Cosplaying with Kids at M.A.G.E.: Fun, Comfortable, and Stress-Free

Bringing kids to a con in cosplay sounds awesome, right? It is—but it’s also a whole new level of planning. M.A.G.E. (Minneapolis Anime and Gaming Event) is happening October 31–November 2, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis, and if you’re a parent who wants your little ones to dive into the cosplay fun without turning the weekend into chaos, there’s a lot to think about. Costumes that can survive more than ten minutes of running around, snacks that actually get eaten, backup clothes for the inevitable spill, and finding photo spots that don’t require standing in line forever—it’s all part of the game. And once you’ve got that handled, you can dive into the events at M.A.G.E. to find the kid-friendly highlights (and maybe a few parent sanity breaks too).

Why Cosplaying with Kids is a Great Idea (and Not as Scary as it Sounds)

Bringing kids into cosplay can feel intimidating at first—visions of sticky juice boxes and delicate handmade costumes don’t exactly mix—but the reality is, kids love dress-up, and cosplay is really just a turbo-charged version of that. The trick is making sure the costume works for them, not just for you. That means prioritizing comfort, mobility, and heat tolerance over how screen-accurate they look. A four-year-old in a complicated armored Gundam is adorable… for about fifteen minutes, until they can’t sit, snack, or walk without tears. A four-year-old in a comfy onesie version of Pikachu? That’s con-ready all day.

And honestly, people at conventions love seeing kids cosplay. They get cheered on, asked for pictures, and it makes them feel like part of the community. Parents sometimes worry about “will people take them seriously?”—trust me, they will. That little Naruto with fruit snacks? He’s the star of the hallway.

Choosing Kid-Friendly Costumes (Smart Over Stressful)

Here’s the golden rule: if your kid can’t nap, eat, or go to the bathroom in it without needing a NASA engineering degree, rethink the costume. For younger kids, stick with soft fabrics, stretchy materials, and simple closures. Zippers beat corset laces every time.

Temperature is also a big factor. M.A.G.E. is in late October, so you’ll be bouncing between chilly fall weather outside and warm convention halls inside. Layers are your best friend. A hoodie-style cosplay or something that can easily have a jacket thrown over it is perfect.

Think of props, too. A giant cardboard sword might look cool, but after two hours you’ll be carrying it while your kid uses both hands for snacks. Swap it for a plush weapon or something lightweight.

And here’s a little parent hack: build in their favorite comfort item. If your kid always carries a blanket, can you theme it into the costume? A Pokémon trainer with a Pokéball-print blanket? Genius. It keeps them happy and doesn’t “break” the cosplay vibe.

The Realities: Snacks, Breaks, and Wardrobe Malfunctions

Let’s be real—kids are unpredictable. Costumes will spill, seams might pop, and someone will get tired halfway to the vendor hall. That’s okay. The secret is backup everything.

Bring a small repair kit (safety pins, double-sided tape, maybe a glue stick) for costume emergencies. Keep wipes handy for snack explosions. And most importantly, pack backup clothing. A full outfit change is a lifesaver when your kid decides, “I’m done with this costume.” T-shirts with their favorite anime character or just comfy joggers can turn the mood around.

Don’t be afraid to let your kid call it quits on the cosplay mid-day. It doesn’t mean the weekend is ruined—it just means they’re being a kid. Sometimes the best memories come from spontaneous downtime, like finding a quiet corner in the tabletop gaming room or chilling with free ramen in the ConSweet.

Finding the Best Photo Backdrops with Kids

Kids in cosplay deserve great photos, but dragging them around hunting for the “perfect” location usually ends with “perfect” meltdowns. Luckily, M.A.G.E. has plenty of built-in backdrops:

• Artist Alley booths often have colorful displays that look fantastic in photos. Artists are usually cool with a quick picture if you’re respectful.

• The gaming areas with their neon-lit screens and setups make fun, futuristic-looking shots.

• Hallways of the Hyatt Regency are surprisingly photo-friendly—big windows, good lighting, and lots of space without tripping over cables.

• The escape room entrance and the fantasy ball setup often have themed décor that doubles as a cool background.

• And honestly? Sometimes the candid snack-in-hand shots from the ConSweet line are the ones you’ll treasure.

The key: keep photo sessions short. Two or three clicks, then move on before boredom sets in.

What Awaits You at M.A.G.E. (And Why Kids Will Love It Too)

M.A.G.E. is an anime, gaming, sci-fi, and steampunk mashup. Which means you’ll have options, and your kid will too. Let’s go through the big events and what makes them worth checking out.

