We go the extra mile. In clown shoes.


Have More Fun with Funnie & Friends!


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 offer all the stuff kids love — from face painting and balloon twisting, to photo opps 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!

Let's Get Started!


"We were thrilled with our experience! The entertainer knew exactly how to interact with toddlers. It took a while for all the little ones to warm up, but there was no stopping them once they did! They went out of their way to make the birthday girl feel special — they even played her favorite song over and over again!" - Jackie P.

It started the year we had Halloween in May.



My 5-year-old daughter wanted to be a witch for her birthday. And, I thought, why not?

I’m Miriam, better known as Funnie. I keep Indy’s kids smiling with awesome entertainment that packs much more fun than the average party.

I’ve been doing silly things to make kids smile for as long as I can remember – professionally, since 1990.

Childhood is short, and your kids deserve to have as much fun as possible.

That’s why we always go above and beyond to make your event memorable.

My team and I are multi-talented performers and true “kid people.” Unlike other entertainers, we don’t believe in rigid routines. We adapt to every audience and always come prepared with the right games, activities and attitudes to make sure your kids have a great time.

For over 25 years we’ve been rocking parties and special events for a variety of Indy’s organizations, including; the Indiana Pacers, the Indiana Fever, Indianapolis Public Schools, Children’s Bureau, Target, McDonald’s, Burger King, Hilton, Radisson, Texas Roadhouse, and many more.

From face painting and balloon animals, to sing-a-longs and magic shows, we do it all.

Contact Us Today Secure Your Date!

Funify Your Special Event with Funnie & Friends!


Quality Entertainment That’s All About Kids.


Whether it’s a birthday party, corporate outing, or charity event, we’ve got the fun you need to make it a hit with the kiddos! With Funnie & Friends, you get so much more than a mascot meet-and-greet. From face painting and balloon animals, to games and sing-a-longs with your favorite clowns, princesses, and characters, we offer all the stuff kids love. Our flexible program engages your whole group. From shy shorties to spirited go-getters, we make sure every kid has a blast. And there’s no limit to the number of kids you can have, our super affordable set fee covers all your littlest guests.

Because fun is our business and our mission is to make your kids feel special, like they’re partying with their heroes. You could say we go the extra mile, in clown shoes. As Indy’s original children’s entertainment company, we’ve been brightening birthday parties, corporate events and all types of special occasions for over 25 years. Want your youngsters to have a great time? Book now for as little $140 an hour!

Let's Get Started!


"Miriam was fantastic! My niece absolutely LOVED her! The kids ranged from age 3 through 12. She was amazing with all ages! She even stayed a little longer to make sure every child had a balloon animal. If you want great entertainment for your child’s event, hire Miriam!" - Tiffany L.

Make the Most of Your Party with these Simple Tips


  • Give your child time to warm up to the character - especially if they are 3 and under.
  • Be sure there is enough room for the entertainer to gather all the children
  • Light will be important to our face painters
  • We often do balloon animals last because they tend to pop
  • Keep balloons off of grass and concrete to prevent popping
  • Some costumes are very hot. Please be considerate of the entertainer
  • Take as many pictures as you like!
  • Tell the entertainer where you want them to stand for pictures
  • Balloons are a suffocation hazard. Please make sure your children don't put them in their mouths.
  • When the entertainer is ready to leave, please have payment ready as they may be on a tight schedule to get to another party. Having to wait for payment could make them late.

"Our entertainer was early to set up and was great with all ages! Friendly and professional. The children were ecstatic, not only with the games and face painting, but also the balloons! We will definitely be using Funnie & Friends in the future." - Amanda N.

Meet the Team


Getting Serious with Funnie

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, three smart and silly grandkids, and two troublemaking dogs. She believes wearing a mascot costume in August is worth every hug and smile.



Contact Us


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Call 317-972-1250 to Secure Your Date!

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