Everything You Need to Know About Bringing Your Kids to Ottawa Comiccon 2019

It’s that time of year again when families can geek out at one of their favourite events, Ottawa Comiccon. The event will return to the EY Centre on May 10-12 and the entire weekend is stacked with photo opportunities with celebrities, special panels, a giant exhibit hall to shop in, and interactive fun for kids of all ages.

Here’s what you can expect when you bring the kids to Comiccon

Yes, the weekend event is a ticketed activity, and depending on how deep into fandom fun you want to dive, your ticket price will vary. It’s important to know that your ticket to get into the event is separate from any photo ops you want to do. But this entire weekend is dedicated to exploring and sharing together in your love of movies, comics, pop culture, video games, toys and more. Kids and adults alike will find plenty to do during the weekend and admission can be purchased as a weekend pass, or daily.

Photo ops with your favourite characters

It’s kind of a big deal that your family can meet the actress who plays Mantis in Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy or the man who is currently Chewbacca in Star Wars, or maybe you’ll be interested to know that a blast from your past, Smallville’s Tom Welling, will all be available for photo ops during the event. There is a large list of amazing actors and performers in town for the weekend. Of note are two Princess Bride actors, Wallace Shawn and Cary Elwes. And for you Harry Potter fans, Draco Malfoy himself (Tom Felton) will be here on Saturday and Sunday. Prices for each photo op vary.

Activities to know about

There are a variety of family-friendly activities happening, like face painting (which always seems to be a hit with the younger crowd) and tabletop games to play. There will also be video gaming and concerts taking place over the course of the weekend. For example, the Henry Larsen school band will be performing a video game concert on Friday afternoon featuring the music of Final Fantasy.

This is also your opportunity to cosplay as a family. Dress up as your favourite character or create a family-themed costume and attend. If your child is just entering the world of cosplay and you have questions, there is a panel for parents on Friday afternoon about children and cosplay or attend the costume contest on Saturday. There are rules about costume weapons at the show, but the Comiccon website has all of the details you’ll need to dress up.

Shopping at Exhibit Hall

With over two hundred retailers and artists selling merchandise, you’ll be able to find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day with the kids, or their next birthday gift. If there’s a particular comic, video game character or movie they are interested in, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find something they’ll love.

Special pricing for families

If you are searching for Ottawa Comiccon coupons or discounts for admission, you’ll be happy to know that kids aged 12 and under are free on Friday and Sunday (yes, Sunday is Mother’s Day!) and admission for them is only $6 on Saturday (photo ops are separately priced). Kids under 6 are free every day.

For more information about Ottawa Comiccon and to purchase tickets in advance, visit their website.