Panels

At M.A.G.E., the panel rooms are where you never really know what you’re going to get—and that’s the fun of it. Unlike big industry presentations, these are run by fans themselves, which means the range of subjects can get pretty unpredictable. Sure, you’ll run into the usual anime and gaming discussions, but you could just as easily wander into something completely off the wall.

One panel might be all about how to plan your own convention event, with veterans sharing the behind-the-scenes chaos. Another could be a lighthearted breakdown of overcrowded tourist spots to avoid when you’re traveling in Japan. If you’re curious about tech, you might find someone walking through the future of virtual reality in classrooms or how AI could change creative hobbies.

On the flip side, the conversations sometimes drift into lifestyle territory. You might sit in on a chat about digital marketing strategies, or stumble into a panel where someone’s swapping Japanese cuisine recipes for over-21 attendees. Another fan could be showing how to redesign your space with minimalist principles, or even how to keep a tiny balcony garden alive.

Then there may be panels that blur the line between practical and quirky. Someone might be sharing their experience learning a second language through gaming, while another could walk through tips on going vegan without breaking the bank. You might catch a brainstorm session on business planning essentials, or a deep dive into building the ultimate gaming rig. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, you could find a group guiding you through meditation techniques in the middle of a con.

That’s the real magic of fan-run panels: you don’t just show up for the fandom content—you end up getting surprised, inspired, or at least entertained by whatever passionate fans decide to share.

Gaming Tournaments

The gaming halls at M.A.G.E. are buzzing all weekend long. Expect rows of consoles, PCs, handheld setups, and plenty of tabletop action. Tournaments are a huge draw—fighting game brackets (think Smash Bros., Tekken, Street Fighter) can be loud and thrilling, while card and tabletop competitions bring a slower-paced but equally competitive atmosphere. For families, though, the real gem is the casual gaming area. Not every child is ready for the pressure of a tournament, but letting them hop onto a Mario Kart screen or join a friendly Minecraft session can be the perfect mid-day break. If you’ve got older kids who are tournament-curious, check the schedule early—some brackets fill quickly, and younger players may want a parent nearby to help navigate the structure and sign-ups.

Cosplay Contests

The Grand Costume Contest is one of M.A.G.E.’s crown jewels. While the competition itself is packed with jaw-dropping builds from veteran cosplayers, it’s surprisingly kid-friendly. Many conventions encourage kids to enter their own divisions, where craftsmanship expectations are lighter and the emphasis is on fun. Even if your child doesn’t want to step on stage, being in costume and cheering from the audience can be a highlight. Kids light up when they see their favorite characters come to life, and the energy in the room is contagious. If your child is shy, you can also explore casual “hall cosplay,” where just walking around the con dressed up brings tons of photo ops and compliments.

Artist Alley and Vendor Hall

This is hands-down one of the most overwhelming areas for families—because it’s also the most tempting. Artist Alley is lined with indie creators selling original prints, charms, and handmade goods, while the Vendor Hall is a playground of plushies, manga, figures, and every kind of fandom merch imaginable. For kids, it’s basically a candy store. Here’s where budgeting becomes crucial: set a spending limit before entering, and let your child choose how to spend it. It gives them independence while keeping costs from spiraling. Pro tip: circle the hall once without buying anything, then let your kid make their choices on the second lap. That way they don’t blow their whole budget on the first booth they see.

Special Guests

M.A.G.E. consistently brings in voice actors and industry names from popular anime and video games. Past lineups have featured Greg Ayres (Saiyuki, Dragon Ball Z), Quinton Flynn (Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear Solid), Oscar Seung (One Piece, Borderlands), and more. For kids, the magic often comes from realizing that the characters they love have real people behind the voices. Autograph sessions are usually scheduled throughout the weekend, and while some guests charge for signatures, Q&A panels are often free to attend and can be surprisingly engaging for younger fans. If your child doesn’t recognize the guest, no problem—it can still be a fun behind-the-scenes introduction to the world of anime and gaming.

Maid Café

Anime-themed cafés can sound intimidating to parents who aren’t familiar with them, but rest assured—M.A.G.E.’s Maid Café is lighthearted, playful, and kid-friendly. Costumed servers greet guests, bring themed snacks, and often play simple games at the table. It’s interactive rather than just sit-and-eat, and for many kids, the novelty of being “served” in such a whimsical way is the appeal. Expect cute performances, lots of laughter, and a chance to slow down in between the busier parts of the con. Reservations or tickets may be required, so check the event program early.

Escape Room: “Cabin of the Cackling Man”

This is one of M.A.G.E.’s more unique offerings. Unlike the open, high-energy gaming halls, the escape room is immersive and narrative-driven. It’s best suited for tweens and teens because it mixes light horror themes with puzzle-solving. If your child enjoys mysteries, strategy games, or a little bit of spooky atmosphere, this could be their highlight of the weekend. Younger kids might find the theme unsettling, so use your judgment. Most groups are mixed, so you’ll likely team up with other con-goers, making it a great way for older kids to socialize while working together.

