Family-Friendly Fandom: A Parent’s Guide to Bringing Kids to M.A.G.E. 2025

If you’ve ever wondered whether an anime and gaming convention is the right place to bring your kids, the short answer is yes. The longer answer is yes, but with a plan. M.A.G.E. 2025 (the Minneapolis Anime and Gaming Event) is coming to the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis from October 31 to November 2, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be three full days of costumes, gaming, shopping, panels, and late-night energy. Beyond being an event for the hardcore fans, it’s also a surprisingly family-friendly experience if you know what to expect, where to go, and how to pace your weekend with kids in tow.

Why M.A.G.E. Works for Families

The Hyatt Regency is a large, centrally located venue, which is already a plus. It’s walkable to food spots, has plenty of lobby seating for downtime, and offers discounted hotel rates for attendees. The convention itself runs late into the night, but the beauty of cons like this is that you can carve out your own schedule. You don’t need to do everything—you just need to know which activities your kids will love and which ones you might want to skip or tackle after bedtime.

The con averages about 4,000 attendees, which makes it lively but not unmanageable. It’s not the kind of shoulder-to-shoulder mega-event where you worry about losing sight of your child in a sea of people. With that said, a buddy system (or at least a stroller for younger ones) is never a bad idea.

Kid-Friendly Highlights

Bringing kids to a convention can feel like trying to keep a sugared-up squirrel entertained for three days straight. But luckily, M.A.G.E. makes it easy. The con doesn’t just cater to hardcore gamers and cosplayers. It sprinkles in plenty of family-friendly fun so younger fans can feel just as included as the adults. From colorful costumes to hands-on gaming tables, there are entire pockets of the con designed to light up a kid’s imagination (and, let’s be real, probably your wallet too).

The Cosplay Contest

Kids usually love the cosplay contest because it feels like a talent show mashed with a costume parade. Contestants show off their handmade outfits, perform skits, or simply strut across the stage while the crowd cheers. Even if your child isn’t competing, they’ll have a blast watching their favorite characters come to life. And yes, some conventions even have youth categories in contests, so check the schedule when it’s released to see if M.A.G.E. plans a dedicated section for kids.

Artist Alley and Vendor Hall

This is basically shopping Disneyland for fandom. The Vendor Hall is where you’ll find collectibles, plushies, and merch galore. The Artist Alley is where independent creators sell prints, charms, comics, and handmade goods. If you’re bringing kids, budget some extra time here—this area is a sensory feast, and kids may want to browse slowly. Be prepared to say “we’ll think about it” at least 400 times.

Video and Tabletop Gaming

M.A.G.E. has two dedicated spaces for gamers. Video Gaming is packed with consoles and PCs set up for both casual play and tournaments. Younger kids might just enjoy watching others play; older ones can jump into open matches. Tabletop Gaming is a hidden gem for families—board games and card games of all kinds, including friendly one-shots of D&D. Many of these are beginner-friendly, so you could spend a whole afternoon here as a family without spending an extra dime.

The Escape Room

“Escape from the Cabin of the Cackling Man” is the official M.A.G.E. escape room. It leans spooky (perfect since the convention lands on Halloween weekend), but depending on your child’s age, it could be a great family bonding challenge. Younger kids may find it scary, so this is better suited for tweens and teens who love puzzles.

Musical Events and Late-Night Dances

Concerts and music events at M.A.G.E. cover a wide range of nerdy genres. Families can attend earlier shows together, but the late-night dances (think rave-style electronic music until 2 a.m.) are more of an adult-oriented crowd. For parents, this is a perfect “divide and conquer” moment—one adult takes the kids back to the hotel room for a chill night while the other sneaks back for dance floor time.

Maid Café

This one requires an extra ticket, but it can be surprisingly kid-friendly. At the Maid Café, costumed maids and butlers serve snacks, play games with you, and bring a little bit of anime café culture to Minneapolis. It’s whimsical enough that children can enjoy the novelty, though be aware it can run long and involve waiting.

