For centuries, people have enjoyed a trip to the circus to see amazing and mysterious acts performed under the big top. Even though the format and craft have evolved over the years, the modern circus is still a prime destination for families.
Considering a trip to the circus this year? Read through the tips and tricks in this family guide to the circus before you go for a stress-free experience.
Where Does the Circus Take Place?
The location will depend on the company to which it belongs. The Garden Bros Nuclear Circus still uses the traditional tent setup, performing in mall parking lots and other large, open spaces. In 2023, Garden Bros will tour through cities like Phoenix, Ariz., Cleveland, Ohio, and Buffalo, N.Y.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey are returning to the road in 2023 with multiple-day stops in major cities like Kansas City, Mo., Milwaukee, Wis., Jacksonville, Fla., and Greenville, S.C. They will hold most of these shows in large arenas. You can also browse current Ringling dates and seats on TicketSmarter’s Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus page at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Tickets.
Arena vs. tent: how to choose for your family
- Arena shows usually offer fixed seating, larger concourses, and more restrooms and concessions.
- Tented shows feel intimate and immersive, often set up in parking lots with festival-style concessions and family zones.
- Plan to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early for either format. Onsite box offices often open one hour before showtime, which helps you sort seats, booster chairs, or ADA requests with less stress.
Is The Circus Family-Friendly?
Yes. The modern circus welcomes guests of all ages and is especially popular with families. A modern circus, like Ringling or Garden Bros, features high-flying acrobats and eye-catching stunts that will entertain every age group. Garden Bros even offers Free Children’s Tickets to many of its shows with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Before attending, it is important to consider all of the bright lights and loud noises that will be present throughout the show. As long as everyone is prepared for those, it will surely be a memorable experience.
Another kind of performance dubbed contemporary circus includes shows like Cirque du Soleil. Those shows may not be as family-friendly depending on the theme of the performance, but there are some options in this category, including Drawn to Life which is a resident show at Disney Springs in Orlando, Fla.
Looking for animal-free or human-acrobatics shows with a family feel? Explore options like Big Apple Circus on TicketSmarter at Big Apple Circus Tickets and UniverSoul Circus at UniverSoul Circus Tickets. You can also compare touring productions like Circus Spectacular at Circus Spectacular Tickets and Super American Circus at Super American Circus Tickets.
Do Circuses Still Have Live Animals?
No, many major productions now focus on human performers. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey announced changes ahead of their return, shifting to human-only acts and global auditions to find unique talent; National Geographic reports Ringling’s relaunched tour emphasizes human-only acts rather than animal segments. The Garden Bros Circus does include the Olate Performing Dogs, who you may have seen on America’s Got Talent. These talented pups have performed with the Big Apple Circus and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey before. Garden Bros Circus also has horses in many of its shows.
Modern acts that replace animal segments
- Aerialists, high-wire artists, and silk performers
- Teeterboard and trampoline troupes
- Jugglers, clowns, and comic hosts
- Live bands and multimedia storytelling that build a festive atmosphere
How Long is the Show?
Garden Bros performances run approximately 90 minutes and Ringling Bros shows are slightly longer at 120 minutes. The latter has a 15 to 20 minute intermission in the middle to help keep audiences engaged. Before you get to your seats, take note of where the bathrooms and concessions are located to help you navigate the area more easily, even if the overhead lights are off.
Seating, intermission, and bathroom tips
- Many modern circus and variety shows run 60 to 120 minutes, and longer productions often include a 15 to 25 minute intermission.
- Use the restroom before the show starts. Lines can get long once intermission begins.
- Federal 2010 ADA Standards require wheelchair and companion seating to be dispersed across assembly levels and require assistive-listening systems in many fixed-seat venues, so ask venue staff or ushers about ADA seating and assistive-listening options when you arrive.
- Ask ushers about booster seats, ADA seating, and nearest exits. Keep your digital tickets handy for quick entry.
What to Bring for a Stress-free Experience
- Ear protection or noise-canceling headphones for kids, plus sunglasses if bright lights are a concern; the CDC warns that noise-induced hearing loss from a one-time very loud event or repeated exposures is irreversible and recommends using hearing protection or moving away from loud sources when possible.
- A small comfort item or fidget toy for sensory-sensitive children
- Cash or card for concessions and souvenirs, since outside food and drink are often not allowed
- A simple exit plan so a caregiver can step out during a loud act if needed
Best Practices for Toddlers at a Tented Circus
- Aim for a matinee when possible, since earlier shows can be easier on routines.
- Stroller parking is usually outside the tent. Pack only what you can carry in quickly.
- Parking-lot setups can be busy. Hold hands, pick a meeting spot, and watch for cables, stakes, and ropes.
- Many tents are rain and windproof and shows run rain or shine unless there is a severe danger. Bring layers and comfortable shoes.