Tabletop Gaming

Tabletop spaces are often overlooked, but they’re a goldmine for families. Staff and volunteers usually help newcomers find the right group, whether that’s a quick round of Uno, a sprawling session of Dungeons & Dragons, or a board game they’ve never heard of before. It’s a calmer, seated activity—perfect if your child needs downtime from the more stimulating parts of the con. Plus, tabletop areas tend to foster friendliness and collaboration, so kids often make new friends here more naturally than in louder settings.

Musical Events and Dances

Not every music event is an all-night rave. While older teens and adults flock to the late-night DJ sets, there are plenty of family-appropriate options earlier in the evening. The Fantasy Ball, for example, leans into a whimsical, fairytale vibe. Kids in costume absolutely love twirling around the dance floor, even if they don’t know the steps. Concerts from anime cover bands or J-pop inspired groups can also be surprisingly accessible for kids—the energy is contagious, and dancing in cosplay is one of those experiences they’ll remember long after the con ends. For younger families, consider making these events your “nightcap” before winding down for bed.

Mage Tickets Info

Tickets for M.A.G.E. are surprisingly affordable compared to most conventions, making it easier for fans to enjoy the full weekend without breaking the bank. Weekend badges cost $40, but if you plan ahead and grab them early, you can snag them for just $37. If you can’t commit to the entire event, single-day passes are available at $30 each, and a Sunday pass—perfect for anyone wanting a lighter day to shop, game, or catch a last panel—comes in at only $15. For those who want the VIP treatment, a $150 badge includes exclusive perks that make the experience extra special.

It’s smart to buy your tickets in advance, not only for the savings but also because early registration helps the convention staff plan out guest appearances, programming, and logistics. Think of it as securing your spot while also shaping a smoother con experience for everyone. Waiting until the last minute might mean missing out, so lock in your badge early and give yourself one less thing to worry about when con weekend rolls around.

Important Stuff to Remember When at the Con (For Parents)

Conventions can be magical, chaotic, and exhausting all at once—especially when you’ve got kids in tow. A little planning goes a long way, and these tips can help you keep everyone happy, safe, and sane throughout the weekend.

Strollers & Navigation:
Yes, strollers are allowed, but remember that not all spaces are stroller-friendly. The Artist Alley and Vendor Hall, for example, can get so packed that maneuvering even a small stroller feels like playing Tetris on hard mode. If your little one still needs wheels, consider a lightweight umbrella stroller or a baby carrier to keep things easier in crowded areas.

Food & Snacks:
The ConSweet is a lifesaver, with free ramen and soda available all weekend, but not every kid is going to thrive on salty noodles and sugar. Picky eaters (and parents who want to avoid meltdowns) should bring along simple, non-messy healthy snacks—granola bars, fruit snacks, or crackers that won’t turn your backpack into a disaster zone.

Downtime is Key:
No matter how excited your kids are, a 12-hour convention day is going to wear them down. Schedule intentional breaks. If you’re staying onsite, retreating to the hotel room for an hour makes a world of difference—whether it’s for a nap, a costume change, or just some quiet time. Think of it as a reset button that prevents the dreaded “end-of-day meltdown.”

The Hotel Advantage:
Speaking of hotel rooms, the Hyatt Regency (the main con hotel) usually offers discounted rooms for attendees. Having a space just an elevator ride away isn’t just a luxury—it’s a practical lifesaver. Quick outfit swap? Nap emergency? Snack time? Boom, you’re covered without leaving the building.

Safety First:
Crowds are overwhelming, even for older kids. Before you dive into the fun, make sure your child knows where to find convention staff if they get separated. Some parents also like to use wristbands or lanyards with their phone number—low effort, high peace of mind.

Fandom Becomes Family Time at M.A.G.E.

Cosplaying with kids at M.A.G.E. doesn’t have to be stressful—it just takes smart planning and a willingness to roll with the chaos. Focus on comfort, build in breaks, and remember that not every moment has to be picture-perfect. The real magic is watching your kid light up when someone recognizes their character or when they discover a new favorite game in the tabletop room.

M.A.G.E. is more than just another con—it’s a welcoming space that mixes anime, gaming, and a whole spectrum of nerdy passions. Whether your little one wants to show off their costume in the cosplay contest, shop for plushies in Artist Alley, or just dance their heart out at the ball, there’s a place for them. And for you? It’s the chance to share the fandom you love with your kid in a way that feels fun, comfortable, and yes—stress-free.