What a fun night, filled with bright lights, fireworks, cotton candy, clowns, music, happy faces and animals! You can’t help but smile for the entire two hours. Yes, tonight we visited Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. This is such a fun outing no matter your age.
The cost might set you back if you are on a budget. DanielBabe and I put in place a budget for 2015 and after seeing the cost of tickets, parking, drinks, snacks and maybe a toy for the Cutepie, we might as well planned on eating Ramen noodles for the remaining part of the month. lol! Okay, so it’s not that bad, but seriously.
As a child going to the circus was so much fun as well. It was always an evening my sister and I couldn’t wait for – (Well, everything except the 3-block-away free parking spot my mom always sniffed out. Ha! Ha!) Too, my mom always brought in a large purse filled to the rim with everything but the kitchen sink. (“Mom! Do you really have to carry that?” one of us would say). Once we were settled in our seats she would pull out all kinds of goodies. Looking back, my mom was one smart lady. She brought in the twirly flash toys, glow sticks that made a neckless, cotton candy, popcorn and more; all bought from the five and dime and at the Circus, selling for a pretty penny! (Not exactly the same as at the Circus but certainly as bright.) We wanted for nothing.
I now have my own child and boy do I ever get it! As children we did so many fun things but I know now how we were able to participate. A few savings here and there sure go a loooong way. I must say, I am my mother’s child. Tonight, I found myself packing snacks for the fam to enjoy during the show: a bag of pop corn, cotton candy, fruit pouch, filled sippy cup and glow sticks. Yes, glow sticks! When the lights dimmed and everyone had there $15+ toys – We busted out our $2 sticks that shone just as bright. (Oh, and yea, we walked the 3 short blocks for the free parking too, mom!)
Folks, I am here to tell you, a fun night out is even more of a blast when you know that you’ve put your hard-earned money to work for you. You’ve made a memory and saved a little bit using before- time preppin’.
Here are a few tips if you are going to the circus and you want to save some cash:
- Research circus dates (normally same time each year)
- Book tickets – search for discount codes online
- Purchase light-up, spinning, glow stick, toys you can take with you(Dollar Store or discount stores).
- Purchase treats. Cotton Candy, Popcorn and light-up cups (secret to popcorn, purchase boxes online or use coupons – pop a bag at home and fill box)
- Pack your bag with all the goodies and off you go
- Park on street or locate free after-hours parking area(Be safe, take flashlight).
- Enjoy the “All Access Pre-Show” 1 hour before showtime
Tips for the All Access Pre-Show: Pickup your free tattoo, clown nose, try on performers outfits, and bring your camera to get pictures with the cast. (This time might just be my favorite part of the show.)
I know you will be so proud of yourself when you look around at the folks spending $22 on 1 toy and $10 on a box of popcorn and you’ve found you didn’t break the bank! Your savings leaves money in your handbag for those new shoes you’ve been eyeing!
More of my Mother’s money saving tips and tricks to come…
<3
Katie Girl
