Merri-Makers Picnic Caterers (Edison)
Did you know there was such a thing as a “picnic specialist”? Well, Merri-Makers Caterers has a whole staff of ‘em and they’ve been catering fantastic picnics for families, friends and corporations for over 30 years. They do everything from the food to the activities and children’s entertainment, so you can relax and have fun. And you can have your picnic at the location of your choice or at one of their great venues throughout New Jersey. Use their free online quote form to get a customized proposal. 732-225-0009.
 

Jersey Barbecue (Saddlebrook)
If you’re in the market for a barbeque with a theme, Jersey BBQ is your perfect catering choice. They’re capable of serving from 50 to 3,000 guests and all food is prepared on site. Some of their themed events include “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Caribbean Festival” and “Take Me Out To The Ball Game”, but they’ll also make up a theme right on the spot for you. 201-843-4929.

Party Maniacs
You gotta love a company that would name itself “Party Maniacs”, right? The maniacs come to you and provide staff, equipment and games for a customized children’s party. Food is not included, but they will help you with planning a menu. “Party Maniacs” standard package includes face painting, balloon sculpting, Limbo, Simon Says, parachute game, bubble wrap pop and their most popular game - the Toilet Paper Blower. We have no idea what that could be, but we like the sound of it. 973-376-2211.

NJ Backyard Movies (Summit)
Feel like having a drive-in movie experience with a bunch of your best friends? NJ Backyard Movies specializes in outdoor movie parties, bringing the sounds and excitement of the big screen to your own back yard. But it's more than just movies, you can hook up your console into their HD system and play your favorite video games on the giant screen. Add in NJ Backyard Movie’s other extras like popcorn machines, DJ entertainment and video montage services and you’ve got a backyard or block party unlike any other. 908-265-2169.

Let’s Have a Party
Yes, let’s. This expert party entertainment company runs the gamut from a children’s birthday party to a bar mitzvah to a block party and covers every base you can think of. Need music? They can supply DJs, karaoke systems, singers or whole bands. Need costumed characters? They have hundreds of actors in costume from Princesses to Pirates. Need a bouncy house? They have everything from a Bouncy Castle to a Moonwalk. And most importantly, do you need food? Yep, cotton candy stands, snow cone stands, popcorn machines, chocolate towers and much more. And if you’re still bored, they can rustle up a singing telegram or phone-o-gram. 203-322-4516,

Party Pop (Philadelphia)
Party Pop is another full-service create-your-own party planning company with Character Mascots, Clowns, Face Painters, Balloon Twisters, Moon Bouncers, DJ Services, Live Bands, Singing Telegrams, Stage Set-ups and Audio/Video Rentals, but deserves special mention because the costumed actors are trained in sign language if your child or any of your guests are deaf. 267-549-1113

Perfect Party Rentals (Freehold)
Party Perfect strives to do, well, what else? Make your party perfect, obviously. They help you plan your bash step by step and cover everything from bouncys to crafts to catering, but we included this one because of one thing: They have ice cream trucks! And how much fun would it be to have your own personal ice cream truck pull up at your party? Hard to beat that. 732-303-8211

NJ Partyworks (South Amboy)
NJ Partyworks has been working their party magic for 20 years now and pride themselves on having the latest and greatest in games, bouncys and water fun (Dunk Tank, anyone?) They really do have the coolest selection we’ve seen, so if you’re looking for frozen drink machines, bubble machines or fog machines, give them a call. (800) 993-7386