Last week week we visited Kryal Castle, about 20 minutes from Ballarat, and we had an amazing day! Despite the wind, rain and cold we still took full advantage of all the fun on offer – and we’ve put together a list of 10 of our favourite things to do with the kids when you visit. (Disclaimer – we were guests of Kryal Castle for the purpose of this review)
1. Kryal Castle Knight School
I knew this was going to be talked about for months by the boys when they were met by a Knight on the main stage and handed a sword and shield – then given permission to hit each other with them! Luckily the weapons were made of foam, and the Knight taught us how to fight with skill and honour so no-one was injured during the training. We were taught fighting skills as well as given lots of team games to play – our 4 year old would have happily done this all day.
2. Archery Range
For a small extra charge you can buy real arrows to shoot, under the instruction of a trained archer. Using a traditional medieval style bow, we got to fire our arrows into haystacks and learned how to aim and fire. Needless to say, bows and arrows are on both the boys’ Christmas lists!
3. Skill at Arms – Horsemanship Display
There are loads of live shows during the day – we saw the Shadow Theatre first which really set the scene and story for the day, then headed out for the first of the outdoor shows in the Tournament Arena. The good and the bad Knight’s and their warhorses take part in several challenges – using spears, swords and lances. Who will you shout ‘hooroo’ for?
4. Potion Making at Wizardry School
We love making ‘magic potions’ at home – adding things from the garden and making spells – so this school was great for the little ones. Led by a real life wizard, you get to mic ingredients like powdered goblin teeth and swamp water into magical elixirs, and mix powders into slimy creations.
5. Royal Joust
In a final tournament for the Queen’s affections, the Knights and warhorses return to the Tournament Arena to show off more medieval battle skills. It’s exciting and impressive, and the crowd gets involved to cheer the competitors on.
6. Pantomime
This was so much fun – the kids were belly laughing at the fun on stage (some of the actors were too!)
7. Wizard’s Workshop
Watch the Wizard in his workroom create magical potions – with lots of smoke and fire to make it feel real.
8. Get Lost in the Labyrinth
There is a brilliant maze that you can get lost in for ages (not a great idea if it’s raining as it’s outdoors!) and also an indoor dragon labyrinth, where you can also find baby dragon eggs.
9. Medieval Characters
We loved how all the actors and staff were in authentic dress and stayed in full character all day – it made it a great immersive experience for the kids and added the extra level of fun.
10. Eat, Drink and be Merry
We took a picnic with us – there are loads of tables and outdoor places to enjoy your own food. We also dropped in to the Ale House and had some tasty pies – where you can also get full meals and drinks. Don’t miss a visit to Kryal Castle’s very own lolly shop – where I even found some Blackpool Rock (from my home town in the UK)
In addition to all these amazing things there is also a brilliant playground, face painting, free craft, a chance to try and free Excalibur (we were sure Arthur was going to do it!) and lots of corners of the castle to explore.
You can find Kryal Castle at 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek, Ballarat, Victoria. They are open from 10am-4pm on weekends and during the school holidays. You can find current opening hours, daily schedule and buy tickets over on the Kryal Castle Facebook page.
Watch our video for some of our fun from the day
If you love visiting castles, you can find more medieval fun at Sunshine Castle up in Queensland.
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