From turkey legs and jousting to fairies and fire-whip shows, Texas Ren Fest is a fun-filled, immersive experience my family looks forward to year after year.

The Texas Renaissance Festival is back for its 51st season and, whether you’re first-timers or big fans, you’ll want to make sure it’s at the top of your fall bucket list. Held at “New Market Village” in Todd Mission–about an hour northwest of Houston–the largest and most acclaimed Renaissance-themed attraction in the county goes down every weekend from now through the end of November, including the long Thanksgiving weekend.

As a Houston mom, Texas Ren Fest has been a beloved annual tradition for my family ever since my oldest was in a stroller, so here’s everything parents need to know, based on years of personal experience.