Interested in checking out “The Largest Tabletop Game Convention in North America”? We are, too! Gen Con Indy 2024 takes place at the Indiana Convention Center from August 1-4. The event covers all types of games, from classic card games to live-action role-playing games, plus just about everything in between. The biggest piece of advice I got from Gen Con veterans was “Be prepared and have a plan for the day.” We will do just that. Come with us as we learn more about getting our game on at Indy’s Gen Con.
What is Gen Con?
Simply put, Gen Con is everything games. This is one of the biggest gaming events of the year, nationwide. The convention embraces everything about tabletop gaming and the culture surrounding the industry, including opportunities to immerse yourself in a game, check out the game merch available, attend guest panels, take photos with cosplayers, or even join the fun yourself by cosplaying from one of your favorite games. There are all kinds of games, including card games, board games, collectibles, miniatures, video games, live-action and role-playing games, and more. People travel across the country every year to get to experience this feat in gaming and community.
What is the Cost?
The event in its entirety takes place over four days and badge prices vary per day. We think the best day to bring the kids is Sunday, which is the convention’s Family Fun Day. Admission on this day is a deal at only $18 per person. The other days will run you between $70-90 per person, depending on the day. Since Sunday is the final day of the convention, it packs in more activities and events geared toward kids than the previous days.
Children aged 10 and under are free with a paid accompanying adult but will need to register for a wristband. Wristbands will allow your child to participate in KIDS ACTIVITIES. The wristband process can be completed on the Gen Con website, after adding the child’s name to your Friends List. More information about this process can be found here. All badges and wristbands will need to be ordered online prior to the event. They can be mailed or picked up at will-call.
Notes on tickets:
If your 10-and-under child wants to participate in a KIDS EVENT, they will need to have a purchased badge, instead of a free wristband.
Will call lines can often be very long, so if this is the option you are choosing, make sure to account for time in line when planning your day at Gen Con with kids. Some guests have reported being in line for up to two hours for will-call tickets.
What Events Are On GenCon Family Day?
There are many cost-effective events taking place on Sunday. Free events this year include:
- Exploring the Manga Library
- Watching the finals from board game tournaments that are wrapping up
- Playing in your own game demos
- A book signing and meet-and-greet with Mikki Kendall
- Minecraft Family Hour
- Collector pin trading
- A coloring station
- Painting a game board miniature during Hang Out and Hobby
- Watching contestants compete for who has the speediest painting skills in the Reaper Speed Painting Championships
- Take part in one of the free role playing games (Dungeons and Dragons, Bandits on the Bridge, or Marvel Multiverse)
- Playing card games (Jack Labrador, Another Man’s Treasure, Toil & Troublez, and more)
- Attending a seminar where you learn how to make your own monster
- And so much more!
There are hundreds of events listed for Family Fun Day, though many require additional ticketing. Most tickets are $2-4 dollars, but some can be more than $20. Check out which event you have your heart set on attending and purchase your tickets in advance.
What if the event I want to attend is sold out?
There is the option of purchasing a “Generic ticket,” which is a lot like ticket roulette. A generic ticket costs $2 to purchase and does not necessarily guarantee admission to any specific event. (There are, however, some events that ONLY accept generic tickets.) With your generic ticket, you are able to show up early to an event that is marked as sold out and possibly gain admittance with your generic ticket. Please keep in mind this is never guaranteed to give you admittance, just an option to try your odds.
What should I know before going to Gen Con with kids?
- This event is BIG and BUSY. During its four-day run, the convention showcases over 500 companies in the Exhibit hall, as well as more than 20,000 events for guests. Crowds for previous events have reached over 70,000 attendees. If crowds are overwhelming, be sure to scout out a space to be able to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the convention upon arrival.
- With the crowd sizes, this area in Indianapolis will be very busy during the convention and parking may be an issue. Plan your parking location in advance, and have additional options as backups, in case your first choice doesn’t work out. If you happen to have a membership to the Eiteljorg or Indiana State Museum, this can be a good spot to park, as well as a place to retreat for some quiet time during the day.
- Be sure to wear some tried-and-true comfortable shoes. There will be lots of walking, and if you have a tot that may tire quickly, be sure to be ready with your preferred method of travel- wrap, wagon, or stroller. A wagon or stroller may also be helpful if you intend to purchase games or merchandise at the event.
- Bring your own water and snacks. In a worst-case scenario, you are already prepared if another dining option does not work out. There are water refill stations in the convention hall. There are also food trucks and several eatery options nearby, but time may not be on your side with these options, depending on crowd size. If choosing to eat from food trucks, get there early to avoid crowds. If you are set on eating at a nearby restaurant, plan for one that accepts advanced reservations to be able to maximize your schedule.
- Look over the map of the convention center before going to help familiarize yourself with the layout of the convention. There are multiple levels to the convention, so this will help keep your day on track. You can also grab a copy of the program outside the vendor hall, so you can have a map handy.
- Download the Gen Con app on your phone. The app can help notify you when you have an upcoming event, or with the layout of the convention on the chance there are changes to the map (which can happen) on the day of the event.
- If you are going to have your phone out all day for navigation and snapping photos of your favorite cosplayers, consider bringing a spare charging bank.
- If your children are old enough, make sure you have a meet-up plan in place, on the chance anyone becomes separated from your party.
- Costumes are encouraged, so let your little pick out the outfit that makes their heart soar. Just be sure to pack a change of clothes, in case your superhero’s outfit starts to be overwhelming for them after a bit.
The Spark on the Circle Pop-up Park is a great place to unwind downtown.
Play board games at these restaurants, libraries, and stores around Indy.
