The Big Top Funshops and workshops for kids of all ages in Scotland from The Big Top

Schools, play-groups, galas, corporate days, shopping centres, etc. are just some of the venues for our funshops. Funshops are either 'structured' or 'come-and-try' with the same children for the duration of the funshop:

'come-and-try' is informal, participants stay for as long as they want and 'have a go' so numbers vary. We can customize each workshop to satisfy the needs of your group.

Structured funshops are based on a ratio of 2 leaders to 30 participants. You provide the venue and participants, we provide the rest!

Funshops can be linked to provide a day or days of, say, circus - combining circus skills, face painting, mask making, balloon modelling, clowning, etc.

Based on a 2-hour session for 30 participants with 2 instructors - you provide the venue and the children, we provide the rest! We are happy to come for longer periods with more children.

Funshops are enjoyable as a 'Structured' event such as in a school environment, or at gala days, promotions, special events, etc. where participants 'Come and try' and return later to have another go, staying, perhaps, for 15 minutes or the whole session.

Circus Skills Funshop

Age Group:6+

Participants receive hands-on experience of various circus skills: plates, balls, diabolos, clubs. Instructors give a brief introduction and demonstration at the start.

Kite Making Funshop

Age Group: 6+

Come and Try Funshop:

Participants produce a simple kite which flies wonderfully. Great for gala days, shopping centres, etc. Good promotional potential as logos can be printed on each kite.

Structured Funshop:

An in-depth kite experience, with a short lecture and constructing 3 to 4 different styles of kites in the two hour session.

Earthball & Parachute Games Funshop

Age Group: 5+

Games with earthballs of up to 180cm high. For younger children smaller balls are used. Ideal activities for larger numbers at gala days, etc. Parachutes are large multicoloured fabric circles up to 25ft in diameter which are great for group games

Old Fashioned Traditional Street Games

Age Group: 6+

Children have the opportunity to learn the history and background of various street games and old fashioned toys and then play the games. Whips & peeries, girds & cleeks, diabolos, skipping games, peever beds, etc.

Balloon Modelling Funshop

Age Group: 7+

Participants learn the basic twists, locks and bends used in creating balloon models. They will link the moves to create four or five models to take home.

Bubble Funshop

Age Group: 2+ to grannies! Other Requirements: Outside Only

Wonderful for outdoor events. Participants indulge in an frenzy of bubblemaking! Small, large and gynormous bubbles. A come-and-try funshop for outside only.

Magic Funshop

Age Group: 8+

Learn a series of tricks which can be made from ordinary household items.

Maskmaking & Puppetmaking Funshop

Age Group: 6+

A hands-on practical funshop, tailor made to individual requirements. Participants will make a variety of masks or puppets.

Facepainting Funshop

Age Group: 6+

The correct techniques and designs are taught and participants then have an opportunity to apply these skills on a partner and visa versa.

Badge & Keyring Funshop

Age Group: 3+

Children can make and decorate badges and key rings. Always a hit at a gala day and something which younger children can do and take home.

Up in the Air Paper Funshop

Age Group: 6+

Children learn to make model aeroplanes, paper helicopters, kites, speed balls, paper bangers, etc. which they can then play with outdoors, if appropriate.

Giant Games Funshop

Age Group: 5+

Connect 4, Jenga, Snakes and ladders, Giant Bowls, Tic-tac-toe, Hop Scotch etc.

Other Funshops

Other speciality craft funshops are:

• Pirates
• Wizards
• Under the Sea .......contact for details

Interactive Storytelling Funshops

This funshop is a combination of a story and then related funshop activities. Choose from pirates, magic, circus, sealife, etc. Can be tailored for a specific theme.

Themed Funshops

We provide a series of 'themed' funshops such as Easter/ Christmas/Halloween Crafts Funshops. Should you have a particular theme in mind for a series of funshops we would be happy to implement your theme.