Preschool Circus Activities and Lesson Planning Ideas
On this page you'll find tons of fun Circus Activities for your preschooler! Build muscles, improve cognitive function, and have some fun while exploring acrobats, yummy treats, juggling, balancing, clowns and more!
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Free Circus Preschool Theme Planning Map
Sign up below to get your own free copy a sample plan we created using ideas found on this page!
Circus Theme Art, crafts, music, and movement
Pendulum PaintingPendulum Painting is a great process art exploration for your preschool circus theme!
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Try this!
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Cotton Candy Puffy Paint
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Making puffy paint is easy and the results are so interesting!
Simply mix up equal parts school glue and shaving cream and add in desired coloring. Offer several different colors, some children may wish to make cotton candy, others might like to create snow cones, popcorn, something not circus related or even just experience the medium! No matter what they decide to create, they can enjoy the resulting effect created. |
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Big Top Collage
Invite your preschoolers to a simple cut and paste colorful experience.
Provide construction paper and scrap paper, perhaps include different textures as well in whole pieces and shape cutouts. Children can work to create a colorful collage to represent the big top in any way they choose!
This experience is a fun way for them to express themselves through color and work on cutting and pasting skills.
Provide construction paper and scrap paper, perhaps include different textures as well in whole pieces and shape cutouts. Children can work to create a colorful collage to represent the big top in any way they choose!
This experience is a fun way for them to express themselves through color and work on cutting and pasting skills.
Free Clown Hair Craft MatPair this free Clown Hair Craft Mat with dyed pasta (see our tutorial) or yarn, pom poms, tissue paper, crayons etc. to create clown hair.
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Clown Mask
Set up an invitation to create clown masks. Provide paper plates and a variety of art tools/mediums. The masks could be painted or children could cut and paste paper shapes to create a clown face.
Paint sticks would be a lot of fun for these masks because the results resemble face paint.
Either attach elastic to each side of the mask to make it wearable or attach a craft stick at the bottom so kids can hold it in front of their face.
**Extension for Parent Engagement: Take a photo of each child with their mask in front of them, display on a bulletin board and see if parents can guess who their little clown is.
Behind each photo put a picture of the child peeking from behind their mask so parents can see if they are correct.
Paint sticks would be a lot of fun for these masks because the results resemble face paint.
Either attach elastic to each side of the mask to make it wearable or attach a craft stick at the bottom so kids can hold it in front of their face.
**Extension for Parent Engagement: Take a photo of each child with their mask in front of them, display on a bulletin board and see if parents can guess who their little clown is.
Behind each photo put a picture of the child peeking from behind their mask so parents can see if they are correct.
More Art & Creativity Ideas
Cotton Candy Play Dough from Mama Miss
Cotton Candy Craft from Crafty Morning
Elephant Craft from Story Time Katie
Circus Dramatic Play
Our readers shared so many fun Dramatic Play ideas for this theme, here are just a few:
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Reader Corrina B. went all out in her space! She included signs, party food, and carnival games. I love all the cute wall decor she found for this theme.
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Reader Danielle W. of Little Sprouts Daycare transformed her play kitchen into a concessions stand during circus week. I love how she used shower poofs for snow cones!
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Reader Jenna F. of Jenna's Daycare contributed this photo. I like how she got creative with her kitchen set! Wrapping the set in red is perfect for the circus theme and is an easy way to incorporate materials already on hand.
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This photo was contributed by reader Terrea D.
The torn up yellow paper is perfect for popcorn! Adding some measuring cups would also be great for scooping out the popcorn for customers. |
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Reader Julia from Tractors and Tulips Daycare hung a colorful parachute from the ceiling for her Big Top theme.
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Clown and Circus Performer Dress Up
Provide a variety of colorful scarves, and circus dress up props for children to create their very own circus costume. This would also be a fun time to experiment with face painting.
Carnival Games
Carnival games are a fun addition to the circus. Set up your own carnival games like ring toss, bean bag toss, and more! Don't forget to set up a stand to sell your favorite carnival food like: hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy.
Construction, Blocks and Small World Play Ideas for a Circus Theme
Create a Small World Circus
For this theme add brightly colored silk scarves and felt, block people, and other accessories as an invitation to create a big top circus.
Add a splash of color
Put out any colorful blocks you have this week.
The see through blocks with colorful centers are a lot of fun. Or set up an invitation to build with magnatiles.
The see through blocks with colorful centers are a lot of fun. Or set up an invitation to build with magnatiles.
Construct a Train TrackEngage your preschoolers in discussion about how the circus can transport all their equipment.
This is a nice opportunity to talk about modes of transportation and how it's important to choose the right type. |
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Build a Circus Tent
Leave out materials such as paper towel tubes, left over fabric from projects, sticks, etc. and invite children to build their own circus tent.
Stack the Acrobats
Add pictures of acrobats to your wooden blocks and challenge children to create a tower of acrobats.
Circus Theme Reading Nook
This space was shared by Community Member Christina R. I love all the color she used to incorporate this theme into her reading space.
