Medieval Times in Baltimore

As we prepare our vacation to Washington, D.C. I decided to check if there was a Medieval Times in the area.   Well, I found out that there was one in Baltimore (about 30 minutes of drive from Washington, D.C.) and an idea slowly germinated in my head.  You see this coming September, our homeschool coop will be studying the Middle Ages and why not trying to go to Medieval Times to stir up the appetite of knowledge for my kids.    A few email exchange between the castle in Baltimore and myself and they graciously gave us tickets for the family to attend.  I was delighted and very excited about it.  When I told my husband, he quickly said “Let’s surprise the kids.”   We didn’t say anything to them as we packed for the vacation, drove to Washington and explored it.   Even on the day of our Dinner & Tournament we didn’t say anything to them.  We actually made them believe that daddy wanted to go see the Bass Pro Shop in Baltimore (which we did by the way because fishing is a family activity for us).  

A few times during that week our oldest said something like “Is there a Medieval Times in Washington?” The answer was always a “We didn’t check and this is not something we are planning to do this time around if there is one.”   Somehow he was disappointed because he liked going there.  Nevertheless, a quick look to each other we knew that the kids would love going there the following Saturday.

Saturday arrived and the kids were told we would do some shopping in the afternoon.   It wasn’t an enthusiastic crowd that we had but they followed.    As we arrived to the mall, when we parked all reacted when they saw the castle.  But mom and dad kept them from getting overly excited by saying – “Oh! I guess there is a castle here… maybe next time we will go.  We can’t do it today.”   We went to the store dad wanted to go and shopped a bit.  Then we looked at the time and said “We should get back on the road so we can eat supper at the trailer.”   We all walked toward the truck and I was getting slightly excited in surprising them.  In my purse I had my daughter’s Medieval princess dress which she didn’t know I had brought.   The kids climbed in the truck and then we said “Let’s go back inside.”   They were surprised and then we told them.   The joy in their faces and all.   I even showed Jasmine her dress and she was extremely overjoyed that I had thought of bringing it.    We had a bit of time to kill before the show and walked a bit in the mall.

What is Medieval Times?

Medieval Times is an exciting family-friendly dinner attraction inspired by an 11th century feast and tournament.  A four course banquet will feed your belly as you watch and cheer one of the six knights competing in the joust and other tests of skills like swordsmanship, hand-to-hand combat, horsemanship and falconry.  The story is set in Medieval Spain.

Sitting in our section – Black & White Knight

Everyone in the family were thrilled to be sitting in the Black & White Knight section.  

The Menu

As noble guest of Medieval times, you will be serve a four courses dinner including garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, spare rib, herb-basted potatoes, pastry as well as beverages.  Vegetarian meals are available upon request.

Here’s the tomato bisque soup that is serve in a bow with a handle.  The soup was very warm so kids might want to wait a bit before drinking it.

Beware that no utensils are available during the meal.   You will have to eat your food like the people during the Medieval Times – your hands…

The Tournament

The show started with a beautiful demonstration of how knights would connect with their horse and a parade of all the differents knights with their horses and attendants.

The king giving instructions to all six knights for the tournament.

A person of the Northern Kingdom came to offer a gift to the king.  He wasn’t the nicest person and wanted the hand of the princess for his king.

Falconry was a skills developed by people during the Middle Ages.   We were able to witness some of the skills developed in Falconry.

Jasmine was wearing her princess dress  and made quite an impression on the staff there as well as some other guests.   Even our server said that she looked lovely in this dress.  But the high point of her presence that day was to receive a flower from the Black & White Knight which we were cheering.    She was delighted to get the red flower and quickly put it over her ear.

The jousting was the best part of the tournament I find.  We were able to witness many aspects of fighting as a knight during the show.

After supper, I intertwined Jasmine’s flower inside her braids and she said she had a great time at the Dinner & Tournament at Medieval Times.   The boys were also happy to have attended and were thankful beyond measure.

Needless to say, we had an amazing time at Medieval Times Baltimore/Washington, D.C. and recommend this Dinner & Tournament to anyone visiting the area – whether you are American, Canadian or from elsewhere in the world.   You will enjoy experiencing the Middle Ages from the 11th century Medieval Spain era.

At the time of posting this review, a special price is offered for everyone who wants to attend the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.   The price for all seats is $35 and this gives your two-hour tournament, four-course medieval feast and a great evening with your family.   This special is valid until July 31st, 2014.

Homeschoolers might like to discover that you can access the Educators section of the website of Medieval Times in order to learn more about the Middle Ages.   This section will highlight the life at the castle, the science and technology of the Middles Ages, the life in a Medieval village, the weaponry of the Medieval Age as well as some insight on dramatic acting.

