Ringling Bros Circus, Is It Worth The $$?

No more or less a waste of money than the movies, a trip to the zoo, a home and garden show, a trip to disney land/world etc etc etc.
If you can afford it.... have fun!

I don't know what it's like now, but I remember going to the circus as a kid - it always hit town around my birthday.

At the time, anyway, if you got there early enough, you could see the animals on display before the show, in full "costume." And, there is plenty to see before the show - clowns wondering around and whatnot, so not much risk of being bored by getting there early, like at a concert or whatever.

Those were memories from MY childhood, that I've been holding on to. I saved the programs, and they're framed on my wall.

I might be biased, but I can't WAIT to take my kids to Ringling Bros. At 6 and 3, I thing they're finally old enough! I hope the circus is still what it used to be!

I don't do circuses because I don't believe in supporting a business and an industry that uses wild animals like elephants, lions and tigers for entertainment. The treatment these creatures have to endure is often abusive and not what nature designed them for. You can do a Google search for more information. Save your money, and find a circus show that only uses human performers.

I don't "do" circuses--ever. Just on principle.

We just went two weeks ago. It was great! My husband and I loved it as much as our 7 year-old and our 21 year-old!

When I went to get the tickets a few days before the performance, another lady in line gave me a coupon that brought the tickets down to $13 each.
You might want to google to see if there are any other online deals available in your area. I also received something in the mail for special pricing. I think it was in the val-pak coupon mailings.

Decide ahead of time about how much you want to spend on circus "trinkets" that are sold inside the venue. They can get expensive, especially if you are buying for multiple children.

Go and have fun!

It's awesome! A very fun experience for the kids. Just be prepared for the expensive suveniers, drinks, etc. It can add up.

I always loved Ringling Brothers ( Barnum and Baily ) circus as a child. We took our kids some years ago too and it had changed quite a bit. Less animals were used for tricks and more gymnastic type things. I like it less and yet it was fun and interesting too. I don't think the animals were mistreated anymore than whales in sea world, etc. are and I don't think that would keep me from going. Hope you have fun.

How old are your children? The reason I ask.. I took our daughter when she was 4. There is so much going on at once.. 3 Rings on the ground and all of the things over head.

It never stops.. Lights flashing, music, loud noises like the motorcycles.. .. etc..

She did not want the Clowns that visited the audience to come close to us.

After all of that money I spent.. I asked our daughter.. What was your favorite parts? She said." I liked when the elephants pooped.. That was funny that the clown had to clean it up..., it was stinky"

I should have waited till she was older. We saw Cirque du soleil when she was a few years older.. and that left an impression.

So depending on what they like.. will depend on if they will enjoy it.

We loved it when it came through Dallas. We've been several times and each experience was a fun one.

One thing I do suggest is to go 1 hour before the show so you can see the performers, etc. My daughter was watching an elephant draw a picture and there was a drawing for this numbered print. She won it, we framed it and it is still in one of our game rooms. It has a great story behind it and is numbered and signed by the Ringling Bros. Great memory!

I say go for it and have fun... yes, it can be loud but it is fun.

I used to take my kids to the circus, my youngest used to sneeze the entire time ..... allergic to the dirt in the tent and probably some of the animals.
My thoughts on the circus have changed greatly tho, and if it were today I would not take my kids because, I too, do not believe in the cruelty that the animals endure in order to perform.
I'd be a picketer rather than a patron. And trust me, you will have to pass a picket line to attend the event, it's become a very passionate stand.
The zoo is a better place to take kids to learn about animals in my opinion.

We've gone the last 3 years and we've loved every show!

We go almost every year when it comes to town. Yes, I think RBBB does a great job with their show.
That said, make sure you exhaust all Google search options for discount tix. We usually take our family of 6 and get 5 seats. The little one is always on a lap anyway. We usually don't sit right at the lower level. Mid-level and middle of the 3 rings is best for viewing. You want to be up a little bit to see everything from a good angle.
And I personally would skip the popcorn and treats at the stadium. They are overpriced. We ALWAYS stop at a Dollar Store or something, let each kid pick out a "movie theater" sized box of candy, and then pack that along with peanut butter crackers or something, in the diaper bag. We also pack a few bottles waters and that's what we snack on. You can always plan a post-circus trip to the big Arches, or a pre circus stop (depending on the time) if you feel like the food needs to be special too.
You guys will have a great time!

I haven't been to the circus since I was about 9y/o and when I did go it was to a Ringling Bros. circus and I remember it being AMAZING! So much to look at!

I think that the price sounds good and if I were you I would go. You don't say how old your kids are? I suspect that if they are anywhere from 4-16 they will have fun though.

Depends on how old your kids are. Ringling is big and noisy and busy, both on the ring and in the seats/hallways. If your girls are old enough to deal with the noise and suspense (ie - scary animals, high rope walkers), then it's a lot of fun.

my daughter went when she was around your youngests age and LOVED it. she sat through the WHOLE thing,

We love the circus! Make sure you go early, because I think for an hour before the show starts the kids can walk around the floor, meet the clowns and see some performances up close! I always stuff some capri suns in the diaper bag and bring some glow sticks with me that I get at Walmart, that helps with the cost and the kids have a blast!

I have never been, nor will I ever go, to a circus. "Free" is too much money for me to pay to see trained and abused animals. At least zoos are attempting to save species. Circuses are morally reprehensible.