Big Apple Circus hits the Big Apple!

On November 7, my family was invited into Lincoln Center Plaza to take in a show of the Big Apple Circus. It’s not often that we take our children in to the city (we’re such suburbanites!). Yet, we were more than excited at this opportunity.

We got a babysitter for our youngest—I was concerned that she would not sit still through the two-hour-long show—and took our cousin’s son, who is 7. This was our family’s first trip to the Big Apple Circus, and it did not disappoint. And although the 7-year-old insisted in bringing his DS to the show—groan—I’m happy to report that the circus entertained us all for the entire time that we were there. He didn’t touch the DS even once. (And apparently that’s a big deal nowadays.)

Although all of the acts were entertaining, our favorites were certainly the trapeze artists (Russia’s Aniskin Troupe), every act that Bello the clown was in and the juggling artiste, Picaso Jr. The stage was large enough to host a fairy tale–like equestrian act, yet it felt cozy enough to make you feel like part of the show. In fact, the trapeze act felt like it was right over our heads; it was awesome!

But, to me, the best part of the show was the personal greeting that we (and all attendees) received from Grandma the clown when we entered the big tent. I have the greatest picture of my daughter and her cousin with Grandma. They marveled at how Grandma’s voice sounded so much like a man’s voice. LOL!

We later strolled around Lincoln Center Plaza, and took a few more pictures, particularly near the fountain. It’s a gorgeous area, and I really felt like we were somewhere special. Likewise, the facilities in the big tent—concession stand and toilets—felt like you were transformed into a fun, magical place. You might laugh that I’m going to mention how nice the bathroom was, but any parent of a preschooler knows how often you visit those facilities and how important a clean public bathroom really is.

On the ride how, the kids chatted about the circus in between DS playing—groan. My daughter even asked to bring the program and Grandma picture in to show her entire preschool class. It was a big hit with all of us, and it made our weekend.

Although I can’t pretend that a day at the circus in NYC isn’t expensive, it’s certainly worth it to try it once this holiday season. The show runs in Lincoln Center Plaza until January 18. In the spirit of the season, the Big Apple Circus is offering a discount code** for LIParentSource.com to pass along to friends and family for future tickets (valid for up to $30 off select shows) . The circus runs until Jan 18, and is in Lincoln Center. Here’s the promo info: To buy tickets online, click here and submit the code MOMMY10 in the Promotional Codes box; By Phone: CALL 888-541-3750 and mention code MOMMY10.

** Offer good on select seat locations and performances. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer is subject to availability; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. This offer can be revoked at any time. Discount amount varies. Limit 8 tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees.

This post was written by blogger Kristen Dascoli.  Kristen was provided with 4 tickets to the show by the Big Apple Circus and attended on behalf of LIParentSource.com.