Medieval Times Baltimore/Washington, D.C. is located at 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, Maryland 21076.  Note that the castle is attached to the Arundel Mills mall and the entrance is located inside the mall (park near the Best Buy for close access).

Medieval Times has numerous locations throughout the USA and Canada.  See the map below to discover your closest location.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Medieval Times Baltimore/Washington, D.C. for letting us attend the Dinner and Tournament at no extra charge for review purposes.   I was not monetarily compensated for this review.   Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.   All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head

Another fun exhibition is in Ottawa for the summer. The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head has arrived in town on June 8^th and will be at the Canadian Children’s Museum located inside the Museum of Civilization until January 5^th, 2014. However, please keep in mind that this specific exhibition is specifically geared for younger kids ages 2-4. Though my kids enjoyed exploring this exhibition when we went, it was a little bit too “childish” for my nine and twelve year old son. My 5 years old daughter and 7 years old son had a blast on their own way.

This exhibition was created by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in collaboration with Hasbro. In fact, I had requested the possibility to check the exhibition out through my contact at Hasbro Canada. Within a few days I received confirmation that we could go anytime we wanted.

So on a nice Saturday morning, we headed up to the Museum of Civilization in order to explore the special exhibition entirely created around the Adventures of Mr. Potato Head. Right at the entrance of this exhibition, my kids were immediately attracted to the play table where you can decorate seven potato bodies using numerous body parts and accessories. My four kids and I created our own silly Mr. Potato Head figure based on our imagination and ideas. You can see the result of this creativity below.

Right after unleashing this creativity, you can discover a bit of history about Mr. Potato Head.   Did you know that Mr. Potato Head used to have a real potato for his head in the 1950s?   You can see the kind of body parts and accessories the set back in those days had in a special presentation bubble.    My kids were amazed by this interesting fact when we explained to them that the toy exist for quite some time.

The exhibition contains four main stations where the kids can explore and discover the world of Mr. Potato Head. In the Spud Safari, the kids can learn to identify creatures based on their calls, hop in a jungle rover and explore the surrounding as well as create their own amazing jungle bugs out of a variety of tools.

In the Space S.P.U.D., the kids can join Commander Mr. Potato Head on the S.P.U.D. (Super Potato United for Discovery) space station as they orbit the distant planet Neptato. For some reasons, unbeknown to be, my kids have not been attracted to this specific station while we visited.

In the Spud Overboard, the kids can expore a playhouse for underwater exploration with buttons triggering water sound effects. Budding musicians can explore your music gifting by composing an ocean overture while using the vessel’s musical pipes.

Finally, in the Spud Quest station, the kids can transform themselves as archeologists in order to explore the ruins of a lost vegetable kingdom. A huge statue is at the centre of the room and using the pedestal, the kids can emboss their names on a piece of paper using the 26 tatoglyphs. This was my favourite part to be honest. However, I would have made the pieces of paper a little bit longer so that you could create tatoglyphs on the whole name of the child when it is longer. Behind the huge statue of King Tato’s you will find fun mazes that are designed to challenge any child – young and old. The mazes immediately attracted the attention of my two oldest kids during our visit.

The kids were also invited to create their own burlap bag to take home while visiting the Children’s Museum Studio. My two youngest kids designed their own bag to collect treasures during their own exploration this summer. My older two didn’t want to do this activity but waited patiently while their siblings were being creative.

If you are visiting Ottawa/Gatineau, you might want to bring your younger kids to the Adventures of Mr. Potato Head. Tickets can be purchase online.  Please note that the purchase of the tickets will allow you to explore the Canadian Children’s Museum and the Canadian Museum of Civilization as well.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada and the Museum of Civilization for allowing my family to explore the new exhibit of The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head in exchange of a reviews . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Field Trip in the 11th Century and experience the Middle Ages

Medieval Times has been part of our lives the last few years.   Back in 2009, my husband and I went to celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary in Toronto and attended their evening show.   We had so much fun that we immediately thought that the kids would enjoy it.    So the next year, when we were visiting Toronto with the family, my husband brought the boys as a surprise.   Our daughter was too young back then and we knew that one day we would bring her too!

In May, we had to go to Toronto since my husband had a contract there.   A whole month rving and homeschooling outside.    It was different and we had a good time (apart for one cold rainy week!).    But while there, I decided to approach various attractions and offer them to review it in exchange of free entrance for my family.   One of these attractions was Medieval Times in Toronto.   Sending such an email was new to me and I was excited when I got positive answers – including from the Medieval Times.    The kids didn’t know I was doing this so it was a surprise for some of them.    (I will explain later why I say some of them…)

After a few exchange of emails, it was decided that my family would attend the Education Program during the lunch hour on June 6th (our anniversary).    I was so happy that my daughter – who is four years old – would experience this entertaining show.    Mind you I also knew that the food would be different than what we had experience previously.    But that didn’t matter because I knew we would have a fun time and learn more about the Middle Ages and knights.

