A plain-English guide for families whose kid just said "I want to try fencing", and who have no idea where to start.
Most clubs start kids around age 7-8, and there's no upper limit, plenty of adults start in their 30s and 40s. It rewards focus and problem-solving more than size or strength, so it's a great fit for kids who aren't drawn to team ball sports.
Three weapons, three games. Foil and épée are point-thrusting (poke); sabre adds slashing and is the fastest. Beginners are usually started on foil or épée. Don't overthink it, the club will guide you, and kids can switch.
An intro class or beginner camp is usually the cheapest way in. After that, group classes commonly run $100-200/month depending on the club and city. You don't need to buy gear to start, see what you actually need when the time comes.
Find a club near you, call about a beginner class or intro camp, and go watch a session. Ten minutes of watching tells you more than any article.