Tournament of Kings

Tournament of Kings is one of the last remaining spectacles from Las Vegas’ very brief family-friendly era. Excalibur’s take on dinner at a jousting competition has been through a name-change since opening with the Medieval-themed resort in 1990, but the heart and soul haven’t changed.

This has always been a more story-focused, Vegas-style experience than similar shows around the country, relying a bit more on the human characters than their talented equine co-stars, and adding some cool special effects. Expect high-speed jousting, expert horseback riding, singing, dancing and some pretty serious pyrotechnics.

The menu is themed but simple – both a prop and a meal. Each guest gets a roasted half-chicken, two small potatoes, a dinner roll, half an ear of corn and a small dessert -- WITHOUT a fork, knife or spoon. So you eat with your hands, just like the lords and ladies of old. The meal is included in the price of the ticket, making this one of the better values on The Strip.

If you have kids with you on your trip, this is a no-brainer. But the show also has adult fans – including chef Rob Moore, who has worked in some of the best restaurants on and off Las Vegas Boulevard.