Medieval Times With Kids: What to Know

Before taking kids to Medieval Times, know that it is a loud, dark, dinner-theater show with live horses, staged sword fights, and a full meal eaten with your hands. You should book seats in the front section if your kids want to be close to the action, and be prepared for the show to be much louder and more intense than a typical movie or play.

Formula

The calculator above helps you plan your visit by working out your total group size and how much show time each person gets. The formula is simple: Total guests = kids + adults and Average show time per guest = total show length ÷ total guests. In symbols, G = k + a and S = T ÷ G, where T is the show length in minutes, k is the number of kids under 4, a is the number of adults, and S is the average minutes of show per person. This helps you see how the experience scales with group size, though it does not affect the actual ticket price or seating.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: a show length of 120 minutes, 1 child under 4, and 2 adults. First, add the guests: 1 + 2 = 3 total guests. Then divide the show length by the number of guests: 120 ÷ 3 = 40 minutes per guest. So with 3 people, each person gets about 40 minutes of show time on average, which is a useful way to think about whether the length feels right for your kids.

What the Show Actually Is

Medieval Times is a chain of dinner theaters where guests watch a scripted tournament while eating a multi-course meal. The show features knights on horseback, jousting, sword fighting, and falconry, all set in a large arena with bleacher-style seating. The audience is divided into sections, each cheering for a different knight. The meal is served during the show, and you eat it with your hands—no utensils are provided. The food is typically tomato soup, roasted chicken, a spare rib, a baked potato, and a pastry, with a vegetarian option available on request.

The show runs about two hours, and the action is continuous. There are loud sound effects, dramatic music, and the horses are large and close to the audience. The arena is dimly lit during most of the performance, which can be disorienting for very young children. The show is rated for general audiences, but the intensity is more like a live sports event than a gentle theater production.

Age Suitability and What Kids Will Enjoy

Children aged 5 and up generally enjoy the spectacle, especially if they are interested in knights, horses, or medieval themes. The cheering and clapping are part of the fun, and kids are encouraged to root for their section’s knight. However, toddlers and preschoolers may be overwhelmed by the noise, the darkness, and the sudden bursts of action. The show does not have a story that young kids can follow; it is more about the athletic feats and the competition.

If you have a child who is sensitive to loud noises or easily frightened by dramatic fights, consider bringing ear protection or sitting near an aisle for a quick exit. The show does not have intermissions, so you cannot leave easily once it starts. Some locations have a pre-show area with exhibits and a gift shop, which can be a good way to gauge your child’s interest before the main event.

Seating and Tickets

Seating is assigned by section, and you can choose between the general admission area and the front section, which is closer to the arena floor. The front section often costs more but gives a better view of the action and the horses. If you have kids, the front section is usually worth the extra cost because they can see the details of the costumes and the horses up close. However, the front section is also the loudest and can be more chaotic, so weigh that against your child’s temperament.

Buy tickets in advance, especially on weekends and holidays, as shows often sell out. You can usually select your section when booking online, but not the specific seat. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to get through the line and find your seat. Some locations have a VIP package that includes priority seating, a souvenir program, and a photo with a knight, but that is optional.

Food and Dietary Needs

The meal is served in courses, and the servers bring them out at specific times during the show. The food is meant to be eaten with your hands, which is part of the medieval theme. If you have a child with food allergies or dietary restrictions, call the location ahead of time to ask about options. The vegetarian meal is usually a pasta dish or a vegetable plate, but it is not always available at every location. There is also a kids’ meal option that is similar to the adult meal but with smaller portions.

Drinks are not included in the ticket price, and you pay for them separately. Water, soda, and beer are available, but they can be expensive. You can bring your own water bottle, but glass containers are not allowed. The show does not allow outside food, so if your child is a picky eater, you may want to feed them before you go.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

One of the most common issues is that kids get scared or bored. The show is long, and the action can be repetitive if your child is not into horses or fighting. To avoid this, talk to your child about what to expect before you go. Explain that the fights are staged and that the knights are actors. If your child is prone to fear, sit near an exit and have a plan to step out if needed.