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Story time Craft
Lois Ehlert has so many fun books for children. Ehlert's illustration style is perfect for a circus themed book! Her book Circus is a great addition this week. Read this book aloud to your preschoolers, or listen to this Youtube read aloud. Then offer a variety of paper shapes for children to create an image of their choosing.
*Ringmaster Letter MatchingInvite your preschooler to practice matching uppercase to lowercase letters or lowercase to lowercase with this file folder game.
This set is included in the Circus Activity Pack from Pre-K Printable Fun. |
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At the Circus I spy.. *
I spy games are great for building new vocabulary, and are also great for building visual discrimination skills.
Flip and Find the object cards, place them in a sensory bin, or around the room to collect "scavenger hunt" style. |
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Circus Syllable Bingo
Create circus themed bingo boards with numbers to represent different numbers of syllables. Print off cards with images of people, animals, and things you can find at the circus. Have children turn the card over, say the name of the item, count the syllables and then add a chip to their bingo board on the correct number of syllables. A great way to introduce and begin syllable practice with your preschoolers!
Whipped Cream Letter Tracing
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Writing trays are such a great way for preschoolers to practice writing letters and it's even more fun when they include non-traditional materials. This tasty tray is a great way to encourage preschoolers to use their fingers to practice letters. To complete, place a thin layer of whipped cream inside a pie tin for children to trace letters on.
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If I Ran the Circus by Dr. Seuss
You See a Circus, I See.. By Mike Downs
Clifford at the Circus by Norman Bridwell
Circus Shapes By Stuart J. Murphy
*Circus Number Ordering PuzzlesPractice number ordering skills with Circus themed number puzzles. This circus tent number puzzle as well as an acrobat number puzzle are both included in in our Circus Activity pack.
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Clown Hat Number Ordering
For this activity you will need a clown hat, or plain cone party hat, for each child. Write a number on each hat starting with one, going up to the number of children in the group.
Randomly hand out the hats, then challenge the children to work together to identify the numbers on their hats and then line up in numerical order.
Educators can provide support with visual props such as number lines or posters and verbal support.
Randomly hand out the hats, then challenge the children to work together to identify the numbers on their hats and then line up in numerical order.
Educators can provide support with visual props such as number lines or posters and verbal support.
Acrobat Counting Mat Preschoolers will love this fun counting mat!
This activity helps build a variety of early math skills. Flip a card, read the number, then add the circus performers one at a time to the tightrope. |
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Circus Tent Patterns
Cut out a red triangle circus tent roof from construction paper. Using colored craft sticks have students create different patterns for walls of the tent.
Science, Sensory and, STEM Activities for your Circus Theme
Circus Inspired Sensory BinsThis sensory bin was shared by Community Member Lori C. of Lori's House Preschool. She included a variety of tools for scooping as well as tongs for fine motor development. The addition of the scale is great for promoting measurement concepts too!
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Community Member Danielle C. set up this invitation to scoop using popcorn.
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This photo was contributed by Community Member Corinna B. I love all the carnival games she added to her space. This one combines sensory play as well. Simply add rubber duckies to your sensory bin along with water beads or plain water. Marking the underside of the ducks with shapes or letters would turn this into a fun matching game for kids.
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Cotton Candy Experiment
Invite your preschoolers to experiment with some cotton candy!
- Materials: Cotton candy, clear cups, water
- Setup: Set the materials on the table, divide the cotton candy up so that each individual or group has their own portion. Either pour the water into separate cups (enough for each child/group) or put it into a child friendly container for pouring.
- Procedure: Introduce the activity by sharing some information with children about how cotton candy is made through discussion, a fun book, or this video clip. Next, invite children to predict what will happen if they add their cotton candy to the water in the cup. Allow them to experiment, and record their observation.
Balloon Blow Up Experiment
Have children add baking soda to an empty liter bottle. Add in vinegar and quickly put a balloon over the spout of the bottle. Watch together as the balloon begins to inflate.
Fine Motor and Gross Motor Development
*Juggling Counting MatsUse these clown juggling counting mats with play dough, pom poms, or other counters of your choice.
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Circus Sticker Scene
Give students paper and circus themed stickers and allow them to create their own scene.
Circus Lacing Cards
Print out pictures of items you can find at the circus on card stick. Laminate and then punch holes around the outside of the picture. Add a piece of string or a shoelace and have students weave the string in and out of the holes.
Tight Rope Walking
Practice balancing skills with tight rope walking! There are many ways to introduce this idea to preschoolers. A simple board for balancing is a great option!
This photo was contributed by reader Terrea D. If you don't have a balance beam, you can secure a long piece of painters tape, or a jump rope on the floor. |
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Circus Obstacle CourseCreate a circus obstacle course! This photo is from Building Blocks Family Childcare, she used bilibos, a little slide and a tunnel for an obstacle course.
You could also use stable laundry baskets upside-down, a balance beam, hoola hoops, jump ropes, or many different household items. |
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Hoop Tricks
A few hoola hoops can be used in many fun ways for this theme!
