What: Freebies from the Ringling Bros. Barnum Bailey Circus
Where: Philips Arena
When: Feb. 12 – 21
Cost: Tickets are $14 – $130

My favorite part of the Circus, in addition to the elephants, is the All Access Preshow. One hour before the show, ticket holders are invited to a FREE preshow. Go down on the floor, try on real costumes, clown around with the clowns and get your picture taken, view acts and animals up close.

To avoid crowds, get there as soon as they’ll allow you in. The ring closest to backstage is generally where they bring the animals and the elephants. It’s also the most crowded, so if you don’t care about seeing animals, go to the other rings. If all you want is to get close to an elephant, get there early and stake out your spot.

If you’ve recently had a baby, Ringling Bros. has a baby present for you. Baby’s First Circus is a program that gives children 12 months and younger a voucher for a free circus ticket. Children under two don’t need a ticket for the show, but the voucher is good anytime, there is no expiration date, so send away for it and then use it when you child can remember what’s going on. Your child must be under 12 months old to receive the voucher, so don’t wait. It takes 12 – 14 weeks to get the voucher, so you won’t be able to use it for an older child to see this year’s show.