"Circus Zirkus" opens at Chicago Children's Museum

Not worried about your kids running away to join the circus? A visit to Chicago Children's Museum's new exhibit, "Circus Zirkus: Where You're the Star of the Show," could change that. The vibrant, playful exhibit created by CCM contains all of the fun circuses offer—sparkly costumes, silly props, a trapeze and even pretend concessions—and none of the creepy stuff (clowns, we're looking at you). 

"Circus Zirkus" is divided into two distinct areas that encourage kids to star in the part of the big top scene that appeals to them. In the backstage area, kids can make posters for the shows, practice hula-hoop, tight rope and trapeze skills, and outfit themselves in massive, suspendered pants and clown shoes that were purchased from a specialty clown shoe store in Milwaukee for the exhibit. In the ringed performance space, they can wow the audience by lifting a (mock) 500-pound barbell, spinning plates, juggling, announcing acts through a megaphone or hawking hot dogs and ice cream. Kids can teach themselves stunts and tricks with the help of bilingual instruction sheets throughout the exhibit.

CCM president Jennifer Farrington says the exhibit is geared to appeal to kids of different ages who have varied interests. The goal is to get them in on the act, rather than simply observe as spectators. "Our exhibits are specifically designed for children (and adults) of all ages and abilities. With [Circus Zirkus], they'll have an opportunity to create their own adventure."

"Circus Zirkus: Where You're the Star of the Show" is included with general admission to Chicago Children's Museum and runs through August 12. Visit chicagochildrensmuseum.org for more information.