Kid Friendly Things to do at the Renaissance Faire

The Original Renaissance Pleasure faire is back for their 56th year in California.  I am always asked if it is appropriate to take children and I always reply with a firm yes! Originally it was pretty "adult" themed but nowadays, it's transformed into a very family friendly event perfect for children and adults alike. We visit the faire annually and my daughter is always entertained and excited to go. I'm sharing my top kid friendly things to do this year at the faire, ways for kids to get in free and a link to discounted tickets. 

Tea with the Queen: 

Tea with the Queen is at 4:00 p.m. daily in the St. Cuthbert Guild Yard. The cost is $13 for children. The menu for kids (Age 10 & younger): Black Tea or Juice (Decaffintaed or Herbal Tea may be substituted), a scone (with Butter, Lemon Curd and Jam), Assorted Tea Sandwiches (Peanut Butter & Honey, Jam & Cream Cheese), a brownie, and a tea charm to take home.

Rides and Games

You might be surprised when I tell you there are a ton of rides and games at the faire. From Archery to Axe throwing (yes both are safe for kids) to a Dragon Swing and those fun Bubble Rollers on water are just a few of the fun "old school" attractions to keep your kids entertained. If your child is a thrill seeker they have a 150' Zip Line as well as a Bungie trampoline that will grant them amazing views of the faire from high above. My daughter LOVES both! 

Make a Fairy House & Other Crafts

Creative Fairy Memories is a fun way to get creative booth that allows you to select from a large selection of natural materials and craft your very own fairy house. We did this last year and enjoyed it. Cost depends of size and any extras you way want to add.

Shows

One of our favorites from last year returns! Sky Kings Falconry Sky Kings presents a free flying falconry and birds of prey demonstration featuring hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures. This amazing show takes place ABOVE the audience! There are also many shows within Kid's Kingdom and throughout the faire, see daily show listings for times. Be sure to catch the magicians and Ariel dancers as well.

Along with the above are some very fun and unique activities for both your little knights and dames. Many have a specific time so be sure to register or sign up as needed. Kids’ Kingdom is an area dedicated to the young ones where games, crafts, story- telling, songs, interactive shows, and magic are featured in the fairytale land. There you can see shows like Foolish Fractured Fairy Tales, The Witches’ Apprentice, The Giant’s Treasure, Beauty and the Beast, Merlin's School Of Magic, and Gwendolyn’s Quest.

Knighting Ceremony: Be one of only 25 lucky children each day to be made a Knight or Dame of the Realm by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in person! Signups start at 2:00 p.m. for the 4:20 pm ceremony at Kids' Kingdom.

Gnome Hunt: Gnomes have invaded Port Deptford! Start at the Front Gate of Deptford or at the desk at Kids’ Kingdom to get your special gnome hunt map. Then seek out the many gnomes hidden about the village in the guild yards, markets, and shops. When you find them, get the shopkeepers and guild members to sign your map. Then return to Kids’ Kingdom to receive your Official Gnome Finder Certificate and credit towards this year’s Collectible Limited Edition Medallion. 

Children's Militia: The Guild of St. Michael (near the joust) enlists kids of all ages in a fun and educational experience. A careful history and use of weapons is explained, and the kids get to learn how each weapon is used through hands-on interaction. Placed in groups, the new soldiers are then taught drilling and advancement techniques. Upon completion of the half hour course, the kids lead the march on the tournament field during the Royal Joust (with the Queen, no less!) Parents, get your cameras ready. 

Kids get in FREE: Children Admitted Free (Saturday and Sunday April 14 & 15)- When accompanied by one adult ticket purchase. All children ages 12 and younger are admitted free. No coupon required. Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.

Scouts Weekend April 28th & 29th Uniformed Scouts and Leaders will receive a discount for their entire group. Discount Tickets ONLY at the Box Office – not online.
Scouts Ages 5 – 12 = FREE Scouts Ages 13 – 17 = $10.00
Scouts/Leaders Ages 18 and up = $20.00

All Children 4 and under get in for FREE during the duration of the Faire.

Hurry and get your Discounted tickets here for only $18 (reg $29.95) via GOLDSTAR

Box Office Ticket Prices:

Adult single day – $29.95
Senior (62+) – $28.95
Military (w/ID) – $28.95
Child (ages 5-12) single day – $15
Children 4 and younger are FREE!
Adult Season Pass – $155.00
Child Season Pass (ages 5-12) – $70.00
Friends of Faire (VIP Garden) – $60.00

Saturdays & Sundays - April 7 thru May 20, 2018

Parking is $10

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
15501 E. Arrow Highway • Irwindale, CA
10am - 7pm • Ph: 626.969.4750