Tips for first time Circus goers

[Anonymous]

I can't find any information about how long it actually lasts. Looks like doors open an hour before the show starts. Is it really necessary to get there very early? Just trying to figure out how to get as much of the show in with a little person in the midst of the terrible twos. Do they let you bring your own drinks/snacks for the kids or will they try to confiscate our sippy cup?? Anything else I should prepare for?

[Anonymous]

I would get there whenever you want. We usually planned to get there 15-30 minutes early just so we could get a snack and get seated before things started. Many people got there right as the lights went on, or later. They won't take food from you in your seats, especially for a young child. Have fun, and plan on spending more than you realize on cotton candy, popcorn and toys. But its fun. My kids really enjoyed it.

[Anonymous]

i read online that they allow patrons to meet the animals in that hour before the show starts.... have fun!

[Anonymous]

Just an FYI, there will be protesters handing out graphic leaflets about the treatment of animals so do not let your child take one. I did not realize that when I took my DD last year.

Have fun.

[Anonymous]

This will be our first time too but I bought tickets today so I know most of this info is right on the website. They open the floor an hour before so you can wander to see animals and performers. You can't bring outside food and drinks but I'm not sure if they actually check inside bags. Bags over a certain size have to be checked. The show is 2 and 1/2 hours with a break.

[Anonymous]

Don't go. Ringling Brothers is being investigated for abuse. Going to a circus is only condoning the abuse.

[Anonymous]

will you teach your child also about all the abuse the animals suffer to perform perfectly?

[Anonymous]

Not to pile on but the last two posters are right.

When are people going to learn that there are consequences to their actions? Or "the circus is fun" is enough of an excuse?

Sigh . . . in 2011 I did not thing thing Ringling Bros. and their kind would even still be around.

[Anonymous]

Another vote here to avoid the circus... Those poor animals! Check out peta.org for stories of abuse.

[Anonymous]

Peta ...haha!! Such a voice of reason!! They have zero credibility.

[Anonymous]

It's not just PETA... the much tamer Humane Society has also condemned circus abuse. It's real--sadly.

I never went to the circus as a kid, and never felt deprived. My kids asked once and I told them the people were mean to the animals. That was the end of the that.

For your kids' protection, though, I would be aware of and try to avoid the protesters and potentially some scary (yet true) images. Yet another reason I wouldn't go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's not just PETA... the much tamer Humane Society has also condemned circus abuse. It's real--sadly.

I never went to the circus as a kid, and never felt deprived. My kids asked once and I told them the people were mean to the animals. That was the end of the that.

For your kids' protection, though, I would be aware of and try to avoid the protesters and potentially some scary (yet true) images. Yet another reason I wouldn't go.

I was also going to cite the Humane Society as PETA is a bit extreme. Seriously, I cannot believe the circus still exists and it is sad that so many people actually think this is a fun thing to do with your kids. Please, please reconsider.

[Anonymous]

My child's Federal daycare center used to take the children to the circus and I refused to allow my child to attend. I just took the day off from work and had a fun day with my son. Going or not going to the circus should be an individual choice that you make for your family. We will never go.

[Anonymous]

Please don't take your child to the circus, OP. The sooner people stop turning a blind eye to its abuses the sooner it will disappear.

[Anonymous]

I used to love the circus as a kid, but now would never take my child, after reading about how Ringling Brothers trains their elephants and tigers, it's awful....especially the poor elephants!

Try taking your child to a circus that doesn't support animal abuse (there are some that come through, which only use familiar animals like horses, dogs, etc., who are trained humanely as opposed to exotic animals that are trained with brutal methods). Or find a Cirque du Soleil show, which is just as amazing!