Our children's DJs are MCs first. They get out on the floor, teach the dance moves, and run the contests, which is the difference between a room of kids dancing and a room of kids standing next to a speaker.
The music library is radio-clean and age-appropriate: current kids' favorites, the classics that always work (Cha-Cha Slide, Macarena, YMCA), and upbeat pop. We keep the volume at a level where kids can dance and parents can still hold a conversation, and adjust to the room size.
We bring sound-activated LED party lights and a high-output bubble machine. Structured activities include limbo, freeze dance, musical chairs, hula hoop contests, and potato sack relays.