Renaissance faires aren't just for adults in elaborate costumes sipping mead — they're some of the most magical family outings you can plan. Imagine your kids watching armored knights clash on horseback, trying their hand at archery, or getting their face painted like a dragon. These are the faires that do it best for families in 2026.
Quick Tips for Faire Families
- Bring a wagon or stroller for little ones — faire grounds are BIG
- Pack sunscreen, water bottles, and snacks (faire food is pricey)
- Arrive early — parking fills up and kids fade by afternoon
- Budget $15-25 per kid for games and activities
- Most faires offer free entry for children under 5
Faire-goers in fairy costumes — dressing up is half the fun!
1Texas Renaissance Festival
The largest Renaissance festival in the United States spans 55 acres of pure medieval magic. The Texas Renaissance Festival runs for eight weekends each fall, with themed weekends like "Pirate Adventure" and "All Hallows Eve" that kids absolutely love. The Children's Realm features age-appropriate games, puppet shows, and a petting zoo. The jousting tournaments are world-class, and kids under 5 get in free.
What makes it exceptional for families: dedicated kids' areas separated from the more rowdy adult entertainment, clean restroom facilities, wide shaded pathways for strollers, and an incredible variety of food options including kid-friendly choices beyond the standard turkey leg.
View full listing →2Bristol Renaissance Faire
Bristol is the gold standard for family-friendly Renaissance faires. Set on 30 acres of beautiful Wisconsin woodland, this faire feels like stepping into a real 16th-century English village. Kids can participate in sword training workshops, watch comedy shows designed for all ages, and explore hands-on craft demonstrations where artisans teach blacksmithing, glassblowing, and pottery.
The "Children's Knighting Ceremony" is a highlight — kids get dubbed by the Queen herself. Bristol also offers excellent shade coverage, which is crucial for summer weekends, and the food court has plenty of options beyond traditional faire food.
View full listing →3Maryland Renaissance Festival
Running for nine weekends every fall, the Maryland Renaissance Festival is one of the largest in the country and consistently ranks among the best for families. The 27-acre site features a dedicated children's area called the "Village Playground" with climbing structures, games, and interactive performances specifically designed for younger visitors.
The festival offers over 200 performers on 10 stages, including family-friendly comedy acts, acrobats, and musicians. The jousting arena seats thousands and kids are always mesmerized. Pro tip: visit on "Children's Weekend" for extra activities and discounted kids' tickets.
View full listing →4Arizona Renaissance Festival
Perfect timing for families — the Arizona Renaissance Festival runs February through April, when the desert weather is ideal. The 30-acre village features 14 stages of entertainment, a full jousting arena, and over 200 artisan shops. For kids, the highlight is the interactive quest games where they solve puzzles throughout the village to earn prizes.
The festival also features pony rides, a rock-climbing wall, bungee jumping, and a maze — all designed for younger visitors. The arts and crafts area lets kids make their own leather goods and paint pottery. With Arizona's reliable sunshine, it's one of the few faires where you rarely need to worry about rain cancellations.
View full listing →5Carolina Renaissance Festival
Set on 25 acres of beautiful Carolina woodland, this festival offers a perfect blend of entertainment and education for families. The Children's Glen features hands-on activities, face painting, and character meet-and-greets with princes, princesses, and friendly dragons. The archery range has kid-sized bows, and the games of skill area offers prizes that kids actually want to win.
Carolina is known for its welcoming atmosphere — cast members engage with kids in character, creating truly magical moments. The food selection includes smaller portions and kid-friendly pricing. Weekend themes like "Fantasy Weekend" and "Fairy and Pirate Weekend" specifically cater to younger visitors.
View full listing →Also Worth the Trip
6Georgia Renaissance Festival
Fairburn, Georgia • April - June
Set in the rolling hills south of Atlanta, the Georgia Renaissance Festival features an interactive children's area with puppet shows, a petting zoo, and kid-friendly jousting narratives. The "Enchanted Forest" section is designed specifically for families with young children.
7Michigan Renaissance Festival
Holly, Michigan • August - October
Michigan's faire covers 300 acres of beautiful forest with a dedicated "Kingdom of the Kids" area. Features dragon hunts, beginner sword fighting, and an excellent educational component where kids learn about medieval trades and crafts firsthand.
8Bay Area Renaissance Festival
Tampa Bay, Florida • January - March
Winter dates make this a perfect family destination during school breaks. Features a robust children's activities schedule, including fairy wing making, shield decorating, and a "Tiny Knights Training Academy" that's pure magic for 3-8 year olds.
9Ohio Renaissance Festival
Waynesville, Ohio • September - October
Ohio's festival excels at immersive family experiences — kids can interact with historical characters who stay perfectly in character, creating memories that feel like actual time travel. The autumn setting in the Ohio forest is stunning for family photos.
10Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Shakopee, Minnesota • August - September
One of the most well-organized family faires in the country. Features a "Kids Kingdom" with age-appropriate entertainment, a human-powered carousel, and themed weekends including "Princess and Pirate Weekend" that consistently draws huge family crowds.
Family Faire Packing List
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Refillable water bottles
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Wagon or stroller
- Cash (many vendors are cash-only)
- Snacks for little ones
- Portable phone charger
- Light layers (weather changes)
- Camera for memories
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Ready to find your family's next adventure?