The local Renaissance Faire was the perfect way to kick start our study of the Renaissance period in history using The Story of the World Vol 2 (SOTW).
The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow runs for 3 weekends each September and features a different theme each weekend. We visited the first weekend with Knights & Royals. Plan a trip to a ren faire for your family!
You’ll notice a difference in a ren faire compared to Living History Farms. A ren faire isn’t strictly focused on the educational presentation. However, you can learn a lot by asking questions and getting involved.
Here are 7 educational experiences at the Renaissance Faire!
Knight Fight
Raven’s Armored Combat team is incredible!!! These guys and one girl go at it full force, all-in, no script or rehearsed scenes. A viewer gets a true sense of how utterly exhausting and dangerous being a knight was. My son was totally absorbed and loved watching this demonstration.
Knights are epic in any study of the renaissance period and the Raven team doesn’t disappoint. SOTW covers knighthood in chapter 17, pages 152-159
Vikings
Unless you are planning to travel to The Field Museum in Chicago, here is your best opportunity to encounter the Vikings. Living history reenactment camps for the Warriors of Valhalla and Olskipan Vikings are ongoing daily at the ren faire.
Enthusiasts are dressed up in period costumes and share their knowledge about weapons, communication symbols, daily life, and cooking a meal over an open fire. Be sure to ask specific questions and spend time chatting with these nice folks!
You’ll find the Vikings in chapter 14 and throughout SOTW Vol 2.
Jousting Match
Trained professional actors delight a crowd and the royal court with a jousting match. This reenactment makes the stories on still, quiet pages come to life.
Read aloud pages 154 & 155 in SOTW and your children will become the knight racing to fight, wearing their heavy padded armor and bringing victory for the kingdom.
Medieval & Renaissance Daily Life
A cluster of tents gives a peak into daily life in the 1500s. Try on a knight’s helmet, watch blacksmiths work or learn about rope making. The living history camp is ongoing daily during the ren faire.
SOTW explores these different roles and daily life experiences throughout the book and on pages 145-147.
Royal Court
Behold the Royal Court and all of its splendor! What would be a day at the ren faire without a king and queen?
Read about Dynasties and rulers throughout the SOTW including Queen Elizabeth in chapter 38.
Fine Arts
As a key staple in the Royal Court and on the corners of any medieval square; musicians still play an important role in defining culture. Many musical performances are on center stage during the ren faire. Musicians are mentioned on page 147 in SOTW.
Children and adults alike will also appreciate connecting present-day art with the past. My daughter loved watching the potter create bowls. I could hardly get her to leave.
Magic & Myths
Enjoying a little fun, the ren faire embraces all things childlike and mythical from fairies to dragons. There is a cute little fairy house hunt game your child can play. The game card is given to you upon arrival. (Bring a pen). We loved the idea, however, we found the hunt too difficult and gave up without receiving our prize.
Dress like a fairy and visit the fairies in their home. Encourage your child’s imagination and enjoy! Little glass beads are handed out as “dragon tears” and my kids came home wanting to find more. 
William & Blackjack put on a hilarious show with audience participation. If you have little ones then be sure to check out the Children’s Stage. My children actually think that William can change bubbles into glass marbles.
You can read lots of myths and legends throughout the SOTW about talking animals, gods, warriors, and more.
Don’t forget to look for Robin hood. He wanders around with a few of his merry men. Read that story on pages 180-185 in SOWT.
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Check out our Pinterest board for inspiration and other Ren Faire locations! Bring medieval history alive for your family and visit a faire this year!
Discloser: Our visit was hosted, however, all opinions expressed in this article are completely ours and based on our own family’s unique experience.
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