Room Parties

Room parties are a staple of con culture, but most skew adult-oriented. Families will want to either skip these or carefully research which parties are designated as kid-friendly (occasionally fandom groups host G-rated parties with crafts or themed snacks). If you’re not sure, assume it’s not for kids.

Special Guests: Star Power for All Ages

M.A.G.E. regularly brings in big-name voice actors and performers. In 2025, you’ll see guests like Greg Ayres (famous for My Hero Academia and Saiyuki), Quinton Flynn (from Kingdom Hearts and Metal Gear), Tom and Dorothy Fahn (Digimon, Fire Emblem), and more. Kids who recognize voices from their favorite shows often find this thrilling, and autograph sessions can make for an unforgettable memory. Just plan to arrive early for signings—lines move slowly, and little ones won’t want to stand around forever.

Fan-Run Panels: Wildcards Worth Trying

Fan-run panels are where conventions really show their unpredictable side. Unlike the polished main events, these are sessions dreamed up and led by attendees themselves, which means anything goes. Sometimes you’ll land in a packed room full of fans passionately arguing which anime had the worst finale. Other times you’ll find someone teaching cosplay hacks with the help of a hot glue gun and a lot of optimism. The charm is that you never quite know what you’re walking into until you’ve already sat down.

And while the “usual suspects” like anime debates, fanfiction readings, or cosplay tips are common, the real magic is when you stumble into something you didn’t expect. Maybe it’s a traveler sharing advice on how to avoid overcrowded tourist spots in Japan. Or perhaps you end up listening to a surprisingly practical talk about how to sell event tickets, complete with hilarious “don’t try this at home” stories. One room over, someone could be introducing the basics of digital marketing—delivered with enough memes to keep even the most distracted con-goer entertained.

If tech is your jam, you might find yourself in a panel on virtual reality in classrooms, or a discussion about how AI technology is shaping our everyday routines. Gamers often jump into sessions on how to build your very first gaming setup or even how to start designing your own game. And don’t be shocked if someone pitches a workshop on minimalist design, complete with a slide that says “throw out your stuff.” The topics range from practical to playful, but that’s what makes them so fun—you might walk in curious and walk out with a whole new hobby.

Some panelists might offer crash courses in raised bed gardening, share the basics of going vegan, or even run a session on meditation for stressed-out students and overworked adults. Others might lean into creativity, with art tutorials, cultural discussions, or even beginner lessons in Chinese for anyone looking to expand their skills. And yes, every now and then you’ll see something that makes you pause—like a hands-on cocktail recipe panel that is, of course, adults only.

For families, fan-run panels are surprisingly worth the time. A quick skim of the schedule will help you spot all-ages workshops that kids might love, like beginner game design or creative art sessions. The nice thing is you don’t have to commit to the full hour—sometimes popping in for just fifteen minutes is enough to spark curiosity, plant an idea, or give your child a new story to share on the ride home.

The bottom line? Fan-run panels are like treasure hunts without a map. They’re unpredictable, hilarious, occasionally chaotic, and always run with a ton of passion. Skipping them means missing out on one of the most unique parts of the convention experience—those “I can’t believe I just learned balcony gardening at an anime con” moments you’ll be laughing about long after the weekend’s over.

Balancing Family Needs: Naps, Meals, and Downtime

The hardest part of bringing kids to a convention isn’t the panels or events—it’s managing their energy. Here’s what helps:

• Nap-friendly spaces: The Hyatt has a lot of lobby seating and quieter hallways. If your child still naps, bring a stroller or carrier. Hotel rooms are nearby, so you can take advantage of the close proximity for proper breaks.
• Meals: M.A.G.E. offers a ConSweet where attendees can grab free ramen, rice, and soda. It’s a lifesaver when kids are “hangry.” For real meals, downtown Minneapolis has plenty of restaurants, but plan ahead during peak meal hours. Keeping granola bars and fruit snacks in your bag will save you when lines are long.
• Entertainment in between: Bring a small “downtime kit”—coloring books, handheld games, or even just a sketchpad. Panels can run long, and having something quiet on hand keeps kids busy.

