CircusWest CirKids – Circus Classes for Kids Ages 3–17 in Vancouver, BC

CircusWest is a non-profit circus arts school in East Vancouver, and its CirKids program teaches recreational circus arts to children and youth ages 3 to 17 at the PNE Garden Auditorium. The fall 2026 season begins September 14, 2026, and registration is open.

“Get down from there!” Sound familiar? Some kids have energy to burn. Some have big imaginations. And some seem determined to climb absolutely everything. If their after-school plans are up in the air, that may be exactly where they belong.

In CirKids classes, kids climb, flip, balance, bounce and play while exploring aerials, acrobatics, juggling, trampoline and more — building skills, strength, coordination and confidence along the way. As students grow, so does their circus: depending on the program, they develop group acts and performance skills, take part in informal showcases and community performances, and can step into the spotlight in a full CircusWest production.

CircusWest has been giving Vancouver kids a place to climb, create and perform since 1984, and is the city’s oldest and longest-running circus training centre. Turns out all that climbing on the furniture might have been leading somewhere.

CirKids programs and age groups

• Cubs — ages 3 to 4, a first introduction to circus play and movement
• Lions — ages 5 to 6
• Tigers — ages 6 to 7
• Ringmasters — ages 8 to 14, the core recreational program
• Centre Ring — ages 10 to 16
• Sessional classes — six-week classes for ages 8 to 16 in acro, silks and tissue, trampoline and more
• Ensemble and Apprentice — ages 12 to 19, by invitation
• Performance Troupe — ages 13 to 19, by audition

What kids do in a CirKids class

• Aerials — silks, tissue and other apparatus work
• Acrobatics and tumbling — floor acro, balance and partner work
• Juggling and object manipulation
• Trampoline
• Performance skills — group acts, showcases and community shows

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages are CirKids circus classes for?

CirKids is for children and youth ages 3 to 17. It starts with Cubs at ages 3 to 4 and runs through Lions, Tigers, Ringmasters and Centre Ring, plus the invitation-only Ensemble and Apprentice streams and an audition-based Performance Troupe for teens.

When does the fall 2026 CirKids season start?

The fall season begins September 14, 2026. Registration is open now, and classes run at the PNE Garden Auditorium in East Vancouver.

Where are CircusWest circus classes held in Vancouver?

Classes take place at the PNE Garden Auditorium, 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V5K 2A3, on the Pacific National Exhibition grounds in East Vancouver — easily reached from across Vancouver and Burnaby.

How much do CirKids classes cost?

Tuition varies by program and session length. Every family also needs a yearly family membership ($16) and yearly student insurance ($42) before a child can start classes. Call (604) 252-3679 or email info@circuswest.com for current tuition.

Does my child need circus or gymnastics experience?

No. CirKids is a recreational program and the entry-level classes are built for beginners, with no prior circus, gymnastics or dance experience required.

Do kids get to perform?

Yes. Depending on the program, students build group acts and performance skills, appear in informal showcases and community performances, and can be cast in a full CircusWest production.

Fall registration for CirKids is now open. Call (604) 252-3679 or email info@circuswest.com to register or ask about a trial class.

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