Kids And Teens at Arisia
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 Children's Policies and Code of Conduct.
Turtle Track (Childcare)
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 sign-up, we provide supervised child care for those too young to enjoy the convention on their own (2 to 6 years old). All children using this service must have full memberships to the convention. See the Turtle Track page for more details.
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.
Fast Track
Arisia's Kids' program, known as Fast Track, is designed as a con-within-a-con for children in the 6-12 age range. We offer a wide variety of program items, including crafts, costuming, a magic show, science, exercises, discussions, demonstrations, storytelling, and games. For more information, to make suggestions for program items or to volunteer to help, contact us at fasttrack@arisia.org.
Children under six are permitted in Fast Track with a parent. Kids in tow are welcome with a parent, but may not be left. For unsupervised children under six, please use childcare. We also cannot permit food in the area. We welcome teen volunteers.
Fast Track hours are as follows:
- Friday
- 4pm-6pm
- Saturday
- 8:30-11:30am
1pm-5:30pm - Sunday
- 8:30-11:30am
1pm-5:30pm - Monday
- 8:30-1pm
Teen Lounge
Teen Lounge is a space for teens between the ages of 13 and 19. 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 teenlounge@arisia.org
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 Kamikaze Costuming, 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 for more details.