A Parent’s Guide to a Smooth, Safe, and Fun Weekend at AniMinneapolis

So, you’re thinking about bringing your kids to AniMinneapolis? First of all: brave. Second: smart. AniMinneapolis, running May 9–11, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, is a three-day celebration of all things anime, video games, and Japanese pop culture. Yes, it’s a whirlwind of cosplay, laughter, music, and more than a few Naruto headbands—but with the right prep, it can also be one of the most fun family weekends you’ll ever have.

Whether your little one is just starting to learn the difference between Pikachu and Pichu or your teen already has a closet full of elaborate cosplay, AniMinneapolis offers plenty for kids and parents alike. But you’ll want to know the layout, the etiquette, and the potential sensory overload before you wade into the convention sea of con-goers and kigurumis. This guide is your parent-tested roadmap to navigating AniMinneapolis with minimal meltdowns and maximum memories.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting… Chaos (But Fun Chaos)

AniMinneapolis isn’t just another comic con with a few anime posters stuck to the wall. It’s a full-blown, weekend-long nerdapalooza that draws over 5,000 attendees. The energy is electric, the costumes are incredible, and the event schedule is packed tighter than a Tokyo subway during rush hour.

Kids will be wide-eyed. You, on the other hand, might be wondering what exactly you signed up for. But don’t worry—there are ways to make this convention feel less like a caffeine-fueled fever dream and more like a well-paced, manageable adventure for the whole family.

Navigating the Convention with Kids in Tow

The first thing you’ll want to do when you arrive is scope out the venue layout. The Hyatt Regency is spacious and connected to various event spaces, with areas dedicated to gaming, shopping, performances, and panels. Strollers are allowed but keep in mind that some hallways will be packed during peak hours. If you have young children, a smaller travel stroller is a better choice than a bulky jogger.

Also good to know: AniMinneapolis offers safety wristbands, which are essential for kids. These bands help reunite families quickly if someone gets separated in the crowd. Make sure your child wears theirs at all times, and take a photo of your child each morning in their outfit so you have a current picture on hand if needed.

Cosplay Etiquette and Kid-Friendly Costumes

Costuming (cosplay) is a big deal at AniMinneapolis. While many attendees dress up in elaborate anime or game-inspired outfits, it’s totally optional—and it’s absolutely fine if your kid just wants to wear their Spider-Man pajamas. If your child does dress up, make sure the costume is comfortable, breathable, and easy to move in. Conventions involve a lot of walking, a lot of sitting, and sometimes waiting in line.

And while costumes are encouraged, touching them is not. Teach your kids the golden rule of cosplay: ask before touching. Cosplayers put serious effort into their outfits, and even accidental tugs from curious hands can cause damage.

Quiet Corners, Snacks, and Sanity-Saving Strategies

Let’s be honest—conventions can be overwhelming. Bright lights, loud music, wall-to-wall people... It’s a sensory bomb. That’s why it’s so important to schedule breaks. The Hyatt offers quieter lobby spaces, and staff can help point you toward less crowded hallways when your family needs a breather. Packing noise-canceling headphones or sensory toys can be a game-changer for kids (or adults) who get overstimulated.

The ConSweet—an attendee-exclusive lounge—is a lifesaver. It offers free ramen, rice, and soda all weekend, which is great for hangry tweens or toddlers who turn into goblins when blood sugar drops. That said, you should still pack snacks. Think granola bars, dried fruit, and plenty of water bottles. Hydration is your best friend.

Family-Friendly Fun: What to Check Out at AniMinneapolis

Here’s the good news: AniMinneapolis isn’t just for hardcore anime fans. There’s something for every age and energy level. These events are especially great for kids and families:

Tabletop and Video Gaming

The gaming rooms are pure magic for kids (and nostalgic parents). There are setups for both modern and retro consoles, and tabletop games for every age group. Whether your crew wants to compete in a Mario Kart tourney or roll dice in a family-friendly RPG, this is a great place to bond, laugh, and maybe even discover your kid’s competitive streak.

The Exhibit Hall

The dealers' room is essentially an anime-themed wonderland. From plushies and posters to trading cards and figurines, there’s no shortage of treasures to discover. Keep a tight budget and a tighter hand on your child’s money—they’ll want to buy everything in sight. Make a shopping plan ahead of time and set limits.

