Kids Track hosted “How to Dragon Con with Kids” panels on Thursday at 7:30PM and Friday at 11:30AM in Hyatt Techwood, dispensing wisdom to con parents. Moderators Morgan A McLaughlin McFarland and James Wells fielded questions from curious families on how to optimize the Dragon Con experience.
McFarland and Wells are no stranger to the Dragon Con scene. McLaughlin has been attending since the days of the mailed badge: 1998. Wells is celebrating his 7th Dragon Con this year. Both panelists have taken their children (now teens and young adults) to Con numerous times.
Dragon Con’s commitment to family-friendly entertainment is evident this year with unique programming all weekend for kids and parents alike. Kids Track has grown to a 17-person department, operating across the Hyatt. One such offering is “Splendid Teapot Racing,” a steampunk sport out of New Zealand in which competitors race oversized novelty teapot vehicles, which you can see Sunday 10AM in the Courtland Grand, Grand Ballroom A-F.
Outside of Kids Track, there are a number of events with family appeal. Among the moderators’ recommendations were wrestling and robot battles. In such a large convention, there are endless things to see; meet and greet character events are a fun opportunity for children to interact with their favorite characters, from Bluey to Spiderman. The Walk of Fame is host to a number of celebrity guests, and taking a browse through the hall is absolutely free of charge. Families may enjoy people-watching and cosplay-spotting as they take a break.
Gaming is a popular pastime for attendees of all ages with video games, card games, and board games to enjoy. Though many gaming activities take place at AmericasMart Building 3, there are attractions hosted in the Hyatt specifically for young gamers, such as Saturday evening’s Family Game Night events.
McFarland and Wells offered a number of tips for families looking to attend Saturday’s Dragon Con parade. The moderators advised picking a spot by 8:30 AM, suggesting viewing from the Civic Center MARTA station, St. Mark United Methodist Church, or the upper levels of the host hotels. Arranging an escape plan for antsy kids is heavily advised. As the streets are blocked off for the parade, parents should plot their course for the next few hours.
Dragon Con is intended to be fun for all attendees, big and small. The hosts advised modifying con routines to accommodate the younger members of the party in order to maintain harmony (and sanity). Letting kids and teens set the pace reduces stress. Walking over the con footprint ahead of the main event, setting clear con-specific rules, and negotiating family schedules in advance can also optimize the family con experience. Convenience is key; locating bathrooms and seating ahead of time is advised. For parents, taking turns with childcare can prevent burnout and FOMO. Both moderators remarked that congoing only becomes easier with repetition. Going to Dragon Con as a family not only provides priceless bonding opportunities but also fosters the multigenerational fandom culture of the con.