- Hold up a hoola hoop and challenge children to jump through it. Gradually move the hoop higher and higher to challenge them.
- Hold the hoop up and challenge children to toss a ball through it. Change the position of the hoop before each throw for an added challenge.
- Lay several hoops on the ground near one another, similar to tire drills. Then challenge children to run from one side to the other moving in and out of the hoops.
- Use the hoops as a jump rope.
- Use the hoops for doing arm circles.
- Play catch with the hoops.
- Provide large cones or other targets, toss the hoops and try to get them around the target. Or, lay hoops on the ground and try to toss bean bags into them.
Parachute GamesThis is a great time to break out the parachute! Community Member Lori C. of Lori's House Preschool shared this photo of her kiddos using balloons on the parachute. Colorful plastic balls or large pom poms would be fun too!
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Ball Toss GameCommunity Member Corinna B. Set up this ball toss game to give arms a big workout!
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Circus Gross Motor Cards*
Pretend to be different performers at the circus!
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Play some Circus Music
Play circus theme music while engaging in movement activities this week.
5 Little Clowns Finger play
Watch this Youtube video to learn a fun circus themed fingerplay for circle time this week. The library is a wonderful resource for circle time ideas, be sure to ask your local librarian for book picks and other ideas.
Juggling
Read your favorite circus book that includes juggling. Then invite your preschoolers to give it a try!
Provide both light juggling scarves (these are great to have on hand for many different activities) and lightweight balls. Challenge children to try juggling with just two balls or scarves and then add more if they like.
Provide both light juggling scarves (these are great to have on hand for many different activities) and lightweight balls. Challenge children to try juggling with just two balls or scarves and then add more if they like.
Face Painting Artists
Face painters are popular artists in communities and a big part of many community events.
Invite a professional face painter to your program to show children what they do!
These artists can talk about the details of their work and how they contribute to the community. Showcasing these artists is a good way to show children that art can take many forms.
Invite a professional face painter to your program to show children what they do!
These artists can talk about the details of their work and how they contribute to the community. Showcasing these artists is a good way to show children that art can take many forms.
Acrobats are a fun part of the circus and fantastic for children to learn about as they are strengthening their bodies. Invite a gymnast or acrobat to your program, take a field trip, or explore with a virtual field to a gymnastics school like this one from Kid Vision PBS.
Be ready to set up many different gymnastic invitations to play after your introduction to gymnasts!
Kindness
Take time during this theme to talk about respect for other people, animals, and property.
In the circus there are performers that intentionally do silly things that are funny. With their jobs, it's a compliment when they hear laughter! However, there are times when it's inappropriate to laugh at someone, for example if a friend trips and falls. When someone is physically hurt, feels hurt, or could become hurt in some way, it's important to make sure that person is being helped so they can feel safe.
Young children may have a hard time with this concept, having this discussion is a good way for them to talk this through and gain understanding.
In the circus there are performers that intentionally do silly things that are funny. With their jobs, it's a compliment when they hear laughter! However, there are times when it's inappropriate to laugh at someone, for example if a friend trips and falls. When someone is physically hurt, feels hurt, or could become hurt in some way, it's important to make sure that person is being helped so they can feel safe.
Young children may have a hard time with this concept, having this discussion is a good way for them to talk this through and gain understanding.
Teamwork
There are many different types of circuses, no matter the type, respect and teamwork are important components.
Put together some teamwork games for children to practice this concept. They can do relay races, puzzles, follow the leader, constructing a tall tower, and guide me games (blindfold one child and another child tells them how to move to avoid obstacles).
Put together some teamwork games for children to practice this concept. They can do relay races, puzzles, follow the leader, constructing a tall tower, and guide me games (blindfold one child and another child tells them how to move to avoid obstacles).
Take a Field Trip!
Plan a trip to a gymnastics center to play and strengthen little bodies.
Call ahead to inquire about the services offered at the facility, ask if anyone would be available to share more about gymnastics with your child.
Call ahead to inquire about the services offered at the facility, ask if anyone would be available to share more about gymnastics with your child.
Play a Game Together: Circus Roll & Play Game*
Engage in this activity independently or with a partner. Roll the playing cube then add a ball under the shown circus performer. This game is included in our Circus Activity Pack!
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Clown Emotions Dough Mats*
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This activity is great for reinforcing different emotions. Use these mats from our Circus Activity Pack along with play dough for preschoolers to complete the face to represent each of the shown emotions.
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EDUCATOR RESOURCES : CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT & PARENT ENGAGEMENT
Theme Communication
In your theme announcement be sure to let parents know what type of activities you will be doing this week. There can be some strong feelings about the circus, be sure to describe what type of circuses you will be exploring and what components you will be discussing with children.
Encourage families to discuss their feelings and experiences with circuses with their children.
Encourage families to discuss their feelings and experiences with circuses with their children.
Class Carnival
Set up a class carnival as either a fun family event or class fundraiser.
Use bright colors and set up fun carnival games for children to engage in with their families.
Use bright colors and set up fun carnival games for children to engage in with their families.
