Annual Event: Bristol Renaissance Faire

Guest Blog Post by fellow Chicagoan, Carrie - view bio
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We had an enjoyable day with friends at the Renaissance Faire, located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. This event is a reenactment of the 16^th century with kings, queens, swordfighters, jesters, even Robin Hood and more on 30 acres of land!

This annual event goes from around the second week of July thru Labor day on the weekends, Saturday/Sunday and the Monday of Labor Day.  It is a fun day get away a little north of Six Flags.

If you are looking for something different, it is an experience to go back in time. There are several kids games, rides, market places, food, shows and people in costumes to keep you very entertained for the day.

Noteworthy:

• Be prepared to bring cash or bring your debit card to use the ATM for a fee!  All food and activities are cash only. The food is great but be prepared for some lines during peak times. Non-Alcoholic Beverages are comparable to airport pricing, maybe more and depending on the day your young one can work up a thirst. 
• Check the website prior to going, you may be able to bring your own unopened bottle of water. 
• Sunscreen is highly recommended.
• I suggest reviewing the map before you go so you have an idea of a plan. However the list of their fun shows are not listed until you get there. Grab a few maps/list of events at the main entrance. Kids had fun looking at the map and picking out what they wanted to do and what area they wanted to go to. 
• Shows can get crowded, if you want a seat suggestion is to get there prior to shows starting. 
• There are porta potty privies (restrooms) and there is one set of flushable privies with a changing station.

Age Recommendations:
Best suitable for ages 5 and up. Unless you have a jogging stroller with huge wheels it will be a challenge to get around for smaller kids.

Cost Savings:
We purchased our tickets online to keep our sanity from the long lines… even with the small ticket fee it was worth it. They do have an online coupon for an adult ticket if you want to purchase your tickets at their box office. This activity can be moderate to expensive depending on how many activities you do and how much you want to eat. Each kids activity/ride (excluding shows) has a fee per child.

Location/Transportation: Kenosha, Wisconsin
Grass lot parking is easy and was affordable. The faire is ~50 miles from downtown Chicago and on a Sunday morning it took a little over an hour to get there.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
My son loved the Archery, Climbing Tower, Coin Challenge Games, Dig for Treasure, eating a giant turkey leg, and watching the Mud and the Joust Shows! 5 Stars, he would go again.

Suburb Activity: Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm -- which is not a location for berry picking -- is a living history museum of pioneer life with a lot fun activities for the kids.

We had a great time exploring our way through hands-on learning at the One-Room School House, Blacksmith Shop, and Early Streets Museum (the boys asked a lot of questions, which was fun to see). Then we took several trips through the pony, steam train, and carousel rides.  Several.

A big bonus of the park is the admission price covers everything, so you can ride that steam train 8,561 times if the kids want! 

After lunch at the Concession area (quick service with hot dogs and burgers), we hit up Adventure Playground (this was a big highlight -- a maze of houses with passageways - many parents were wandering through, looking for their children), saw farm animals at Discovery Barn, and mom enjoyed a well deserved rest on the Wagon Ride after working her legs for three people on the paddle boats.

The park is absolutely beautiful and pristine, making it so peaceful spending time there.

Noteworthy:

• The venue only has a few of the interactive pioneer stations open each day (my guess is to provide a reason for returning).
• While we there (about 4 hours), we waited in 1 line.  One.
• They have refillable water bottle stations!  Bring a refillable container and enjoy being environmental!
• Fox Valley Park District, where the farm is located, is adorable and probably a great way to spend a day or weekend, including: 
• 48 miles of trails for biking and walking
• Splash Country Water Park (across from Blackberry Farm) 
• Red Oak Nature Center, Golf, Disc Golf, etc... 

Age Recommendations: Infant - 12 years old
Based on the crowd, the average age was between 6-8 years old.

Cost Savings:
The affordable admission covers everything in the park, which is such a wonderful perk.

Location/Transportation: Aurora, IL
About a 60 minute trip from downtown with plenty of free parking.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
The boys each had a blast at the learning areas - both boys would let me know throughout the day when they could hear the blacksmith hammering her tool and our 8 year old wants to return to see the the one-room school house again!

They each loved the Adventure Playground and the train, and our 6 year old rode each and every pony available (real and carousel variety).

Hands-on Learning: