(Disclaimer: As Macaroni Kid publishers, we received free tickets from Medieval Times for our recent visit.)
If Spring Break turned out to be more of a staycation than a vacation, there is still a spot that will help you feel you whisked your kiddos off to a faraway place – a meal at Medieval Times. This theater company first opened in 1973, offers venues in nine cities, and is modeled after court life in 11th century Spain. The Atlanta area Medieval Times is located in Sugarloaf Mills mall north of the 316/I-85 split in Lawrenceville, about an hour away from Athens.
Walking up to the building, you realize this is not a small-scale outfit. There is a huge vestibule complete with immense fireplace, displays, and shopping where you wait for the show to begin. Everybody is given a crown to wear. The color of your crown indicates which section you'll be sitting in and which knight you'll cheer for. The seats are at narrow tables that overlook a large oval space with sand at the bottom -- the "circus ring" where the action takes place. The lights dim. Fog begins to swirl. Lights and music begin....
I expected a lot of jousting. And there definitely was jousting -- complete with clashes and shattering lances. Yet I was pleasantly surprised how much more there was to the show. There was a storyline to follow but also gorgeous, well-trained horses and medieval games involving displays of considerable skill. All is well-choreographed, constantly giving the attendee something new to see. The story of the show led to acts of bravery and good vs. evil duels complete with sparks flying from sword-upon-sword. Both times I took my son to the show (ages 5 and 8), he was at the edge of his seat. For days afterwards I'd see him in the yard wielding a stick like a sword. It's such fun to do an activity with your kid that rouses their senses and inspires them. (Please note that if you have a child with sensory issues, seating on the top level may help, but there is quite a bit of noise and action to the show. For those with mobility issues, the top level offers wheel chair access.)
The food was good and my child loved that it was served without silverware and on pewter plates. (Wet-wipes are provided.) My son isn't a big meat eater, but there was enough variety to fill him up. Everyone gets the same meal -- tomato bisque soup, bread, roasted chicken, herb-roasted potato half, and dessert. On our second visit we tried the vegetarian option and it was tasty. Drinks are Pepsi, sweet tea, or water served in a plastic tankard while there is also an option for alcoholic beverages for the adults.
We will definitely go again sometime. We saw some kids visiting for birthdays and being knighted by the king, so perhaps we'll do that in one of the coming years.
Click HERE to enter the Athens Macaroni Kid giveaway for Medieval Times tickets. (Valid only through April 4, 2017.)
Update: Contest closed. Congratulations, Emily for winning tickets to Medieval Times!
Click HERE for the Medieval Times Atlanta website.
Click HERE for the Sugarloaf Mills mall website.
Photos: Valerie J. Frey, 2014 and 2017.
