Taking Kids to Comic Cons: Derek & Irene’s Top Tips for an Exciting Adventure!

It's Convention Season, and whether you're visiting UK Games Expo, MCM, or your local comic shop's mini event, there's magic to be found in every corner. But if you're bringing little adventurers along for the ride, things can get... interesting. 

Derek and Irene have lots of experience visiting Conventions and they've got some great tips for making the convention visit one to remember!

1. Have a Game Plan Before You Go

Look at the map, note where the toilets and quiet zones are, and highlight any must-see stalls or shows. Let your children help choose what they’d like to see too, it makes them feel like part of the planning team.

Irene says: “It’s not an adventure without a map. Otherwise, Derek ends up in the tabletop tournament hall for hours.”

There may also be special areas for families to chill. UK Games Expo has a whole area dedicated to family friendly games and fun!

2. Bring Ear Defenders or Headphones

Cons can get loud, especially near live shows or demo areas, so bring some ear defenders or noise-reducing earplugs (like Loops) to protect your Mini Geek’s ears.

Derek says: “They're like magical helmets and they help to keep things calm!"

3. Use a Festival Trolley or Buggy (Even for Bigger Kids!)

Little legs get tired fast. A foldable trolley with cushions can save your sanity (and your back). You can also use it to transport your purchases!

Irene says: “And if you decorate it, it’s a mobile nap wagon slash cosplay cart. Win-win.”

4. Pack Snacks and Reusable Water Bottles

Food queues can be long and expensive, so keep your adventurers fuelled, why not bake some snacks before you go? Consider taking snacks that are easily stored, can be handled easily and require minimal construction. 

A lot of event locations will have water fountains so you can refill your water bottles and save you having to carry extra.

Derek says "I like taking donuts to cons, they're the ideal handheld snacks, and they stack nicely on swords." 

5. Take Short Breaks

Visit family zones, chill-out areas, or find a quiet spot to play a card game and decompress. This year's UK Games Expo is spread out over four massive halls at the NEC, and there are designated spots inside the halls and if the weather is ideal there will be space outside for children to run around and burn off that excess energy. 

Derek says: "I like to find a nice quiet spot to decompress for a bit"

6. Label Your Child (Just in Case)

Keep everyone safe by writing your contact details on a wristband, or a small card that could be kept in their lanyard, or pocket.

Prep your children with what to do if they get lost, for example; find a member of the event staff, or find a friendly stall who can help. The important thing is to not panic and have a plan in place just in case.

Derek says: “Even I got lost once. Irene tied a balloon to my tail the next day.”

7. Check the Event Website for Family Zones

Check the convention website ahead of time; many events list family zones, sensory areas, and other accessibility-friendly spaces that can really help on the day.

8. Let the Kids Be in Charge (a Bit)

Give them a small spending budget or choice of which demo to try next, it helps them feel empowered.

Irene says: "It's a great little exercise and how to shop too!"

9. Don’t Pack Too Much into the Whole Day

It’s okay to just pick one or two highlights for the day. Decide together what’s most important, and if you don’t get to everything, that’s completely fine!

Irene says: "I like to have a list to remind me what we are doing"

10. Make It Special

Make those memories even more special! Collect souvenir badges, take lots of photos and videos during the day maybe even a photo with a cosplayer, or a new dice set - something small to remember the day.

Derek says: "Sometimes I like to give the kids a go with the camera so we get to see it from their perspective too!"

Bonus Tip: Supporting Neurodivergent Adventurers

Some children may need extra support at a busy convention, especially those who are neurodivergent.

• Bring familiar comfort items like fidget toys, sensory chews, or a favourite book.
• Practice with your child what they might hear, see, or do at the event.
• Noise-cancelling headphones and sunglasses can help reduce sensory overload.
• If they need to leave early, that’s okay, conventions will be there next year too.

Irene says: "We always pack a tiny comfort kit in Derek’s trolley. He once had a panic because we forgot his fidget toys."

Don't forget we’ll be at UK Games Expo with our Bundle Boxes and geeky goodies so do come and say hello! We love seeing young adventurers discover their first D20 or colour in a sticker book while their grown-ups chat all things dragons and dice.