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 16th 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.
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.
At $4 a pop, the rides and activities are super expensive! And the shops are expensive too! Pretty much everything is expensive except for the admission, lol! But it's good people watching. The jousting show and the Barely Balanced acrobatics show are both very entertaining!
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