If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Whether it’s a birthday party, corporate outing, or charity event, we make sure your kids have a blast. At Funnie & Friends, we are 100% kid-focused. We don’t just stand and wave. We play, dance, and interact.
We go the extra mile… in clown shoes!
We offer all the stuff kids love — from face painting and balloon twisting, to photo ops and sing-a-longs with their favorite clowns, princesses and characters.
With us you get more. More options. More action. More FUN. (And there’s no limit to the number of kids or activities — our affordable set fee covers everything!)
As Indy’s original children’s entertainment company, parents and party planners trust us to keep their littlest guests entertained. Fun is our business and we’re great at what we do.
Wanna make it one to remember? Book now for as little as $140 an hour!
Overview
Hired 148 times
Serves Indianapolis, IN
Background checked
36 years in business
Business hours
Sun9:00 am - 10:00 pmMon9:00 am - 10:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Credit card, PayPal, and Square cash app.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2019
2018
2017
Services offered
Event type
Balloon art type
Simple balloon twisting
Detailed balloon art
Face Painting services
Yes
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, work quality, and professionalism.
Excellent 4.9
90 reviews
5
91%
4
5%
3
3%
2
1%
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
April M.
Mar 3, 2018
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Hired on Thumbtack
She was on time and friendly and easy to get in contact with. We got great feedback from parents at our event, saying that she was a great addition to the party and kids had cool balloon animals. Very pleased.
Details: School event • Party host • 151 - 200 guests • 4 - 6 years old • Indoors • Simple balloon twisting (e.g., one-balloon dog)
Balloon Twisting
Jamie L.
Nov 1, 2016
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Hired on Thumbtack
Everything was perfect! Miriam was great to work with for scheduling and the balloon twister was incredible. He was friendly, fun, and really seemed to love his job. He was a huge hit!
Balloon Twisting
Tiffany L.
Sep 1, 2016
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Hired on Thumbtack
Miriam was fantastic! My niece absolutely LOVED her - we booked one hour - which included songs and games with Doc McStuffins, face painting and balloon animals. The children at the party ranged from age 3 through 12. She was amazing with all ages! An hour was perfect timing however, after changing from the costume, she even stayed a little longer to make sure that each child had a balloon animal. I would highly recommend her for your child's event.
Clown Entertainment
Marta O.
Apr 23, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
Miriam arrived to my 4 year old son in full costume, since that moment all the children were captivated by her! She learnt all the kids names and was very loving towards the kids. She did magic tricks and games to get everyone involved and then she did face painting and balloon shaping. Everybody had a fantastic time including the parents. I could not recommend her enough, she is profesional, friendly and excellent entertainer!
Magician
Diana J.
Oct 28, 2016
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Hired on Thumbtack
Miriam did an absolutely wonderful job. All of the kids were excited, she painted faces and made balloons in a clown outfit, they were thrilled. She kept a steady line the whole time and she was really quick and painted really nice pictures on the kids face. Will definitely use again.
Face Painting
Credentials
Background Check
Miriam Gardner-Ryan
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Discounts available for multiple hours or multiple services
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
A deposit is required to hold your spot
How did you get started doing this type of work?
Miriam Gardner-Ryan (a.k.a. Funnie) graduated from Indiana University in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre. Originally from Chicago, she performed in a variety of off-loop performances and won starring roles in Lorca, Christie and Ibsen productions.
One day, while nursing her baby backstage, she decided her true passion was kids. She founded Absolutely Fantastic Parties for Kids in 1990, merging her passion for performing with her love for youngsters. At that time, there were less than a handful of children’s entertainers in the Indianapolis area.
In her new role as a professional clown, she traveled the state, discovering Indiana’s rich diversity from the backyard’s and living rooms of its many unique communities. She loves being called Winnie “Le” Pooh and will never stop trying Indian food even though her eyes love it more than her stomach.
Miriam lives in downtown Indianapolis with her husband James. She has four crazy kids, four smart and silly grandkids, and two troublemaking dogs. She believes wearing a mascot costume in August is worth every hug and smile.