Artist Alley

If your kid likes to draw or is interested in crafts, Artist Alley will blow their mind. It’s full of artists selling prints, stickers, buttons, and even taking commissions. It’s a fantastic way to support independent creators and spark your child’s creativity.

Karaoke

Karaoke is a major draw and a surprisingly welcoming environment. It’s not American Idol—nobody’s expecting you to hit all the notes. This is pure fun, and often packed with families and groups singing anime openings or Disney songs with joyful abandon.

Stage Shows and Guest Panels

Voice actors and creators host panels where they share behind-the-scenes stories, answer questions, and sometimes just crack jokes for an hour. Many of these panels are rated PG or PG-13, so check the schedule. These are great opportunities for older kids and teens who love anime or want to know more about the industry.

The Fantasy Ball

Held on Saturday night, the Fantasy Ball is one of the most unique and charming parts of AniMinneapolis. It’s a formal dance—but cosplay is encouraged. There’s even a dance lesson beforehand, so no worries if your child (or you) doesn’t know how to waltz. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale.

Concerts and Dance Events

For older teens (and parents who still have some club energy left), the late-night concerts and dance events are an epic experience. DJs spin everything from techno to J-pop, and the energy is electric. These are loud and high-energy, so they’re not ideal for littles, but teens will absolutely love them.

Fan-Run Panels

One of the most unexpectedly rewarding parts of AniMinneapolis is the fan-run panels. These sessions, often tucked into quieter corners of the schedule, offer a refreshing break from the more hectic main events—and they're a fantastic way to engage kids and teens in new ideas without overwhelming them.

Unlike the high-energy concerts or jam-packed vendor halls, fan-run panels are led by fellow attendees who simply love sharing what they know. That means you'll find topics that stretch far beyond anime and gaming—though there's plenty of that too. These panels are where personal passions become community conversations, and they’re often the most approachable space for families to learn, relax, and explore new interests together.

For younger attendees or teens, panels on things like succulent gardening, minimalist design, or beginner-level language learning can be genuinely engaging. Imagine sitting in on a session where someone breaks down how to turn a tiny apartment patio into a lush herb garden—perfect for families in urban settings or kids with a budding green thumb. Or maybe you find yourselves at a talk where the basics of learning Japanese or Korean are laid out in an interactive, low-pressure way. It’s the kind of programming that feels like education wrapped in fun, with zero homework.

Older kids and teens might gravitate toward panels on digital marketing, starting a creative business, or even how virtual reality is being used in classrooms. These aren't just abstract tech topics—they can open doors to real-life interests, especially for high schoolers curious about future careers or personal projects. The best part? These sessions are often presented in a relaxed, conversational style that’s easy to follow and engaging for a wide age range.

And don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a panel that unexpectedly speaks to you as a parent. Maybe it’s a discussion about financial literacy—like repairing your credit or saving for future goals—or a conversation about sustainable living and plant-based eating. These topics may not be why you came to the con, but they can add surprising value to your weekend.

Even sessions that sound completely off the beaten path—like avoiding expensive souvenir traps in Japan—can end up being incredibly useful if your family has dreams of overseas travel. It’s like a travel guide disguised as a casual Q&A, filled with advice you’d never get from a brochure.

That’s the magic of fan-run panels: they’re low-key, often interactive, and always full of unexpected gems. For families looking to step away from the crowds or give their kids something different to absorb, these panels offer a thoughtful, quieter pace of con life. Keep an eye on the schedule, pop into anything that piques your curiosity, and don’t be afraid to wander into the unknown—you never know what your kids (or you) might discover.

Tickets: Buy Early, Save Stress

AniMinneapolis tickets go fast, especially family passes and hotel room blocks. The earlier you register, the more options you’ll have for lodging, budget planning, and customizing your weekend schedule. Tickets are available online and often get more expensive closer to the event date. It’s worth grabbing them early to avoid last-minute scrambles or sold-out regrets.

Navigating the Convention With Kids

Okay, let’s talk logistics. Cons can be chaotic, especially when you’re rolling deep with a stroller or curious kindergartener. Here’s how to keep things smooth.

The convention is hosted in the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, a big, beautiful venue with multiple floors of events. Elevators are accessible, but can get busy during peak times. If you’ve got a stroller, be prepared for some detours. Baby carriers and compact strollers are your best friends here.

