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America’s Kids 2010
“A Time Long Ago…”

Step through the doors of the America’s Kids building in 2010 and you’ll step
back to “A Time Long Ago”…when kings and queens ruled, knights jousted,
fairy tales were born, and people wore really funny hats.

If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to live in Europe during the Middle
ages, or Medieval Times, stop by the America’s Kids exhibit and find out.
This intriguing era of nearly 1000 years was a time of great contrasts
between those who lived in magnificent castles and those who didn’t.
Experience a bit of living history around every corner from the castle to the
town to the peasant village (with a stop at an enchanted forest, of
course)…as you discover what life was like for the people who lived there.

Castles in nearly every part of Europe are still standing today. Find out how
those castles were built to withstand the test of time. Why did they have
moats and drawbridges? Who lived there? Did they have bathrooms? Most
of us have imagined the opulence and grandeur of castle life, but what was it
really like? Through our interactive, hands-on exhibits, you’ll discover the
answers to these important questions and more.

Did you know that royal families often served exotic foods like peacocks or
oxen to impress their guests at banquets? Try out our medieval castle
kitchen and imagine what it was like to prepare huge feasts without
microwave ovens or electric mixers. Discover what these noble families did
for fun, what games they played, and what music they listened to. You may
even be lucky enough to hear the majestic sound of a live trumpet fanfare!

The sons of many noble families were trained as knights to protect the
castles and villages. Do you have what it takes to become a knight? Find out
at “Knight School” where you’ll discover how knights were trained, what they
wore, and if they really lived by a code of chivalry.

No castle would be complete without a collection of art. Our castle walls will
be filled with the art, ceramic, and photography competition entries from
kids throughout Southern California. You’re in for a royal treat as you stroll
through the gallery of work from these talented, young artists.

Of course, not everybody lived within the castle walls. Most people lived and
worked in towns and villages. On your way to visit America’s Kids village,
you’ll pass through the “Enchanted Forest” where fairies, dragons, wizards
and other characters dwell just waiting to be discovered. Many Fairy Tales
that we enjoy today were inspired by the mythical creatures and magical
images of the Medieval era. But...can someone really climb a rope of hair?
Can a wolf really swallow a whole person? Be sure to look and listen carefully
as you explore the science behind some of the most famous Fairy Tales ever
written.

Once you’ve reached the village, you’ll notice the vast difference in lifestyle
from what you experienced in the castle. Here, the peasants wear simple
clothing and work very hard. Through fun, hands-on exhibits, you’ll discover
how the common people worked, lived, and played in quaint cottages and
villages. Dance around a maypole, try your hand at weaving, play simple
games, listen to medieval music, learn how to use a sundial...and more!

During the Middle Ages, people everywhere attended fairs where they
traded goods while being entertained by strolling musicians, jugglers, and
jesters. The colorful flags and banners across from the village mark the
entrance to America’s Kids “Country Fair” highlighted by an educational and
visually delightful Medieval stage show for school groups and families of all
ages. Stop by the artisan’s tent where you can make a paper plate swan,
magic stone, pipe cleaner frog, or other free make-and-take craft.

Keep your eyes and ears open for the occasional strolling
musician or juggler.

L.A. County Fair tradition meets history throughout the building where you’ll
find traditional as well as themed competition entries such as Stained Glass
Art, Build a Knight, Castle Banners, Medieval Character Dolls, Castle Coloring
Contest, Write Your Own Fairy Tale, Sock Dragons, and more.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of village life or the richness of the
castles, visiting the America’s Kids exhibit in 2010 will give young and old
fair guests alike a greater understanding of life as it was “A Time Long Ago”
...and perhaps a better appreciation of the time here and now!
All exhibit content is subject to change.