Five tips for attending NYC's Comic Con with kids

70.fw.comiccon

• 

  New York Comic Con

  70.fw.nycomiccon01_0.jpg1734671
• 

  New York Comic Con

  70.fw.nycomiccon02_0.jpg1734692
• 

  New York Comic Con

  70.fw.nycomiccon05_0.jpg1734713
• 

  New York Comic Con

  70.fw.nycomiccon07_0.jpg1734734
• 

  New York Comic Con

  70.fw.nycomiccon12_0.JPG1734755

PreviousNext

New York Comic Con

Once a year brings together the best and the brightest in comics, film, anime, gaming and toys under one giant roof. Über-fans flock to the pop culture extravaganza, located at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, to scope out the latest trends, but families can also have a blast—if they know how to handle the scene.

Tremendous tickets!
Parents will need to purchase tickets for themselves and all kids five and up. Preshow, single-day tickets range from $35 (Fri, Sun) to $50 (Sat). Save more by purchasing three-day ($65) or four-day passes ($85). Tickets can be purchased online or, for those families who want to get a head start on their required reading, at a number of city comic-book shops, including Forbidden Planet (844 Broadway at 13th St; 212-473-1576, fpnyc.com) and Midtown Comics (see midtowncomics.com for locations).

Splendid specials!
Best deal for families: During NYCC Kids, children 12 and under are admitted free and can enjoy special events, programs and giveaways geared especially to them. Head to the Hasbro Kids Stage for live-action storytelling, drawing classes, coloring and crafts, or learn how to “use the force” with the NY Jedi, a group of martial artists. Tykes trying out their Halloween getups a few weeks before the big day can also compete in a kids-only costume contest.

Amazing arrival!
The convention opens daily at 10am, but hard-core fans and comic collectors line up hours earlier for the chance to buy show exclusives. Unless you count yourself among those die-hards, we would recommend arriving slightly later to avoid getting caught in the morning rush.

Awesome activities!
The miles of aisles that make up the main exhibition floor will be packed with fans young and old shopping, swag-grabbing and checking out sneak previews of some of Hollywood's newest flicks. Older kids will enjoy watching illustrators in action in the Artists Alley area, while adults may be persuaded to buy a few souvenir pieces to take home. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your little one posing with his or her favorite costumed character—we hear Spiderman and Wonder Woman will be in attendance.

Super snacking!
Hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream and other kid-friendly snacks are available throughout the exhibit hall, generally along the perimeter. Visit the lower-level food court to satisfy caped crusaders with bigger appetites. Remember to bring cash: Not all vendors accept credit cards, and on-site ATMs have sizable fees (and lines). Families looking for a change of venue can head to a nearby restaurant: At Hudson Station (440 Ninth Ave between 34th and 35th Sts; 212-244-4406, hudsonstation.com) kids can choose from 13 slider varieties.

New York Comic Con takes place Oct 13–16 at the Jacob K. Javits Center. NYCC Kids takes place on Oct 16 10am–5pm.