Medieval Times Dinner Theater and Show with Kids

On a recent visit to Chicago, our family enjoyed an evening of feasting and jousting at Medieval Times. This dinner theater concept is especially fun for families and groups.

Tip: Read our story, "Visiting Chicago with Kids" for more tips and tricks to plan a Chiago family getaway!

So, what is Medieval Times and what do you need to know before you go? And, what did we think of the experience?

Medieval Times is a one-of-a-kind dinner theater experience where guests are transported back in time to Medieval Spain where knights compete for the honor of their kingdom. The entire cast is in character, from gift shop workers to servers, to the actual knights, royal family, and narrators. We visited the "Chicago Castle," but you can also find locations in Atlanta, GA, Baltimore, MD, Buena Park, CA, Dallas, TX, Lyndhurst, NJ, Myrtle Beach, SC, Orlando, FL, Scottsdale, AZ and Toronto, ON.

There are three options with your ticket package - each upgrade allowing various add-ons including seating, souvenirs, and special features like knighting ceremonies. We found that that there is "no bad seat" in the house. So, choose the package that best meets your goals (are you celebrating a special occasion, or is this part of an overall vacation). You will have opportunities to upgrade once you arrive. Also, deals can be found if you sign up for emails, watch for specials (i.e. holidays), Groupon, or social media. All tickets include a four-course meal and the live show. In Chicago, they did have free parking on-site.

The adventure begins from the moment you enter the castle - and yes, the building is a castle (my girls loved that). We were encouraged to arrive up to 75 minutes before the show and we were glad we did. We really enjoyed getting into the spirit of things before the show. Inside the castle, you'll find many photo ops including thrones, horses, a chance to meet the falconer and his falcon, and various fun backdrops. You may also choose to pay $2/ea to visit the Museum of Torture. Before the show, the Queen is presented and Knights are knighted. We loved watching this in the Grand Hall. There are gift shops with a variety of souvenirs as well.

Pre-show photos in the Throne Room.

Trouble brewing... already!

The picture with the Falconer and Liberty, the Falcon, before the show.

My girls loved seeing the horses before the show.

A Knighting Ceremony.

Once it is time to be seated, everyone is given clear instructions and seated at their assigned table where they will cheer for their knight and his allies during the tournament.  Each guest is given a crown displaying their knight's colors. We also had banners to wave as we cheered. Servers explain the sides and lead a bit of practice cheering (and booing) and they serve food during the show in four courses. My girls loved the creativity as we were served a fingers-only feast of "dragon blood" (tomato bisque), "baby dragons" (roast chicken), "dragon scales" (garlic bread), corn-on-the-cob, and ice cream. The meal includes a choice of a few non-alcoholic drinks, you may purse alcohol or specialty drinks and souvenir cups for an additional fee. The portions are large (especially for small children's appetites), so we were glad they provided take-home containers for leftovers.

During the Medieval Times show/tournament, the queen and her attendants explain the competition. Knights on horseback compete with real weapons as they joust and spar. With music and pageantry, including several beautiful performances including the falcon and a white stallion, this was a fun live-action fairytale. My girls loved cheering for their side and there were many oohs and aahs as the majestic horses entered the arena. Every time a knight wins a particular competition, he is awarded flowers from the Queen and he may choose to throw them to girls in the audience. Two of my girls were excited to receive flowers during the show.

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The flower, thrown by the victorious knight.

After the show, guests may take photos with their Knight, and even the Queen! 

Our family found the entire evening to be a truly unique and fun experience. The food was tasty and the show was exciting. All four of my girls would like to return. Medieval Times was a memorable addition to our Chicago getaway! 

Read our story, "Visiting Chicago with Kids" for more tips and tricks to plan a Chiago family getaway!