Keeping up with Kids: Renaissance Festival at Quiet Waters 2013

Took the family out last year to Quiet Waters Park for Ren Fest. It was such a lovely day and the kids were wiped out!

The event had all of our favorite standbys, like turkey legs, the jousting horse ride, and of course the Princess Academy and the Knight School!

I love this event mostly because of the character actors. The King and his court as well as the rest of the cast, will always take the time to talk to you and especially the kids. My daughter loves that they are willing to share a little history with her in a fun way. The Princess even walked us all the way across the event to a show chatting with my daughter all the way! My girl was in seventh heaven!

Last years new editions were some obstacle courses. They looked like great fun! There was a zip wire, that had a climbing cage inside to get up to the platform. It was high enough to give a thrill, but low enough that I think preteens could manage.

There was a second lower obstacle course that looked perfect for just about everyone. You are harnessed into the top and asked to make your way (while hanging) over hanging tubes and walkways. The staff can reach from the ground to help anyone stuck and there is someone inside too to help. I watched the staff help a child who looked to be about 8 years old make his way through.

I can't forget to tell you about the Mermaid! My daughter had asked me about a week before if she could meet a mermaid. I told her it was unlikely because mermaids don't come out of the water often. I was racking my brains trying to think of how she could meet one without a trip to Disney, and boom, there was a mermaid at the Ren-Fest. That was a high point for her for certain!

Ren-Fest 2012 Photo's by Keeping Up With Kids

The only thing about this event is that it is expensive. It is $20 per person, (kids 5and under are free), ages 6-11 are $7. Also be prepared to spend once you get inside. Of course there is food, but the games and rides all cost a couple of dollars. The musicians are artists are not paid to be there so they have tip jars to make a living. My daughter really likes the dancing and the music and loves to sit through those shows. Oh and the schedule was $2 as well.

Ren-Fest 2012 Photo's by Keeping Up With Kids

If you want to see more pictures of other parts of the event here are the links.
Kids Activities
The Performers
The Artists and Artisans
The Characters
Video Blog from Archives
Scroll down for more of this years photo's!