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We dont do the circus because of the treatment of the animals, so I'd decline or suggest a different activity.

Could you maybe offer to meet them before or after for lunch or ice cream or something so that your LO isn't missing out on the entire experience?

Or maybe say the circus isn't your cup of tea, but offer to plan another animal free outing to something fun at another time (maybe if you have a concrete show in mind it will show you're willing to participate in fun, just not this one thing they think is fun but you don't agree with)

I like @MaryM's idea about meeting up before or after. Circuses with animals are a no-go for us, regardless of the reason for attendance.

I don't have an objection to the circus, so I would ditto @MaryM: what suggested. I'd try to meet up with them immediately following the circus. And I'd take LO to do something fun right before so she doesn't feel super left out by hearing all the cool circus stories. She'll have some fun stories of her own.

I'd like to think I wouldn't go, but I'm also not a fan of zoos and LO has been to those a few times when someone else has initiated. In a perfect world, I'd say no and make a point to plan the next activity for all the cousins. I wouldn't even try to meet up before/after because it would make your family's absence at the circus even more conspicuous.

I think its a tough call whether you will attend or not but I certainly wouldn't be meeting up with the cousins right after!! I guarantee your LO will feel left out

If you do feel the need to decline, when doing so I would be ready with another fun plan/activity/event for all the cousins to enjoy together next month!

I probably would, she is young and it is a new experience, though I wouldn't choose that activity personally.

No. We draw the line at circuses, zoos/petting zoos, and SeaWorld type places. I don't want LO to grow up thinking of animals as there for his entertainment. The awkward thing is we have friends who keep asking us to go to the zoo, though we've politely and firmly declined every single time!

@MoonMoon: what's your thoughts on the zoo certification thing? I'm not that well educated on it so just thought I'd ask maybe you knew more about it. Are they any better than the ones who aren't accredited or certified? I forget which organization does it...

Nope. I could not in good faith support it, even if it was free and it was with family.