Seven Labor Day Time-Travel Locations with Kid Quests and Royal Decrees. Renaissance festivals span the country during September and October offering the perfect solution for those who are short on time but looking for effortless, screen-free family fun.

 
Attending a renaissance faire is an immersive experience, sort of like stepping onto the movie set during filming. The backdrop is not of this century and the inhabitants have many rolls to play and plenty of experiences to share from jousting tournaments and knighting ceremonies to fortune telling and falconry. The atmosphere makes it easy to disconnect and enjoy whatever the day brings. No two scripts will be the same.   

Time travel all weekend at New York Renaissance Fair in Tuxedo Park. It’s easy for families to step into the 16th century amid knights, damsels and jesters at the Faire during Labor Day weekend. The three days will be dedicated to travelers of all ages and includes a fanciful parade in addition to interactive games, human powered rides, imaginative storytelling there’s also scrumptious foods, and knightly competitions all framed by delightful music. Extra Fun: Go in costume and be part of the Time Travelers Parade. (August through September. New York Renaissance Faire 600 Route 17A Tuxedo Park, NY 10987. Toll-free 1-877-435-9849 or New York Renaissance Fair)

Da Vinci's Flying Machine, elephant rides, and KidQuests in Bristol, Wisconsin.   At Bristol Renaissance Fair the year is 1574 when knights were noble, maids were merry and faerie folk cast spells to create magical moments. A time when bards and jesters provided entertainment and everyone paid homage to Queen Elizabeth I. Within the grounds a Kids Kingdom offers plenty of games and activities including catapulting frogs, archery with Robin Hood's men, a crow's nest ride, the very popular Da Vinci's Flying Machine, elephant rides, a dueling horse slide, and a castle climbing wall. Extra Fun: There’s a daily special KidQuest fantasy adventure for ages five to 11. (July to early September (847) 395-7773 or Bristol Ren Fair) 

Princess Court, jousting and pony rides at Minnesota Renaissance Festival near Shakopee.  Step into village life as it may have been during the 16th with King Henry and Lady Elizabeth. More than 50 free children's activities make a day at the festival loads of fun for tykes. In addition to jousting, royal parades, the antics of jesters and music of bards, children are often thrilled by the petting zoo, sheep herding and pony rides. Extra Fun: The Festival’s Princess Court allows young children to play princess for a day while learning graceful behavior, proper etiquette and manners. (mid-August to the end of September. Two miles after the intersection of 169 & Highway 41 near Shakopee, MN. (952) 445-7361 or www.renaissancefest.com)

Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and Elizabeth I at Ohio Renaissance Festival near – Harveysburg.  Comedy, adventure, and an interactive village map plus more than 150 costumed actors populate the 30-acre 16th century English village which is the scene for a day of immersion in Elizabethan culture. Eleven stages provide music and entertainment adding to the excitement of the festival. Children enjoy human-powered rides including the enchanting Sea Dragon and ship swings and assorted games of skill including archery, and star throwing. Extra Fun:  It is possible to ride one of the knight's horses or sit atop a camel and amble through the forest. (late August to mid-October. The Ohio Renaissance Festival off I-71 or I-75 at 10542 E State Route 73 Harveysburg, Ohio. (513) 897-7000 or www.renfestival.com)

Knights, dragons, and Labor Day weekend Royal Quest, at Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival in West Newton.  Watch King Henry and Queen Katherine’s arrival at the castle and enjoy human-powered rides and games of skill before going to the jousting tournament where acts of valor, combat skills and chivalry will shine. Extra Fun: Labor Day weekend is dedicated to petite maidens and young lads with special activities including contests, a Royal Quest, knighting ceremonies and photos with royalty. Here’s the deal! During Labor Day weekend children 12 years of age and younger may enjoy the Festival for free when attending with a paying adult. (end of August to the end of September. Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival 112 Renaissance Lane, West Newton, Pennsylvania 15089. (724) 872-1670 or www.pittsburghrenfest.com) 

Jousting, treasure hunts, and cake with the Queen at Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in Manheim.  Time travel to the shire of Mount Hope in the year of 1588 and see bards, minstrels, mimes, knights, archers, ladies, faerie folk maidens, artisans, and almost two dozen royal kitchens. Activities for young children include cake with the queen, treasure hunts, potato races, archery demonstrations, aviary encounter, a pirate swing, an amazing maze, gem mining, and meeting a beekeeper with a bee hive. Extra Fun: Two ways to save on admission – wear a costume or arrive after 5 pm and still have time for the Ultimate Joust and the Finale in Song. (August to the end of October On the grounds of Mount Hope Estate 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, PA. or www.parenfaire.com)

Falcons, knights, and Hob the Singing Troll at Holly Michigan Renaissance Festival.  Step back in time and walk among knights, jesters, troubadours, and members of the royal court. Hear Hob the Singing Troll and listen to the Celtic music of Stone Clover or tap your toes to the Crannog. Marvel at the rope-walking; learn the history of falconry; see interactive children's shows with handmade puppets; fantasy face painting and vintage hair braiding. Extra Fun: To make the fair experience even quirkier unique contest are held each weekend and include Scotch egg eating, and pickle pie eating.  (mid-August to the end of September. 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly, MI 48442. Toll-free 1-800-601-4848 or www.michrenfest.com)