Thinking about going to San Diego Comic Con with kids ? Then this is everything you need to know.
San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) stands as the pinnacle of pop culture gatherings, a vibrant celebration of all things comics (and family-friendly comics ), graphic novels , movies, TV shows, and video games. Every year, hordes of enthusiastic fans and cosplayers descend upon the convention center in downtown San Diego, California, creating a bustling atmosphere that is nothing short of electrifying.
While some may assume that comic conventions are exclusively for adults, it is worth considering that attending Comic-Con with kids can be an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience for the whole family. In this article, we will explore the joys and challenges of taking kids to San Diego Comic-Con, offering tips and insights to ensure that both adults and children can make the most of this ultimate adventure.
We’ve been San Diego residents for a few years now, and for the last two years? We FINALLY attended Comic Con ourselves. And wow did I learn a lot. From snacks and food to parking and transportation to which activities are best for kids……this is the ultimate guide to Comic Con with Kids ……I promise, it’s do-able and actually a ton of fun!
San Diego comic con with kids : What You Need To Know
Before You Go
The first step to attending Comic Con with Kids is actually scoring TICKETS to comic con.
A few tips and reminders: tickets sell FASTTTTTTTT, so be sure to check on the Comic Con website for dates and times.
Comic Con has a KILLER Child Ticket policy : If your child was age 12 or under when tickets go on sale, they do not need a purchased badge for Comic-Con each year. They can get a child badge for free as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult. You’ll arrive at the convention center as an adult ticket holder , and will be able to pick up a kids ticket for your kids.
Preparing for comic con with kids
Preparation is key when taking kids to Comic-Con. The event can be overwhelming, with massive crowds and long lines, but with some thoughtful planning, the experience can be smooth and fun.
If this is your child’s first event like this? Start with the basics. Begin by explaining to the children what Comic-Con is all about, introducing them to the concept of cosplay, and discussing the schedule of events. Engaging them in the process of planning will build excitement and anticipation. We went through the schedule a few days in advance and picked a handful of panels (one or two a day) and a few autograph signings (one a day) that we wanted to attend.
Which Days to Attend
Comic-Con spans over several days (usually Thursday through Sunday), so choosing the most suitable ones for your family is crucial. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than the weekend. That can be beneficial for kids who might get overwhelmed in large crowds. Additionally, I’d suggest researching the programming schedule to identify family-friendly panels and activities and panels that suit your interests.
My daughter specifically wanted to hear her favorite author speak, and to see the voice actors from her favorite animated show talk about their experiences.
Parking and Transportation
I’m not going to lie, I was the MOST worried about travel to Comic Con. I heard stories about traffic and parking and how nutty it was. So, I REALLY planned for and researched this. These? All the options for traveling to and from San Diego Comic Con.
Take the Trolley : The Trolley is definitely a great option for skipping all of the parking issues. The Trolley stop is directly across from the Convention Center, so you won’t have far to walk. You’ll need to plan for timing, and YES….the trolley will be crowded. But, it’s fairly easy if access to it works for you.
Reserve Parking : We DID drive to the Convention Center, and it worked out well. The key? I reserved parking in advance about a 10 minute walk away. I used SpotHero to select and prepay for a spot in a garage. While it wasn’t sold out when we went on Thursday, the same garage did sell out on Saturday….so reserving a spot was the right move! This has been our go to plan for both years we’ve attended and works VERY well.
Cosplay
Cosplay is a significant aspect of Comic-Con, and it’s a fun experience both kids and adults can participate in together. Allow your kids to select their favorite characters and work on creating costumes together. Engaging in cosplay not only adds an element of fun but also helps immerse the kids in the spirit of the event. Encourage creativity and resourcefulness in making a super cool costume but also consider practicality and comfort, especially for younger children….remember, they’ll be wearing these outfits ALL day.
What to Bring Along
We brought some important things along with us that made our lives a LOT easier. On my comic con with kids packing list for a family trip ?
- snacks (I brought built bars and granola bars)
- external phone chargers
- Nintendo Switch (for waiting in lines)
- book (for waiting in lines)
- card games (for waiting in lines)
During Your Visit
Comic-Con can be overwhelming, even for adults. Setting realistic expectations with your kids is essential. The event involves a lot of walking and waiting in lines, so it’s essential to pace activities accordingly. Make sure to take breaks, find quiet spots when needed, and prioritize the activities that your kids are most excited about.
I planned for breaks. We either would sit outside in the area between the two sides of the Convention Center or leave and walk behind to the area overlooking the water. Trust me, you’ll need a break plan.
Safety and Security
Comic-Con can get incredibly crowded, so it’s crucial to establish a meeting point in case someone gets separated from the group. Take a picture of your kids each day so you have a recent photo in case you need to share it with event staff or security. Make sure your kids know who to approach for help if they get lost. I also had my daughter wear her GABB watch so that she could call me in an emergency.
Family Activities
Comic-Con has recognized the growing family attendance and has incorporated dedicated family-friendly zones. These zones often feature fun activities , games, and entertainment suitable for young children , providing a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the main event floor. Be sure to check the map or the official Comic-Con app for information on these zones and schedule some time to explore them.
Plan for Your Child’s Interests
Comic-Con offers a diverse array of content, from comic books and superheroes to science fiction and fantasy. Encourage your kids to explore their interests freely. Whether they are avid comic book readers, fans of a particular TV show, or passionate about video games, let them take the lead and attend panels and events related to their interests.
Managing Autographs and Photo Ops
Meeting favorite celebrities and artists for autographs or photo ops is a dream come true for many Comic-Con attendees, including kids. However, it’s essential to manage expectations and understand that some autograph lines for celebrity guests can be quite long. Consider investing in autograph tickets to ensure a smoother experience if they are available for your chosen ops. Additionally, confirm that the celebrity or artist offers photo ops and plan accordingly.
Food and Drink at Comic Con
One of the things that surprised me the most? The lack of food and drink options available inside the convention hall and on the show floor .
There were Auntie Anne’s pretzel stands, ONE starbucks location, and a handful of pop up food spots (all of which had VERY long lines). My biggest suggestion? Leave the convention center for lunch. The Starbucks up the street has mobile order. There are a ton of great restaurants and cafes close by. Our favorites? We got bagels and drinks at Spill the Beans and we got breakfast at Tiger Cafe.
Taking kids to San Diego Comic-Con is a thrilling and enriching experience for families. It provides an opportunity to bond over shared interests, engage in creative pursuits through cosplay, and create lasting memories. With careful planning, setting realistic expectations, and ensuring their safety and comfort, parents can make comic-con international an unforgettable adventure that the whole family will cherish for years to come. So, gear up, embrace your inner geek, and get ready to embark on an exciting journey through the captivating world of pop culture with your kids at San Diego Comic-Con!