So one evening, my husband announced that he booked tickets for Jasmine and me to the Medieval Times.   The first reaction of the boys was “Not Fair!”  but when daddy said that Jasmine never experience it they agreed that it was okay.    When I said “But would you mind driving us to the show?”, the oldest said “You’re not serious!” to which my husband said “For sure we will drive you!”   *grin*   The little scheme worked perfectly because the boys were already planning where they would go eat with daddy.   

When the day came, we left a little bit later than I would have liked and ended up to be borderline late.   But we arrive in time, and they walked us up to the castle.   We all went inside (they are still thinking it is just Jasmine and I going by then) so I could get our tickets.   They were confused at first when they saw six tickets… and then they were really happy to attend the show too!  (Yeah I know we are sneaky…. but their face were priceless!)

As I mentioned before, we attended the Educational Program which is offered at specific times during the year.   This program is currently offered until the end of June when classes will be done for the summer.   During the Education Program, you will get an history lesson presented by the King and his Noble Court within the walls of an 11th century-style castle.   You will also live a personal journey to the Middle Ages during the lesson as well as during the show.  

This student program was interesting as it provided educational and entertaining at the same time.    This is a unique way to learn as you can see how knights would fight during the Middle Ages.   This field trip not only the educational content as well as the show but a meal is also served to you.   This meal is smaller than the meal served at a regular program but for a lunch it was satisfying.  The Bill of Fare for the education program at the Toronto castle included garlic bread, oven-roasted chicken quarter, sweet corn cobette, herb-roasted potato, a dessert as well as water or Pepsi.     The food was delicious and we were stuffed by the time the program was finished.   

What should you expect during an Education Program?   Well a ton of information about life during the Middles Ages, how Knights would prepare their training and battle as well as demonstrations.     When one section of the presentation is done, you go through a little question and answer period (including multiple choices questions) to make sure you understood the lesson.

Once the Education Program was completed, we experienced the regular show which includes a story line, battles as well as demonstrations on how the horse are trained and so on.    We saw the marvelous flight of a falcon, the way horses are trained and even a horse did a little dance for everyone.   

Then it was time for the “story” and how the knights fought to demonstrate their abilities to everyone.   The story unfolds as you receive your meal and eat.    The servers are dressed like in the Middle Ages and are very friendly.   Don’t forget to bring some extra money for the tips as they do an incredible work serving you during the show. 

Each knight has its own colors and the horses have the same colors as well.   The actors are well trained and you quickly see how demanding this is on them because by the end of the show they were all sweaty and out of breath.  But the show is entertaining and it will keep you on the edge of your seat as you wonder what will happen to the prince and how he will get saved.

When we left, the kids were all excited and were glad they were surprised by this outing.   Yes it was our anniversary but celebrating it with our kids was so special too!   Jasmine was delighted that she got a flower from our knight (though he was the bad guy in the story!).   It was interesting to see her blush for the first time when he gave her the flower.   

In the end, the show was very informative as we learned quite a bit about the Middle Ages and knights.    The kids enjoyed the lunch and we were pleased to surprise them with an out-of-the-ordinary outing.

Medieval Times is also the perfect way to celebrate a special day with your loved ones.  Whether it is a birthday, graduation, bridal shower or any kind of special event in your life, Medieval Times can accommodate your party and make the day memorable.   For example, this coming week-end – June 15 to 17 – they offer a special Father’s Day deal where dad gets in free with the purchase of one full-priced adult admission.   See the promotion here!

There are numerous Medieval Times throughout the US – Atlanta, Baltimore, Buena Park, Dallas, Kissimmee, Lyndhurst, Myrtle Beach, Schaumburg – but in Canada there is only one in Toronto!   

Medieval Times Toronto is located at 10 Dufferin St., Exhibition Place, Toronto, Ontario M6K 3C3.

Prices are 63.95$ for adults and 40.95$ for children ages 12 years and under.  Kids ages 3 and under are free!   Depending of the package you buy, you might have to pay more.  

We had the privilege to get a picture taken and receive a souvenir cup as well.

Would I recommend Medieval Times as a family outing?   You  bet.   It is well worth the price and the experience will be fabulous!    This show is perfect for anyone – not just for homeschoolers or school.   If you have an interest in Middle Ages, I would strongly suggest that you consider the Educational Program.  It is well worth it.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Medieval Times for letting us attend the Education Program at no extra charge for review purposes.   I was not monetarily compensated for this review.   Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.   All opinions expressed here are only my own.