Clown Circus Kids and their friends will giggle while they learn these simple clown tricks. by Dina Anastasio

	What you need:
	One group of eager clowns-to-be Your old clothes One roll of wide tape Balloons Pennies Music One broom

1. Call your clowns together. The circus is about to begin!

2. Get the highjinks in high gear by letting the kids dress up in your silliest old clothes from the back of the closet (the more colorful the better). Your old sneakers will feel like clown shoes on little feet, making these balancing and dancing activities challenging—and very silly.

3. Walk the taperope: Run a wide strip of tape across the floor for a tightrope. Now, challenge the clowns to walk along it without losing their balance. Next time 'round, demonstrate variations on the tightrope: jumping, hopping along on one foot, holding a balloon over their heads, balancing pennies on the backs of hands. And for the finale, turn on some music and the kids can make up some crazy clown dances as they boogie across the floor.

4. How low can you go? Teach your clowns to limbo. Two people hold the ends of a broom handle as the children dance under without brushing it—even with their bulky clothes. Move the stick lower and lower until the children have to lie on the floor to get under it. It's bound to inspire giggles—especially when it's your turn!

5. Clown car: How many kids can fit in a large cardboard appliance box? For added zip, decorate this car with magic markers or affix paper plates for wheels. (Be sure to remove any staples or other scratch hazards before you all pile in.)

6. When you're finished clowning around, you can store all your supplies in the clown car so you'll be ready to roll (with laughter) the next time the circus comes to town.