Calling all lords and ladies! There are three weekends left this spring to take a trip out to the lovely medieval village for a day of adventure! The Sherwood Forest Faire is open on Saturdays and Sundays through April 24. Our Family Field Expert, Jess Kilbane, shared her experience taking her two kids to this annual celebration full of jousting, games, costumes, food, Robin Hood and more in McDade, Texas. Read all about what they enjoyed most…
Photo credit: Jess Kilbane
With over 150 live performances a day spread over 25 acres, Sherwood Forest Faire truly has something for everyone! This was our first year attending this magical event and we’re already planning our next visit. The Faire is a locally owned medieval-style village nestled in the Lost Pines and includes stages, pubs, merchant shoppes, wedding venues, and even a complete castle!
During this Spring Faire, there are over 150 shows per day, full contact jousting, falconry, fire juggling, knife throwing, live bands, comedy, sword fighting, and a castle siege (SO COOL). Full costumes, fairy wings, flower crowns, and swords are in abundance and to be honest, the overall atmosphere is just FUN!
Top 5 Sherwood Forest Faire activities for littles:
— The Children’s Forest (and all the characters that come along with it)
The Children’s Forest has a child-sized castle the kids can climb and explore, a meet and greet with the King and Queen, a puppet theater, life size chess, and more. The kids loved watching the parade at Nottingham Castle and seeing all the horses and animals at the petting zoo!
Photo credit: Jess Kilbane
— Live shows at the Faery Forest Stage and Pirate Territory
We watched Robin Hood and Maid Marian (and got to meet Robin Hood after!) and Merlin the Wise, and the kids LOVED having a front row seat for the action. The Underwater Escape Artist’s show was full of crowd participation and kept us on our toes!
Photo credit: Jess Kilbane
— Digging for gems in the Gemstone Mine Shoppe
Purchase a burlap satchel (prices start at $7) and dig through the sand for as many “gems” (i.e. crystals and polished rocks) as you can fit into the bag! They replenish the supply frequently, so no worries about walking away empty handed.
Photo credit: Jess Kilbane
— Meeting the Sherwood Players
Everyone who is working the Faire is there to entertain! They are the core performance company and spend months planning the performances, games, and activities. During the Faire, they perform and interact with the patrons in the lanes and forests of the village, give clues about the day’s storyline, and help direct patrons find their way around. We were tasked by the Queen to locate a faerie and ask for a favor. She gave the kids butterfly clips and gemstones!
Photo credit: Jess Kilbane
— Shopping at the Merchant Shoppes
Throughout the Forest, merchant shoppes are sprinkled in and are so fun to pop in and out of. Between the plethora of permanent structures and pop-up tents you can find local art, pottery, leather and metal works, handmade clothing, puppets, wooden toys, and more. We opted for a beautiful crocheted flower crown, hand drawn coloring books, and some crystals.
Photo credit: Jess Kilbane
More Info: The Sherwood Forest Faire is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – dusk (rain or shine) through Apr 24, 2022! You can choose to buy a season pass or one-day admission. Take note that children ages 5 and under are FREE! You can SAVE by ordering your tickets online here. For much more information about the Faire, you can visit their website and Facebook page.
About Our Family Field Expert: Jess Kilbane
Jess is a fitness-loving, coffee-chugging, free spirit who hails from the great state of Ohio. She isn’t sure what “free time” is, but if you ever find some, she’ll probably find a way to fill it. She’s wife to Kyle and mama to McKenna (7) and Owen (5). Her favorite ways to multitask include: training strong moms at FIT4MOM Austin, marketing for Special Olympics Texas, running, supporting local businesses, and drinking cocktails on patios. You can find her on Instagram at @jesskilbane or sharing local love on @aroundgeorgetown.
–> Read Jess Kilbane’s 5 Fun things to do in Georgetown
