The Fun Starts Before the Circus Begins
Pre-Show Experience at Garden Bros Nuclear Circus
What Is The Pre Show Experience?
The Pre-Show Experience is a full activity zone for families to enjoy before the main event. It opens one hour before showtime. Your circus ticket admits access to this entire area, but you must pay to participate in the pre show activities.
Parents can relax. Kids can run around and have fun. Everyone gets more value from the visit.
The pre-show area is built for kids of all ages. But adults will enjoy it too. Everything is located right outside the main tent.
Inflatables and Bounce Houses
The Kid’s Fun Zone is one of the most popular parts of the pre-show.
Kids can climb, bounce, slide, and race through giant colorful structures. There are multiple bounce houses and inflatable slides set up at each location. These are cleaned, monitored, and managed by trained staff.
The inflatables are big, safe, and ready for action. Parents can supervise from nearby or join in the fun with younger kids.
Why families love it:
High-energy play before the show starts
Multiple bounce options to explore
Open to all ages (some height limits apply)
This is a great way for kids to burn off energy and enjoy the day right from the start.
Fair Food and Circus Treats
The concessions stands at Garden Bros Circus are a major part of the experience. From classics like popcorn and cotton candy to hot food options, you will not leave hungry.
Here’s what you can expect in the food zone:
Fresh cotton candy spun right on site
Hot popcorn, funnel cakes, and churros
Corn dogs, nachos, pretzels, pizza, tacos, hot dogs and more
Snow cones, fresh-squeezed lemonade, soda, water and more
Local and seasonal options depending on the venue
There are concessions located around the pre-show area. Lines move fast and prices are reasonable. Food is available before, during, and after the show.
Come hungry and bring your sweet tooth. This is not just circus food. This is part of the fun.
Splat Warz Water Bead Zone
Splat Warz is one of the most exciting pre-show activities for older kids and teens.
It’s an interactive water bead zone where players wear protective gear and blast water beads at their targets. The setup is safe and professionally managed. The experience is fast, fun, and unforgettable.
This is a favorite for groups, siblings, and anyone who wants something more active before the show.
Splat Warz highlights:
Protective suits provided
No experience needed
Safe, and staff-supervised
Great for photos and videos
Limited availability at select locations
Not every circus offers this feature. Make sure to check your city’s event listing to see if Splat Warz is available.
Animal Interactions and Meet the Performers
One of the most unique parts of the Garden Bros Circus pre-show is the opportunity to meet some of the performers and animals up close.
Depending on the city and venue, you may see:
Pony rides
Small animal stations with handlers
Photo ops with clowns and characters
Performer meet and greets with signed posters
Pony rides are a crowd favorite. Gentle ponies walk short loops while kids enjoy supervised rides. The photo-op areas are calm and well monitored, giving kids a chance to connect with animals in a safe space.
Meeting the stars of the show makes the experience more personal. Kids leave with not just memories, but photos they can keep.
Why You Should Arrive Early and Pre-Show Tips
Most families who attend the circus are surprised by how much is available before the show even begins. That’s why arriving early is part of the full experience.
You get:
Shorter food lines
More time to play and explore
Better photos
Less stress trying to find parking or enter in a rush
This is not just a circus. This is a day out for the whole family. Arriving early gives you the time to enjoy it all.
To get the most out of the Garden Bros pre-show, here are a few quick tips:
Arrive at least 60 minutes early
Bring comfortable shoes for kids
Charge your phone for photos
Bring cash or card for food and extras
Dress for the weather (outdoor setup in many locations)
Check your city’s listing for full activity info