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side·track (sīd´trăk): n. 1. A diversion from the main course. 2. A detour taken with children that you would never, ever take without them.
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Who:
Travel Savvy Mom founder Jamie Pearson and her 9-year-old daughter Avery.

What:
A live dinner theater performance of jousting, falconry, hand-to-hand combat, and equestrian skill called Medieval Times—sort of like a Renaissance Faire, but louder and with dinner (with locations all over).   Guests are given colored paper crowns and encouraged to cheer for the knight that matches their hat (we were green).  A 2-hour clash between good and evil ensues in front of a crowd of 1,400, with lots of opportunities to purchase drinks, glow-in-the-dark swords, and souvenir photos.

Why:
A press trip sponsored by Homewood Suites and Air Canada highlighting the family friendly attributes of Toronto and the surrounding area.

The Low Point:
There were a few, all pretty harmless.  Dinner was served medieval style, which is to say, without utensils.  Avery excitedly grabbed the sleeve of my new Donna Karan sweater with her greasy chicken fingers approximately every ten minutes all night long.  Not fun.

Also, the show’s dialogue is more than a little ponderous.  For example: “Renowned as a champion of the defenseless, the Blue Knight’s blood will not be cooled, nor his vengeance postponed!” and so on.

Finally, all the servers are required to address guests as either “my Lord” or “my Lady”, which is frankly more than a little embarrassing for everyone.

The High Point:

The green knight was actually sort of hunky.  After performing one particular feat of skill and daring (threading a lance through a tiny ring at a full gallop, I believe), he kissed a white carnation and threw it to Avery, who swooned in a 4th grade kind of way.  The next time he rode by I whispered, “Here comes your boyfriend,” and she punched me on the arm.  She was extremely mortified later when I made her pose for a photo with him.  It was all very funny.

The Kid’s Take:
The green knight is not my boyfriend!

The Bottom Line:
Unless you are really jaded, it’s hard not to have fun when your kid is having fun.  Plus, we were in the front row, which was cool.   The cost—about $215CDN for a family of four if the children are 12 and under—isn’t exorbitant for dinner and a show.  Beer and wine are extra, and strongly recommended.

July 8th, 2009 | by Jamie Pearson 3 comments