Arisia is just as much a convention for kids and teens as any other age group. Associated adults for these young fans should make sure to read our Youth Policies and Code of Conduct.
Family Friendly Guide
The Family Friendly Guide is Arisia's collection of events and activities throughout the con that are aimed at parents with children. The guide is part of Arisia's publications online and is available for pick-up in hardcopy on the publications table opposite Registration on the Concourse level of The Westin.
Teen Unconference (13-19)
The Teen Unconference is a Con-within-a-Con for our teenage members. The topics are proposed, chosen, and attended exclusively by teens.
We invite all teenagers to swing by the Brainstorming Board on Friday night of the convention to add your idea to the list. We’ll post the board location on flyers around the hotel and on social media using the hashtag #teenunconference.
Teen Lounge (Meeting space for ages 13-19)
Teen Lounge is a space for teens only; it is run by teens, for teens. The Teen Lounge can be used to hang out, meet other teens, play games, and generally relax and have fun over the course of the con in a safe, comfortable space.
The hours of Teen Lounge will be posted on the door. All members are asked to respect the rules posted in Teen Lounge, for the enjoyment of all the teen members. Teen Lounge is staffed by at least one teen volunteer at all times. For more information on Teen Lounge, please contact @email
"Tween" Track (activities for ages 11-14)
Tweens at Arisia may attend Fast Track, Teen Lounge, or Teen Unconference, depending on their age and what ages of friends they most like to hang out with. We also suggest visiting the Table Top Game Room, Video Game Room, Vendors, and Con Suite. Check out panels based on interest, such as Anime, Costuming, or Writing. Cosplay is welcome and a great way to meet other Tweens. The Art Show, Anime, and Video Rooms are also great places for Tweens.
Fast Track (Programming for ages 6-12)
Arisia's Kids' program, known as Fast Track, is designed as a con-within-a-con for our younger fen. With a purchased registration, they have access to a wide variety of program items, including crafts, costuming, a magic show, science, exercises, discussions, demonstrations, storytelling, and games. See the Fast Track page for more details. We welcome teen volunteers!
Turtle Track (Childcare for ages 2-6)
Given the large number of families who come to Arisia, we are happy to be able to provide programming for our youngest fans. By prior registration, we provide supervised childcare for those too young to enjoy the convention on their own. All children using this service must have special Turtle Track memberships to the convention. See the Turtle Track page for more details.
Kid-in-Tow (Limited membership)
Kid-in-Tow memberships are free. They must be with and under the supervision of an authorized adult with a paid membership at all times. Arisia requires that there be at least one supervising adult accompanying every three Kid-in-Tow members.
Geeky Play Date (Sat/Sun/Mon Morning)
Looking to meet up with other parents and kids at the con? Geeky Play Date is a casual, drop-in space for you and your children. Kids can bring their favorite toys and make new friends! Parents can do the same! Please note: this is NOT a babysitting service/venue, plan on tending to your children. Check the Pocket Program for the location.
Costuming
We highly encourage costuming as a creative outlet. We are happy to see your child's imagination at work, but please make sure that hall costumes do not impair visibility or mobility. Safety first! One activity held every year in Fast Track is Project Cosplay, a special class of Masquerade entrant, where the child with the Fast Track membership can make costumes from materials supplied in Fast Track during pre-set times and wear them on stage (if both child and parents desire) at the very same Arisia. This has become a favorite tradition at Arisia, and many of our young fans have gone on to enter the Masquerade in the Young Fan division. So what is that? Children under the age of 13 can enter the Masquerade as a Young Fan, which is a special division where the younger fan who has prepared a costume in advance (adult help is fine) can get to participate in the Masquerade just like the adults. See the Masquerade page for more details.