[susy...patience]

My DD is just 2 -- and I got all excited tonight reading that the circus is in town. But then I started to wonder if she's just too young. Anybody have any experience with this?

We have been to short toddler oriented puppet shows but that's the only big-scale "entertainment" type thing we have been to.

[loveajax]

I took my DD last year when she was almost 3 (or maybe just 3).

I just have to warn you though that even though DD had fun, the circus kind of made me sad. I don't know why but I was feeling so bad for the animals involved. And then of course, I think I was allergic to something there because my eye ballooned for days! (I'm really selling the circus, eh?).

Anyway, the one I went to did have a lot of really small kids there and they all seemed to be enjoying it! It's not like taking a kid to a movie because you don't really have to be "quiet." And they did have a big break in the middle, etc. Have fun if you go!

[DPline]

Honestly, I really think it depends on the child. Are they easily scared or startled. (It can be loud and lots of lights, etc.) Can they sit or at least stay in one place for that long? (Luckly, as Loveajax said, they don't have to be quiet!)

We went when my younger two were 3 and 3.5 DS loved it and wanted to ride the elephant and meet the clowns and the whole nine yards. DD enjoyed the show but was very content to stay in our seats and view from a distance.

Have fun if you go!

[mcnay1]

We took our sons to the circus this year. JD was 3.5 and Will was 2.5. JD will sit through a movie in the theater had has set through many live shows, so we werent worried about him. Will is much more of an antsy pants and will not sit through movies. He did sit through the Wiggles Live performance so we decided to try. He did well at the circus. But, he was a bit squirmy.

I just think it depends on the child but I would say to try it! I think she'll love it and sit perfectly! Good luck!

[cbmstephanie]

Maria went last April after she had just turned 2 and had a great time. As the others mentioned they don't have to be quiet, or really still so for those squirmy ones it's a nice outing. Maria did not like the clowns at all! After I looked at them I had to agree with her, they were kind of scarey!!

[MamaS]

We took a 6-year-old and a 2-year-old. The older child loved it, but the little one found it "too loud" and spent a lot of time with her hands over her ears. She liked best the beginning parade with elephants!

[cmfayz]

For anyone considering the circus, I encourage you to check out this website: Circuses.com: The Circus is No Place for Animal Abuse

[blminter]

we went to the Big Apple Circus this year. it was really good for her age. dog pound dogs were used. daughter (3 1/2) is a little afraid of anyone with face paint, so we watched a little video on their website and prepped as much as possible.

no seat was bad and she really had a good time. i would imagine a 3 ring circus would have been a little much for us at this age.

on the other hand, Big Apple had really young kids that were enjoying it.

[Melina's Mom]

We just took our 2 kids our daughter is 4.5 yrs & our son is 2.5 yrs to a 3 ring circus this morning & they both loved it! They loved all the acts & were very interested in everything going on. We are taking them next year to..

[ej-momtobe]

A lot depends on your child's personality. DS is 3 and I think he would be too young to enjoy it. He's not a big fan of large crowds, so my answer would be the same for any event with lots of hoopla. I think he would much rather run around the zoo and see the animals lookng back at him, than sitting in a crowd of thousands.

[guatparents2be]

I think the circus is a bit hectic for little kids, personally.

I also have very significant issues with the animal issue at circuses as well. At least I think people should understand how the animals are treated before choosing to view it as entertainment- just to make sure it's in alignment with their values.

[AnaM-H]

NEVER!!!!!!!!!!

[DDAmasa]

I agree with "never" if you want your child to grow up respecting animals.

[shelbydog]

I agree about "Never!" I went once and felt sad too. Watching the animals get whipped and ordered around like toys. I don't think they are all abused or anything, it just made me sad. I also felt there was WAY too much going on at once for my kids to enjoy. And it was REALLY expensive.

There are just too many other education venues (wonderful zoos that teach animal conservation, etc) or I'd much rather my kids just go to the park or on a nature hike

[annaguat]

DH has taken our kids several times and there where no animals. You might want to check the circus before not going. My children did enjoy the clowns, trapeze artists etc. I think they were three and up when they started going. By the way my now 22 year old doesn't even remember going. Anna