

I do a quick sponge ball routine and a vanish of a silk with a reappearance in her pocket.

"Kid's Kards" is a good packet trick, very easy. And, I highly recommend Bill Abbott's "Close Up Magic for Kids". He has several brilliant routines that most kids would go crazy for! Unfortunately, my magic student has my copy; must make a note to get it back....
For older kids, "Flash Cash" goes down a treat. "Bendable Pen", "Colour Monte", a ring and rope routine, "Flying Knot", card to wallet, "Invisible Deck", "Sharpie through Anything", and Hot Rod are all winners.

I'm really starting to like Kids Kards, although I find the adults tend to get a bigger kick out of it than the kids. It's a very visual change that really seems to wow 'em. I just learned Crazy Man's Handcuffs, but judging by my own kids' reactions, I think that'll be a winner too.

One of my favourite tricks for anyone, including kids, is the classic 3 card Monte with the bought red and blue diamond cards and the 14 dollar card. So much magic happens in a few minutes, lots of comedy happens, and everyone thinks they have it figured out by the end. The patter draws people in, ie. "What colour would you have picked if you were me?" Because the cards are coloured diamonds instead of regular cards kids can follow it as well.

I don't use LOOPS much but I like to end Crazy Man's Handcuff's by levitating one of the rubber bands. Kids and adults eat this up!

I use colour vision for kids often as well. It is one mentalism trick that they understand.

Card warp is also a winner with kids.

I think right now these are my favourite with kids.

I perform a really nice card effect where a child picks a card. The card is supposed to be the same number as the child's age. If the child is seven, they card selected is a six. From here I perform a series of colour changes where I 'add' an extra spot but it keeps 'falling off'

Lot's of fun for all ages.

Sponge balls kids love it.

CMH/stargazer, or the pearl poodle.