It’s summer! The kids are out of school and you’re looking for new and exciting things to do and Medieval Times is a perfect choice. Visit this amazing castle in Schaumburg for a yummy meal that you’ll eat with your hands while you watch an exciting show.
For updates, information, and ticket giveaways, like the Medieval Times Chicago Facebook page and follow them on Twitter at @MedievalTimes. You can even follow Medieval Times on Pinterest.
Website: Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – Chicago
Location: 2001 Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL 60195
Phone: 866-543-9637 (National center)
Hours: Show times vary from week to week. The schedule can be viewed online. There are typically shows Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Matinees are still full price, but can be less crowded.
Ticket prices:
Adult $60.95 (plus fees & processing)
Child 12 years & younger $36.95
Children under the age of three can be admitted free, but must sit on the lap of a parent and share from their plate.
You can upgrade your experience with a Royalty Package, King’s Royalty Package, or Celebration Package for an additional fee.
Specials: See the Medieval Times website for specials, including the Kids Free, Summer Knights, and Independence Week Special.
Parking: There is free parking in the attached lot.
Bathrooms: There are two sets of bathrooms in the main hall, and both men’s and women’s facilities have changing tables. There are additional bathrooms inside the seating area, but these facilities are NOT equipped with changing tables.
Nursing area: There is no designated nursing area, but there are benches prior to enter the Hall of Arms area and some table seating at the opposite end of the main hall that would allow you to sit and nurse (it is loud and colorful, however, so I would recommend waiting until the show is in session if needing to nurse an easily distracted child).
Handicapped/stroller accessibility: The castle is very accessible for strollers, wheel-chairs, and walkers. Due to the nature of the arena seating, handicapped seating appeared to be at the top level. You are also required to leave strollers on the top level, prior to descending to your seats.
Amenities: There are several booths to buy mementos and medieval themed items. There are two full service bars in the main hall, a dance floor, a dungeon (tickets are $2 for the dungeon tour and it is not recommended for small children), and even glass enclosed stalls to see the horses.
Lunch/Dinner:
- Garlic bread
- Tomato Bisque Soup
- Oven-roasted chicken
- Spare rib
- Herb-basted potato
- Pastry (typically an apple turnover)
- Cola or lemonade and coffee
And YES, you must eat with your hands!
We paid: We received complimentary tickets to facilitate this post. We would have paid approximately $122 to see the show (tickets for me and John for $62, and the two kids would have been free with their “Kids Free with Paid Adult” special, and Campbell could get in free because he’s under 3). We did tip our server.
Our experience:
We arrived at about 6:45 pm for the 7:30 show. Seats are assigned as you arrive so the early birds get closer seats. Arriving early also gives you an opportunity to do a little shopping, imbibing, and exploring.
Shortly before 7:30 we were shown to our seats. We lucked out an got the first row! Dexter was a little concerned that we were SO close that the dirt on the floor of the arena would fly up into our food when the horses came in, but I assured him it wouldn’t be a problem (and it wasn’t). Our server introduced himself and offered us beverages, and brought booster seats for the kids.
Just as the show began we were served “Dragon’s Blood” (tomato soup) and garlic bread. My kids aren’t big soup eaters, but they all loved the garlic bread dipped in the soup. At this point it was very dark. It wasn’t really a problem for me to eat my own food, but it made it a bit challenging to help the kids eat. The lights were brighter for the later portions of the show.
The show starts with an introduction from the king. Knights do battle with live jousting and fighting, and you’ll see incredible horsemanship and falconry.
We’ve been to Medieval Times before, but it was before Campbell came into our family, so I wasn’t sure how he (at 18 months) would handle the show. It actually went pretty well. I do have to admit that I was a bit distracted making sure he was entertained and happy so I didn’t follow the entire story of the show, but it was still very entertaining.
My only complaint was that at the end of the night my back was a little sore. The seats are comfortable, but I needed to learn forward to eat. However, the extra space between the chairs and the table made me really happy the last time we visited when I was very pregnant, and would be really helpful if you have a child in your lap.
Medieval Times is pricey so it’s differently a special treat to go, but considering the amazing show and the quality and quantity of the food it’s worth it. (We had enough leftovers for another full meal for all of us!) It was amazing to sit through a meal with the kids and not have them complain! They loved the soup, chicken, and ribs. It’s a miracle!
And now to the giveaway! I have 4 free admission tickets to give to the winner. Here are the restrictions: Valid for Sunday-Thursday shows ONLY; not valid for holidays or special shows. Tickets must be used before November 21, 2014. These can not be combined with any other discount or special offer and are not valid for group reservations of 8 or more. Gratuity is not included.
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I love this place! It is always a fun time! I took my three year old a few months ago and she is still talking about it! And the food!! Oh gosh..Dont even get me started! YUM!!
How fun! We went last summer, loved it, and the kids are asking to go back!
We would love to go to medieval times. 😉
Love Medieval Times!!
We took our 4 year old son once and we all loved it. He wants to go again with his best friend.
We’ve never been here, but would really love to go!!
I have been trying to win tickets for months! We’ve never been and it sounds like so much fun! I know my little ones would love it!
The Hubby and I LOVE Medieval Times! It’s like our own little Ren Fair at any time of year. We can’t wait to take The Kid – she loves horses! And we love eating, so it all works out.
I’ve always wanted to go!
I entered my email wrong it’s.com not. Ccm
This would be awesome!!!
We have never been but my kids always comment on the “castle” as we drive by it.
Thanks for the chance!
Great post, Sarah! Thanks for sharing!
Great article! Excited to take our twin princess 4 year olds!!
My kids would love this…been on our list for awhile :)!
This place is to expensive for us to go. Winning tickets would be super duper. Thanks for the change.
My kiddos would
Love this!
I’ve always wanted to go here!
How have I not found your blog before now! I have been wanting to go to Midieval Times since I watched it being built and still haven’t gone. This would be great to take my kids to now and tell them about watching them build it!
I would love to take my kids here 🙂
I have never been here, but I have always wanted to try.
I would love to take Van to see this! And of course, if I won, I’d take a nephew with me too…
We’ve never been there. I think my kids would really enjoy it!
Would love to take my twins, they love horses!
My girls LOVE Medieval Times (even though one of them can’t eat any of the food)!
My son would love to go!
I love this place!! My daughter is still talking about it and can’t WAIT to go back!! Really hoping I win this. =)
We havent been to Medival Times in years. Would love to go with my family.
Thank you!
Fun times and an excuse for the kids to eat with their hands and not get in trouble!
Would love to take the kids to Medieval Times! It would be their first time 🙂