Everyone loves a circus! With animals and acrobatics, there are numerous wonders awaiting the eager imaginations of children.

These lists of resources will get the magic started if you are heading off to see a circus soon or keep the magic alive once you are back.

Circus Themed Booklist for Toddlers

Reading books on theme helps create background knowledge for children. I have compiled my favorite circus themed picture books to read with your little ones. Use the list at the library or click the icons to read a review on goodreads or purchase on Amazon.

Circus Theme Activities

Here are easy and quick Circus themed toddler activities for busy moms and dads. You’ll find enough activity ideas to help you through a full week of Circus play.

Practice walking the balance beam. Use a 2×4 flat on the ground. Show your child how to walk along using their balance. Can they stand on one foot? Can they turn around. Ask them to imagine doing these tricks on the back of a moving horse! Add music to their performance or perhaps a costume! (Gross Motor)

Ball tricks. Give your child a small ball. See if they can balance it on their nose like a seal. Can they throw it straight up and catch it? Can they throw it straight up with one hand and catch it with their other? This is the beginning of juggling! (Gross Motor)

Provide washable paint, brushes and paper. Invite your child to paint their favorite circus animals. Ask why it is their favorite animal. Can they fill one paper full of red and yellow stripes like the pattern on a circus tent?

Try a science experiment! Materials needed: small water bottles, balloons, vinegar, baking soda, small funnel Have the children help you put a teaspoon of baking soda in each bottle. Have them pour about 1 inch of vinegar in quickly. YOU quickly put a balloon over the top of the bottle. The gas created will fill the balloon! Try this on your own first to get the correct proportions of vinegar and baking soda for your sized bottles.

Serve popcorn for snack (if your child is old enough.) Can they eat it like an elephant? Use their tongue like a trunk to pick up each kernel.

Circus Themed Media

Here are some kid friendly links to YouTube videos about circuses. I know we all hesitate to purposefully put little ones in front of a screen but it does happen so you might as well have some quality links to head to.

• Classic Spot Goes to the Circus
• Sesame Street Circus Alphabet
• Blippi Goes To Circus School
• Sesame Street: Circus | Elmo the Musical
• Nighty Night Circus Animals with Fox and Sheep