Another problem is that the meal can be messy, and kids may not eat much because they are distracted. The soup is served in a bowl and can easily spill, so consider wearing dark clothing or bringing a bib for younger kids. The chicken is served on the bone, and the rib can be difficult to eat with hands, so be prepared to help your child. Also, the show is dark, so it can be hard to see the food, which might make it less appealing to kids.

Parking and crowds can also be stressful. Many locations are in busy entertainment districts, so give yourself extra time to find parking. The lobby can get crowded before the show, and the gift shop is a temptation for kids. Set a budget for souvenirs before you go, or avoid the gift shop altogether by entering the arena directly.

Costs and Budgeting

Ticket prices vary by location, day of the week, and seating section. On average, you can expect to pay between $60 and $100 per adult, and slightly less for children under 12. Children under 3 are usually free, but they do not get a seat or a meal. The front section costs more, and VIP packages can add another $20 to $30 per person. Drinks, souvenirs, and photos with the knights are extra, so a family of four can easily spend over $300 for a night out.

To save money, look for discounts on the official website or through coupon books. Some locations offer a discount for booking on weekdays or for attending a matinee show. You can also skip the extras and just buy the basic ticket. The show is the main event, and the extras are not necessary for a good experience.

Safety and Comfort

The arena is safe, but there are some things to keep in mind. The horses are trained, but they are large animals, and the action is close to the audience. The arena floor is separated by a barrier, but sparks and dust from the fights can occasionally reach the front rows. If you have a child with asthma or allergies, sitting in the back section might be better.

The seats are bleacher-style, so they are hard and can be uncomfortable for long periods. You can bring a small cushion or a folded jacket to sit on. The arena is not temperature-controlled to a specific degree, so dress in layers. The show is loud, so consider ear protection for young children. Also, the show involves fire effects, which can be startling, but they are contained and safe.

Alternatives to Medieval Times

If you are unsure about taking your kids to Medieval Times, there are other options. You could visit a local Renaissance fair, which is outdoors and often more interactive, with games, crafts, and food. Another option is a dinner theater with a less intense show, such as a magic show or a musical. You could also watch a medieval-themed movie at home and cook a themed dinner, which is much cheaper and more controlled.

If you do decide to go, remember that the experience is more about the spectacle than the story. Kids who love horses, knights, or action will likely have a great time, but kids who are sensitive to noise or easily bored may not. The key is to prepare your child, manage your expectations, and plan for the practicalities of seating, food, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a baby or toddler to Medieval Times? Yes, children under 3 are free, but they must sit on your lap and do not get a meal. However, the show is loud and dark, so it may not be suitable for very young children. Many parents find that toddlers get scared or restless, so consider whether your child can handle the environment.

Is the food good? The food is decent, but it is not gourmet. The chicken is moist, and the soup is tasty, but the meal is served in a dark arena and eaten with your hands, so the experience is more about the novelty than the cuisine. If you are a picky eater, you might want to eat before you go.

How long is the show? The show lasts about two hours, including a short intermission. The meal is served during the first half, and the second half is more action-heavy. The total time from arrival to departure is about 2.5 hours, so plan accordingly.

Do I need to tip the server? Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated. The servers work hard to bring multiple courses to many tables during the show. If you are satisfied with the service, a tip of 15-20% of the food cost is customary.

Can I take photos during the show? Yes, you can take photos, but flash photography is not allowed because it can distract the horses and the performers. You can take photos before the show and during the performance, but be mindful of the darkness and the action.

Is there a dress code? There is no strict dress code, but casual and comfortable clothing is recommended. The arena can be cool, so bring a light jacket. Some people dress up in medieval-themed costumes, but it is not required.

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in t | Show length | min | 120 | 0
in k | Kids under 4 | count | 1 | 0
in a | Adults | count | 2 | 0
out total | Total guests | persons | k + a | 0
out per_guest | Average show time | min/guest | t / (k + a) | 1