Ringling Circus - Zing Zang Zoom

I'm not sure what your feelings are regarding the treatment of animals, but there is a Federal Law suit against Ringling Bro. because of their treatment of animals, especially elephants. I know they've cut back on the number of animals used in their shows, but they do still use them. I, personally, would not spend my money or time supporting this. We took our year and a half year-old daughter to a smaller local circus this past summer (my husband insisted after much protesting on my part), and I had to leave mid-way through the tiger/lion act because I literally almost started to cry when I saw how these animals were treated and how lethargic and down-troddened they looked. I saw their "traveling accomodations" as well, and just couldn't believe that such intelligent, beautiful animals were allowed to be treated this way. I know others aren't bothered by this, but I really was, and I'm hoping to raise a daugther who has a tender heart towards animals, too. Just my "two cents" worth, though! Good luck with whatever you decide.

1 mom found this helpful

There are $12 tickets as well. Maybe someone that used these tickets could give you feedback as well. I have no idea if they are good enough.
Do they actually cost the same at the door? Since Ticketmaster is charging a transaction fee....

Hi L. You didn't say were you lived but I never took my chilren to Ringling Circus but here in northwest Indiana in Hammond they had the Shriner Circus that comes to town every year in November. And the children loved it and it's not that expense either. And they have plenty of attractions that your three year old would love.

we went a few years ago with older kids, 12 and college age(I know it sounds crazy) but it was great. I could not believe how good it was. Old or young, you can't beat the circus.

Just took my 4 yr old there. There were tigers and elephants, as well as dogs and zebras. But the animal acts overall was very minimal compared to last years. Also, there is a cannon which is very loud, so be sure to cover ur child's ears during that part. The magic acts were good, some may be a bit afraid to see a clown cut into two. There were hardly any clown acts though, otherwise. So overall it was okay, but much more subdued than last years. Still, I think any child will enjoy it!

Sadly, the circus doesn't have elephants any longer; PETA protested so long and loud that these well-loved animals were retired a couple of years ago. If it's true that it's lots of magic, you'd probably want to be up close and I don't know if that's affordable. It's great that you're thinking about this and not just going! good luck.

another thought.. have you looked at the midnight circus??? it's fun, small .. it was great when we saw it at Welles Park and at Daley Plaza

Hi L.,
I took my (nearly 5 year old) daughter on Saturday. We were in the 5th row and had a blast. There was a lot of magic but the elephants, tigers and dog acts were very cool. The cannons are loud but it's only for a second. My dd loved the tight rope walkers. It was a long show (over 2 hours) and Taylor was ready to go when it was over.

We took our 2 year old and a friend's 3 year old last year and they loved it! It is a little long but there is a 15-20 minute intermission so the kids do get to get up and run around a little. We are taking our 3 year old and 1 1/2 year old this year too.

We took our daughter last year (when she was 3) and we all had a good time and we learned that she is afraid of clowns :(

Eventhough we had fun, after the show I realized I probably wouldn't take her again for a while - I think she may have liked the popcorn bucket more than the show....

I also agree with the other moms - it was pretty long for a 3 year old and once you get in the door it is EXPENSIVE! We bought the $12 tickets and the seats were fine - we were closer than we thought we'd be and everyone could see fine.

Barnum Brothers circus's are long..about 3 hrs usually. My parents never took us till we were 5. Dont think my little guy would have the attention span for it.

Hi L.,
took our 5 and 7 year old on friday with scouts. Was great, the only down fall is it is long! If taking a 3-yr-old I would see if there's a daytime show as opposed to the 7pm start. Oh, and take lots of cash... all the extras (light up stuff, cotton candy, etc.) are expensive!

Here is a link to more reviews of the show, from kidwinks.com:
http://www.kidwinks.com/KidsEvents/RinglingBrosandBarnumB...

I took my daughters (5 & 7) last year, and they loved it, but we haven't been to this year's show.

You can use www.kidwinks.com to search anytime for kid-friendly events, activities, restaurants (there's a Kids Eat Free Calendar in the restaurants section where you can click on a day to find where kids eat free, cheaply, or where there's special entertainment like a magician), services (like birthday party places, classes, camps, etc.) or shops.

It is more magical then circus,i was disappointed,went with 6 years old,it not worthed,
A.

We were all set to go this year with my 4 year old, but then last minute she didn't seem that interested, so I didn't get tickets. If you don't go this year, another option is to watch next summer/fall for the Kelly Miller Circus (They have a website). It is a small tent circus that usually is at schools or churches for a fund raiser. I took my daughter there when she was 2 & 3, and she loved it. It is about 1.5 hours long, kept her attention, and since it was a smaller venue she saw everything. Hated the clowns though.

I just talked to a friend who went last weekend and had front row seats. She took her 6 and 3 year olds and they all had a blast. She said the ring leader is also a great magician, and the clowns were very cool- not creepy. I'm not a circus-goer, but it sounds like it was a great time.

T.
www.ReadandGrow.com

I am taking my 2 1/2 year old to the showing at United Center on November 22nd! I think he will love it! He love elephants, lions and tigers. You should take her and start a tradition as that is what I plan on doing with my son!

L.,

We took our 3 year old and she loved it. I don't think she turned her head away from the "Action" once and she had her mouth hanging open most of the time in amazement.

Have fun.

M

My kids were bored to tears (literally). They were 4 & 6. I wish we had left after intermission.

After taking my 3 year old 4 years ago, I wouldn't suggest it. It was completely overwhelming to him, too much happening all at the same time, too long and yes, VERY expensive. Wait until she's about 5 or 6 if it's really something you want to do!