Tips for your First Time at the Circus

Photo Courtesy of Feld Entertainment

My family just got home from our first visit to the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus Xtreme and it was fast-paced and magical! Jam packed with acts that will drop your jaw and have your children cheering, it is a fun-filled show for all ages.

Our favorite acts? Kyler and Lily were both wide-eyed and in love with the poodle act. Those darling dogs had so many fun tricks! Cort and Johnny gave a big thumbs up to the thrilling pendulum act. That act had me gasping a few times. The beautiful and coordinated aerialists were at the top of my list!

Have you been to the circus? I’ve put together a few helpful tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your first (or second or third) visit to the circus!

1.VERIFY DATE AND TICKET TIME 

This one seems so simple, but with multiple show times it is better safe than sorry! We accidently showed up at intermission to a show once and it was such a bummer!

Photo Courtesy of Feld Entertainment

2. GO EARLY FOR THE PRESHOW

The All Access Pre-Show is FREE with your ticket. It starts an hour before the show. Guests are invited to step right up and try on costumes, learn circus skills, and meet the performers. Lots of fun photo opps! You can also enter to win an original pacyderm painting. I recommend arriving early because it definitely gets more crowded the closer you get to show time.

3. ESTABLISH EXPECTATIONS

Be sure your children know what to expect as far as souvenirs and snacks before you go. Snacks and souvenir’s ranged from $7-$24 so be prepared. The Icies in commemorative cups were $15. My favorite booth at concessions was the face painting.

4. MAKE IT FUN FOR THE CHILDREN TO EARN

My husband and I are having our children earn their souvenirs/treats by working on their goals. We printed them each one of the dozens of adorable tracking charts from Kid Pointz. They are tracking their simple chores, reading time, music practice, etc.! My children appreciate things so much more when they earn them and I am sure that they will be so proud of them.

Photo Courtesy of Feld Entertainment

5.  BE AWARE OF YOUR CHILD’S NEEDS

The circus is LOUD and EXCITING! Loud noises and bright lights are pretty consistent. We had a lady sitting nearby who loudly whistled after most of the acts. If you have a child who is sensitive to noise be sure to bring noise canceling headphones. Added tip, Energy Solutions Arena has complimentary ear plugs at the guest services desk that you can ask about.

6. RESEARCH THE BEST PARKING

If you are coming to the circus in Utah, I will let you in on a little secret my Dad taught me. Local restaurants will often let you park at their establishment during an event if you put your receipt in the window. We grab a gyro at one of our favorite Salt Lake City restaurants and then it’s just a short walk to the Energy Solutions Arena. Check to see if restaurants in your area have similar policies!

TRAX may also be a good option for you – just make sure that you double check train times! If you are in a different state, be sure to check out the parking situation near your arena and see if you can find a good deal!

There are also plenty of lots along the road to the Delta Center that offer parking for $5 on up. Be sure to bring cash!

Photo Courtesy of Feld Entertainment

7. BUILD THE EXCITEMENT

You can check out Circus Xtreme Youtube videos here. My daughter LOVES surprises, but my son likes to know exactly what he is doing. We’ll be showing him the youtube videos in advance. Here is a video of one of our favorite acts – the human cannonball!

The glow in the dark aerialists were absolutely amazing as well! Check out the video on my instagram feed!

8.  LOCATE BATHROOMS

I recommend making a bathroom trip before you leave home, again at dinner, and again before the show starts – just in case! You can never be too careful with the under six crowd! Make note of the nearest bathroom to your seats just in case you have to sneak out with a little one during the show.

9. BRING BINOCULARS

This is my husband’s favorite tip. Even if you have great seats, children love looking through binoculars for a closer look!

10. DISCUSS PERFORMANCE ETIQUETTE

Before we even get out of the car, I like to go over a few simple rules with my children. They are pretty basic – stay by family, walk, and use nice voices. For arena events, I add keeping our feet to ourselves – no one likes the back of their seat kicked. This is a high energy performance so cheering and laughing is definitely welcomed, though!

I hope these 10 easy tips will help you enjoy your first Circus Xtreme performance! There is still plenty of time to get tickets for Saturdays and Mondays performances.

WHEN: Thursday, September 24 – Monday, September 28

Thursday, September 24 7:00 PM

Friday, September 25 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM

Saturday, September 26 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, September 27 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM

Monday, September 28 7:00 PM

WHERE: Energy Solutions Arena – 301 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

TICKETS: Ticket prices range from $20, $35 (VIP) and $65-70 (Front Row)*

Kids (ages 2-12) tickets available for only $10 each for select seating on weekday shows
Save 50% on Opening Night discount tickets (select seating only; not valid on VIP/Front Row levels)
All seats are reserved; tickets available thru Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or visit the Energy Solutions Arena Box Office.