Best Cosplay Photo Spots for Kids

Cosplay is one of the highlights of M.A.G.E., and kids love showing off their costumes. If you’re snapping photos, look for:

• Lobby areas with natural light: Less crowded, easier for shy kids to pose.
• Backdrops in the Vendor Hall: Some vendors and artists set up photo-friendly displays.
• Main stage after big events: Once a crowd clears, the stage area is a great photo-op.

Encourage your kids to ask before taking photos of other cosplayers—it’s a good lesson in convention etiquette.

Packing Checklist for Families

When you’re packing for M.A.G.E., think of it less like preparing for a simple day trip and more like gearing up for a mini-adventure. You'll be surprised how much you can save on time and money when you are well-prepared. A refillable water bottle is a must—not just to keep everyone hydrated, but also to save money by skipping overpriced drinks. Snacks are equally important; stick with ones that won’t melt or crumble so they survive the chaos of the con bag. Since kids can get restless between panels or while waiting in line, it’s smart to bring small activities like coloring books, a handheld console, or a deck of cards. Wipes and hand sanitizer are lifesavers too, because conventions are basically germ central.

Comfort matters just as much as entertainment. Toss in extra socks and a light layer, since convention spaces can swing from warm and crowded to freezing in a heartbeat. Don’t forget chargers and power banks—dead devices are the fastest way to ruin a kid’s day. And finally, budget some cash specifically for the Vendor Hall. Kids love having the chance to “choose their own” souvenir, and it’s much smoother if you plan for it ahead of time rather than negotiating on the spot.

Ticket Information: Buy Early, Save Money

Tickets for M.A.G.E. 2025 are straightforward, but the timing matters. The event runs October 31 through November 2, 2025, and weekend badges cost $37 if you register early, or $40 after August 19. Day badges are $30, while a Sunday-only pass runs $15. If you want the VIP experience—complete with perks like exclusive access and priority seating—it’s $150.

For families, buying tickets early isn’t just about saving a few dollars; it’s also about peace of mind. Securing badges ahead of time means you won’t be stuck in line at the door trying to entertain restless kids while everyone else is already inside enjoying the fun. Plus, early purchases help the con plan more programming, which benefits everyone.

Practical Tips for Parents

When it comes to navigating the convention itself, a little strategy goes a long way. Start by prioritizing the events your kids care about most. If your child is obsessed with Digimon, for example, Tom Fahn’s panel or autograph session should take precedence over everything else. Everything else can be treated as optional bonus fun.

If you’re attending with another adult, consider sharing responsibilities. Taking turns on kid duty allows both of you to attend your personal must-see events without feeling guilty or rushed. Budgeting realistically is equally important—between food, merch, and extras like the Maid Café, expenses can climb quickly. Giving kids a set spending limit ahead of time keeps expectations clear and avoids mid-con arguments.

Finally, pay attention to pacing. It’s always better to leave while your kids are still having fun than to push until a meltdown happens. Checking the schedule daily also helps, since events can shift and you don’t want to miss something your child would love. A little flexibility and planning can make the entire weekend smoother for both kids and parents.

Make M.A.G.E. Your Family’s Next Big Adventure!

Bringing kids to M.A.G.E. can be rewarding. They get to see fandom come alive, meet people who love the same things they do, and maybe even discover new hobbies. Parents get to enjoy the con through fresh eyes while still sneaking in time for their own interests. Yes, it’s a bit of work to plan meals and manage energy levels, but it’s also the kind of family adventure your kids will talk about long after the weekend ends.

So grab your water bottles, pack the snacks, and get those costumes ready. M.A.G.E. 2025 at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis is waiting for you, and it’s the perfect place to make fandom a family affair.