"Medieval Times": Perfect for a Birthday Celebration

"Medieval Times" can be perfect for a birthday celebration or any special occasion on your family or personal calendar. If you are tired of the very traditional cake and ice cream at home or the more modern ice skating, roller skating or movie trip with friends for your child's birthday celebration, consider "Medieval Times". It's not really a show for young children but for kids who are just becoming tweens or older, "Medieval Times" can be a great place to go with family and perhaps an add on friend or two to make a birthday celebration truly unforgettable.

My grandchildren were fortunate enough to attend "Medieval Times" at a location only about one half hour away from their home outside of Chicago, Illinois. But there are 8 other "Medieval Times" locations nation wide that you can discover by simply checking the "Medieval Times" website that appears at the end of this piece.

The goal of the creators of "Medieval Times" is to transport the audience to bygone days back in the 11th century. As part of the audience you become a guest of an imaginary King who welcomes you to a royal feast and a variety of court side activities.

The feast at the Chicago "Medieval Times" included things that people of those long forgotten days could really sink their teeth into like roasted chicken, spare ribs, herbed potatoes and garlic bread. Not only will the kids who attend a birthday party at "Medieval Times" enjoy the food, so will parents and other adults who are part of the group.

There is of course much more to "Medieval Times" than a really good meal. As a visitor into the past guests have a chance to learn a little about the knights, the weapons, the horses and the royal court that were all so much a part of normal life nearly a millennium ago. At the Chicago "Medieval Times" visitors will have a chance to see six skilled knights compete in various physical contests most notably the joust. Aboard their horses, appropriately arrayed in armor and wearing their special color, they make quite a spectacle trying to outdo one another as they clash to determine who will be officially chosen as the King's champion.

While this is all exciting enough to just sit back and watch, guests are encouraged to take part in the competition by cheering on one of the local heroes. When you arrive at "Medieval Times" you will receive a color designation similar to the livery of one of the knights and you will be asked to cheer on the efforts of that particular knight. Not only do the kids get caught up in the music, the horses, and the pageantry but they also love not acting like well behaved patrons of the arts. They get to cheer loudly and often for their champion and in opposition to the other knights. What kid doesn't love that kind of wide open freedom of expression? Don't worry adults really get into it as well.

As a former social studies teacher I could not help but consider all the teachable aspects that were presented as part of "Medieval Times". You don't often get a chance to take children to a show that immerses them in a whole different time frame and asks them to become part of the scene. What a wonderful chance to experience the past and what a great format for later discussions about the Middle Ages.

Naturally such a fully developed product involves a certain expense. For children 12 or younger the price is $39.95, adults are charged $59.95. What makes it a bit of bargain is that for children who are actually celebrating their birthday on the day they attend the show, their admission is free ( you are asked to bring a birth certificate to verify your child's birth date). For financial reasons this may not be the place you want to take your child or grandchild along with 10 friends, but for a family and perhaps one special friend of the "birthday child", it might just be manageable.

You'll like that one price includes everything, even a very sumptuous ( take your left-overs home) meal. More than that you will like the enjoyment your children or grandchildren will get from this unique "Medieval Times" experience.

Resources
www.medievaltimes.com