Hands down, our family’s favorite spring event is Awesome Con; what’s not to love about getting dressed up in costume, taking photographs with your favorite characters, meeting artists and actors, purchasing cool toys, learning to draw cartoons, or even fighting with a light saber!?! Our 2026 passes are purchased, cosplay costumes are selected, and a bucket list of scheduled activities is being planned. This isn’t our first rodeo; we’ve been attending Awesome Con as a family since 2018. I hope our years of expertise will help other families with their planning by offering tips and tricks for attending this amazing, family-friendly event.
WHAT IS AWESOME CON
Awesome Con is a comic convention that comes to Washington, DC, each year to showcase all aspects of geekdom and pop culture, with a wide assortment of comic books, collectibles, toys, board games, video games, original art, cosplay, opportunities to meet famous actors, and more. This year, the event will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, March 13-15, 2026. Awesome Con welcomes the whole family, with three days of events and activities perfect for all ages. Awesome Con Jr has been incorporated for the eighth year in a row. Awesome Con Jr is a family-focused section within Awesome Con. Awesome Con Jr will provide hours of fun with entertaining and educational programs just for kids, including interactive opportunities, a kids’ costume parade, and more!
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES FROM YEARS PAST
Much of the entertaining for the kids is in the exhibit hall in the block of aisles designated for Awesome Con Jr. Check the schedule for special guests, characters, and events so that you don’t miss out on the fun things happening in this area. There are some great booths in the years past that I hope to see again this year. Link for this years line up and additional details. Take a quick peek at activities to expect:
- Hands on activity centers that engage young minds.
- Science Fair section featuring hosts such as NASA.
- Art programs including; drawing lessons, contests and more.
- Meet your favorite characters.
- Attend workshops of interest.
- Get moving and grooving in the movement zone.
- Visit booths and get free swag, and even enter to win cool door prizes!
- Check out the stage for entertainment and educational programs.
- Be prepared to find toys to take home.
- Investigate Robotics!
- Check out the gaming room! Try out new video games, or play your favorites in the arcade.
- There is a board game room too! This is a must. Last year they had games you could check out to play in the lending library. When you return them, you are entered in a chance to win the game! Last year, we won a game!!!
- There is a family and sensory friendly room. Which offer places to calm down, should your little one get over stimulated.
- Link to full Awesome Con Jr schedule here.
TIPS
- Have a goal: This is my biggest tip! When taking your kids, you should consider what you want the experience to be about. Check out the map and schedule of events to pick a few things you hope to do. It’s impossible to do everything, especially with little ones in tow. Having a plan before going will make your trip less stressful, and more enjoyable.
- Go in Costume: Let your kids pick what they would like to go as. Cosplay is a huge part of the experience, going in costume really makes the trip special and more fun. You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money on them, simple homemade or store-bought costumes are fine.
- Bring a camera and take advantage of photo opportunities: Taking photos is one of the best parts. I love watching everyone in costume, and I’ve noticed kids and even adults too get very excited about having their picture taken with favorite characters. You will find that there is a huge sense of community, many fans dressed in costume are happy to pose for a shot.
- Pack Snacks & Drinks: The food at the convention hall is insanely expensive and lines for food can be very long. I suggest throwing some water bottles, or juice boxes and some easy snacks like granola bars, string cheese and fruit for snacks. Be sure to eat a good meal before going; while at the convention eat what you’ve packed, than head out to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
- Lost Plan: Before entering the hall, have a pre-designated meeting space in case you get separated.
- Set a Spending Limit: Conventions are like a glorified shopping excursion. Remember to set a budget and limit to spending.
- Avoid becoming overwhelmed: conventions are huge! It is very crowded, so be sure to pay attention to your little ones needs. If you notice they are becoming overwhelmed take a break in the quiet room, or call it a day and head out. I can’t emphasize this enough. The family room has coloring pages, tents, toys, and games in a quiet area to provide down time. Rooms 157 & 159.
- Purchase tickets ahead of time! There are early bird specials, and even family packages this year.
- Be open to meeting new friends. My little’s were so excited to find new friends with similar interests.
- Bring a permanent marker with you, or ask for a market at registration. Once you get your pass; be sure to write your name and phone number on your children’s badge just in case you should get separated or they lose their badge. This is unlikely to happen; however, it’s always good to be prepared.
- Getting there: There are two good options when it comes to traveling to the Washington Convention Center. You can drive and park within a block from the convention center or take the metro into town. We parked in the garage under the Renaissance Hotel on 9th Street. You will spend about $20-$25 to park near the convention center. If you take the metro you will want to ride it to the Mt. Vernon Station on 7th street.
- Accessibly accommodations are in room 156 this year.
- Awesome Con has Mamava breast feeding pods outside Room 103 and one at L Street North.
INFORMATION
Dates:
- Friday, March 13, 2026: 1:00PM to 8:00PM
- Saturday March 13, 2026: 10:00PM to 7:00PM
- Sunday March 13, 2026: 10:00PM to 5:00PM
Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center- 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW
Washington, DC 20001
Tickets: There are a variety of ticketing packages. This year there is a special kids pass that provides 3- Day admission for children aged 3 to 10 years old, for only $20. Daily admission price for adults start at $70 depending on which day you want to go or you can get a weekend 3-Day Pass for $130. There is also Family Package this year for $250; it includes access to Awesome Con all three days for two adults and two kids. Tickets must be purchased online in advanced. See link to purchase a pass.
***The Playful Parent is not paid to write articles, or provided financial compensation for partnership. All information presented is my own non-biased opinion. Pictures and content are intellectual property of The Playful Parent. Donated tickets to events is appreciated but not a requirement for article coverage.***
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