Best Things to Do With Kids at the Texas Renaissance Festival

The Texas Renaissance Festival near Houston is the state’s largest festival of its kind (and one of the biggest in the country) and an experience like no other. Its 200-acre location is a former strip-mining site turned into a Renaissance theme park complete with authentic art, larger-than-life statues and structures, and a village of shops, restaurants, and stages that look like they’ve been plucked from another era.

The Texas Renaissance Festival is a great weekend getaway from Houston for families. For our favorite kid-friendly activities at Ren Fest, read on. And for more fall fun, check out our Best Fall Festivals and Fairs in Houston for Families.

Favorite Things To Do With Kids at Texas Renaissance Festival

You’ll find the festival in Todd Mission, which is a small town past Magnolia and about an hour northwest of Houston. Tickets start at $22, but kids 5-12 are free every Sunday, and kids 4 and under are free every day. And note that if you buy tickets online, significant discounts can apply. Also, the grounds are stroller-friendly! Read on for just a taste of what you can do with the kids at the Texas Renaissance Festival.

Cast members perform a sword fight for guests.

1. Watch a battle reenactment

Throughout the grounds, you can catch a sword fight (just sparring, of course – nothing gory) or watch a full steel combat at the massive arena.

2. Catch a show

There are more than 20 stages featuring shows for guests of all ages, including children. Our favorites for kids are the Fire Whip Show and Birds of Prey Show. Check online for the full entertainment schedule for all shows and detailed descriptions. Note that ALL entertainment is free.

3. Participate in a costume contest

Head to the Arena at 2 p.m. every day of the festival for a costume contest. You need to be wearing a costume that corresponds to the weekend’s theme, and the King and Queen will pick winners! Guests must check in 15 minutes prior to qualify.

4. Fireworks

At 7:50 p.m. in the Arena, a dazzling fireworks show takes place along with live music. It’s the perfect way to close the day.

Weaving and spinning is one kind of demonstration to see at the festival.

5. Interactive demonstrations

One of the highlights of the festival is the numerous demonstrators who have dedicated their lives to studying ancient crafts and skills, from blacksmithing to glass blowing to candle making. You can find demonstrators in front of their shops around the village throughout the day.

6. Shopping

New Market Village is a recreation of a 16th-century European village and features handmade items of…any kind. Seriously. From furniture to unique gifts, there is something for everyone to at least enjoy looking at. 

7. Animal rides

There are pony rides, camel rides, and even elephant rides around the festival grounds.

8. “Medieval” carnival rides

Now, these aren’t your typical automated carnival roller coasters. Instead, you’ll find wooden swings and “Medieval” versions of popular rides. There are various rides in each area, like swings, tests of strength, and a carousel. Most rides cost $3-$5 per rider.

The swings are one of the many rides.

9. Face painting

As you may have suspected, there are plenty of opportunities for face painting, so those requests for a face-sized sparkly butterfly or pirate paint will not go unanswered. 

10. Explore a maze

The Amazing Maze in the Enchanted Forest is a non-threatening maze perfect for every member of the family. And it’s free!

11. See knights jousting

Watch a live 14th-Century-style show with colorfully costumed steeds and noble knights in shining armor brandishing authentic weapons.

12. Eat

OK, this is a given, but there is some serious selection here, including Greek, German, Spanish, French and Cajun, Polish, Asian, pub food, and – of course – those giant turkey legs and kettle corn sent from the angels. Food costs anywhere from $2-$12, and adult beverages start at $3.

It wouldn’t be a festival without turkey legs.

13. Enjoy music

From bagpipes to harps, musicians around the grounds perform all day. 

14. Stroll through the gardens

If you have a stroller-ridden baby that just needs to be walked, the gardens are the place to be. With wide paths and plenty of shade, the themed gardens are lined by beautiful greenery and decor from all over the world.

A few more details:

• Although the festival is a bit of a drive, it’s worth it. 
• Most vendors accept credit cards, but rides are cash. ATMs are available on the grounds.
• General parking is free. It can get packed, but you can purchase preferred parking online for $21.
• The festival is almost entirely outside and in a wooded area. Bring sunscreen and bug spray!
• Don’t forget to dress up!

All photos courtesy the Texas Renaissance Festival

This post originally published in September 2017.