Packing Like a Pro (and a Parent)

Comfortable shoes, snacks, water, wipes, a power bank, and a backpack with extra space for merch—those are your holy grail items. Bring costumes that can survive a full day of movement, and pack a change of clothes for younger kids just in case. Label everything. You don’t want to be hunting down a lost hoodie while someone’s mid-meltdown.

Safety Wristbands and Contact Info

Many parents use temporary tattoo pens or wristbands with their phone number on them in case their child gets separated. It’s a good idea at any large event, and especially useful in crowded halls or the exhibit area. Make sure your child knows what to do if they get lost—staff and volunteers are trained to help.

Cosplay Boundaries

Cosplay is everywhere, and that’s part of the fun. But it can also raise some questions for younger kids—especially when costumes involve prop weapons or, let’s be honest, some bold outfits. This is a great opportunity for a pre-con chat about consent and boundaries. Teach your child to ask before touching costumes or taking photos, and remind them that the same goes for their own space and comfort too.

Quiet Corners and Downtime

When your kid hits the con wall—because they will—find a quiet corner. The ConSweet (where free ramen and soda are served) often has seating and a chill vibe during off-hours. Hotel hallways, low-traffic panel rooms, or even your hotel room itself are good places to decompress. A coloring book, noise-canceling headphones, and a snack bag can work wonders during those inevitable sensory overload moments.

What to Pack (So You Don’t Lose Your Mind)

Packing for a con is part art, part strategy. For families, it’s survival prep.

Start with basics: comfy shoes, refillable water bottles, and layered clothing. Convention halls fluctuate wildly in temperature. Add in hand sanitizer, tissues, and a few healthy snacks for when lines get long or kids get hangry.

For littles, pack extra clothes, small toys, and maybe even a portable charger if you’ll be using tablets for entertainment. For teens, make sure they know where you’ll be and how to reach you. And yes, bring a day bag—but don’t overpack it. You’ll be carrying it all day.

Meet Other Con-Going Parents

You are not alone. Many parents attend AniMinneapolis with their kids, and the con community is surprisingly welcoming. Try attending panels or meetups geared toward families. Strike up conversations in line. There’s a quiet kind of camaraderie among con parents—no one bats an eye at a toddler in a Pikachu costume melting down in the hallway.

Pro Tips for a Smoother Weekend

A few seasoned-con-attendee hacks to keep in your back pocket:

Book your hotel room at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis as early as possible. It’s the most convenient location, and con rates fill quickly. If it’s full, overflow hotels are nearby, but be sure to check walking distances or transit options—especially if you’ll have young ones.

Stick to a budget. The exhibit hall is temptation central, and using a credit card wisely (or giving your kid a spending limit in cash) is a good idea. And pack light but smart—portable chargers, bandaids, and a little cash go a long way.

Finally, explore energy-efficient transportation. Minneapolis has a decent light rail system and pedestrian-friendly downtown, which makes getting to and from the con more sustainable—and less stressful than parking in a packed garage.

Explore Minneapolis While You're Here

Once you’ve survived a full day of anime mayhem, you might want to explore the city beyond the convention center—and Minneapolis doesn’t disappoint.

Grab a bite at Hell’s Kitchen, an underground spot known for kid-pleasing breakfasts and quirky vibes. Check out Minneapolis Sculpture Garden or Loring Park for some fresh air and space to roam. If your family loves books, the Minneapolis Central Library is stunning and surprisingly entertaining.

For nerdier adventures, Up-Down Arcade Bar (21+ after 9 PM) has retro games, or you can stop by Magers & Quinn Booksellers for a quiet nerd-out session. Local comic shops like Hot Comics and Collectibles are also within striking distance.

AniMinneapolis: Not Your Average Family Weekend

Bringing your kids to AniMinneapolis might seem overwhelming at first, but with a little planning and a good sense of humor, it can be an unforgettable experience—for all the right reasons. You’ll see stunning costumes, hear some wild conversations, and probably walk out with at least one plushie and a few fond memories.

So pack your bags, charge your camera, and prep your patience. AniMinneapolis is ready for your crew. And whether you’re chasing a toddler through the exhibit hall or watching your teen beam during their first cosplay photoshoot, you’ll be glad you came along for the ride.