Stunt Dog Experience

By: JohnBarnes

Tired of the same old indoor activities for your kids? Whether they like clowns, princesses or dogs, these five family-friendly shows will have them laughing and smiling—and yourself as well.

After nearly 50 years of providing family entertainment, the Big Top will come down for good when the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performs it final shows ever this May. Citing declining ticket sales and increasing operating costs, the “Greatest Show on Earth” has two traveling tours—“Circus XTREME,” concluding on May 7 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, R.I., and “Out of This World,” with its final show on May 21 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. Join the circus’ acrobats, aerialists, animals and clowns for one last thrill under the tent.

Disney on Ice, another show owned by Feld Entertainment (the same company that produces Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey), is a much-loved favorite by all young princesses and princes in training. This year’s dazzling selections include “Worlds of Enchantment,” “Follow Your Heart,” “Dream Big,” “Passport to Adventure” and “Dare to Dream,” with appearances by all the Disney Princesses, plus some new favorites like Dory and the “Inside Out” gang, and, of course, Mickey and Minnie. The ice may be frozen, but these shows will certainly warm your heart.

Can’t teach your dog tricks? Then come see the fearless four-legged daredevils of “Stunt Dog Experience.” These dogs will have you amazed by their many talents with flying discs, jump ropes, juggling acts, boom logs and more. Some dogs dance, others do comedy, and even kids get picked from the audience to be part of the show. This touring show, part of a family-owned business led by husband and wife Chris and Suhey Perondi, has been entertaining families since 2009. And you can feel good about watching these super athletic dogs—all of them have been rescued from shelters across the country, and Stunt Dog Productions also supports numerous rescue organizations throughout the United States.

If your kids are more into the cartoon variety of dogs, “Paw Patrol Live!” will come barking to a city near you soon. This first-ever live production based off the popular Nickelodeon show features Marshall, Chase, Sky, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and Everest as they search for a missing mayor on the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race. Make no bones about it—kids will love the pups’ adventures, and, if you sign up for the “Very Important Pups” VIP experience, you get special seating at the theater, a meet and greet with some of the Paw Patrol cast and photo opportunities.

“Sesame Street Live!”—featuring everyone’s favorite furry monster, Elmo, and his friends—also offers an unforgettable meet and greet opportunity for those who purchase a special ticket package. Before the show, mingle with Elmo and two other Sesame Street characters, plus get your photo taken. Then, get up close and personal as you enjoy the show from seats within the first few rows of the theater. In “Elmo Makes Music,” Elmo and friends try to help their music teacher find missing instruments, and in “Make a New Friend,” the gang welcomes Grover’s friend Chamki from India, as they discover that everyone is special, no matter where you’re from.

When you’re ready to see the show—whether it’s a surprise for the kids or a family-planned event—Ticketmaster can help you find the seats you want, hassle-free. All you need to do after is sit back and watch your kids grin from all the excitement at the show.