Sensory-friendly Tips for Young Children
- Many productions and venues offer sensory-friendly performances; Autism Speaks documents common accommodations such as reduced volume and flashing, smaller audiences, quiet areas, extended entry time, and availability of noise-canceling headphones or fidget tools, so ask venues or TicketSmarter event notes for these options.
- Keep simple goals: enjoy a few favorite acts and take breaks as needed.
- If your child is sensitive to sound, aim for side sections farther from speakers.
- Prepare kids with videos and quiet practice time. Encourage them to say when they need a break.
Garden Bros Tent vs. Ringling Arena: A Quick Family Comparison
- Garden Bros: Classic big-top vibe, close-up views of performers, Olate Performing Dogs and occasional horses, approximately 90 minutes.
- Ringling Bros: Large arena production, two-hour format with a short intermission, human-only acts sourced globally.
- Both are family-friendly. Your choice comes down to the intimacy of a tented show versus the amenities and scale of an arena.
Ticket Buying Tips and Family Deals
- Check online first for deals. Family passes and kids-free-with-paid-adult offers are common, and terms vary by venue and show.
- Showtimes can vary by day. Weekday and weekend schedules often differ, so review your date and time carefully before purchase.
- Choose seating with the kids in mind: aisles for easy exits, and mid-bowl or side sections to balance sightlines and volume.
- If your family loves live music shows with a playful twist, browse TicketSmarter’s Family Concert tickets at Family Concert Tickets. For broader kid-focused outings, see Family Fun Day events at Family Fun Day Tickets.
Get Circus Tickets
Now that you know a little more about what to expect from your adventure, you can find circus tickets and thousands of other family-friendly events near you on TicketSmarter. Explore specific circus experiences, including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Tickets, Big Apple Circus at Big Apple Circus Tickets, UniverSoul Circus at UniverSoul Circus Tickets, and Circus Spectacular at Circus Spectacular Tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare a young child for loud sounds and bright lights at the circus?
Bring ear protection, such as earmuffs or noise-canceling headphones, and sunglasses for bright moments; the CDC warns that noise-induced hearing loss from a one-time very loud event or repeated exposures is irreversible and recommends hearing protection or moving away from loud sources when possible. Preview short videos of similar shows so kids know what to expect. At the venue, choose seats a bit farther from speakers. If you need to step out, ushers can guide you to exits and let you reenter. TicketSmarter lists show notes where sensory-friendly performances may be flagged.
What should families know about seating, intermission, and bathrooms during a 90 to 120 minute show?
Most shows run 90 to 120 minutes with a 15 to 25 minute intermission. Use restrooms before the show and locate them as soon as you arrive. Federal 2010 ADA Standards require wheelchair and companion seating to be dispersed across assembly levels and require assistive-listening systems in many fixed-seat venues, so ask ushers about ADA seating and assistive-listening options when you arrive. TicketSmarter recommends arriving 30 to 60 minutes early to avoid lines and settle in.
Which contemporary circus shows are best for families?
Many modern productions center on human acrobatics, comedy, and music. Family-focused options include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Garden Bros, Big Apple Circus, and UniverSoul Circus. You can compare dates and tickets on TicketSmarter, including Ringling at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Tickets and Big Apple Circus at Big Apple Circus Tickets.
Why do some circuses feature performing dogs or horses while others are animal-free?
Policies differ by company. Ringling Bros. phased out animal acts and now centers on human performers, and coverage in National Geographic notes that Ringling relaunched as a human-only production. Some tented shows feature performing dogs, such as the Olate Performing Dogs, and occasionally horses. If you prefer an animal-free experience, TicketSmarter lists many acrobat-focused shows.
How do arena-based shows compare with traveling tent circuses for a family outing?
Arenas offer fixed seating, broad concourses, and more restrooms and vendors, which can be helpful with small children. Tents create an up-close atmosphere with a festive, classic-circus feel. TicketSmarter carries both formats so you can choose the experience and amenities that fit your family.
What should I consider when buying family circus tickets?
Look for family bundles and “kids free with paid adult” offers when available. Check date and time carefully, since weekday and weekend schedules can differ. Consider aisle or mid-bowl seating for easier exits and balanced volume. TicketSmarter makes it easy to filter seats and compare prices across dates.
Are outside food and drinks allowed at the circus?
Most venues do not allow outside food or drink. Concessions and souvenirs are available on site, and prices reflect the costs of running a traveling production. TicketSmarter suggests bringing a payment method and grabbing water early to beat intermission lines.
Any tips for toddlers at tented shows in parking lot settings?
Arrive early, hold hands in busy areas, and watch for cables, stakes, and ropes around the tent. Stroller parking is often outside the tent. Choose earlier showtimes, pack light, and sit on an aisle if you expect a quick break. TicketSmarter event pages note venue details to help you plan.
Updated date: December 12, 2025
