For students, there’s a big difference between reading about history and stepping into it. At Medieval Times, the Middle Ages come to life in an arena, with knights charging on horseback, swords clashing and students joining the action.

Designed specifically with K-12 groups in mind, Medieval Times’ educational matinees combine history, performance and a hearty feast into one immersive field trip experience. The new 2026 matinee brings students into a live medieval tournament featuring jousting, sword fighting and horsemanship, while exploring the roles of nobility and the traditions surrounding medieval knights and their horses.

History in Action

The Middle Ages encompass roughly 1,000 years of European history, a period marked by political upheaval, changing societies, castles, battles and technological advancements. Medieval Times gives students a memorable way to connect those concepts with something they can actually see happening in front of them.

The experience can complement lessons on medieval society, castles and warfare, daily life, science and technology, and even the performing arts. The venue’s educational resources explore everything from village life and the role of castles to medieval inventions such as pulleys, gears and catapults.

And of course, there’s the tournament itself. Students watch skilled knights compete on horseback in a choreographed display of jousting, sword fighting and horsemanship, bringing the pageantry and traditions of medieval tournaments to life.

Learning Before and After the Trip

The educational experience doesn’t have to end when the buses pull away. Medieval Times provides downloadable lesson plans, activities and worksheets designed for different age groups, from grades K-3 through high school. Teachers can use these resources to introduce medieval history before the visit or reinforce what students experienced afterward, acting as a jumping-off point for discussions about medieval society, technology, warfare, entertainment and culture.

A Feast Fit for All Ages

There’s also something undeniably memorable about learning while eating like royalty.

Educational matinees include a full student lunch served during the performance. The four-course feast includes oven-roasted chicken, garlic bread, corn, herb-roasted potatoes and a chocolate chip cookie. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available upon request.

That combination of meal and entertainment also simplifies the logistics for teachers and group leaders. Rather than coordinating separate stops for lunch and an attraction, students can learn, eat and be entertained in the same venue.

Easy for Group Leaders

Not only are the educational matinees closed to the general public, but they also offer trained staff, bus parking, discounted admission, and one location for the educational experience, meal and live performance. Whether it’s part of a larger adventure or just a field trip, the logistics are easy to handle and slot into your day.

Photos courtesy of Medieval Times.