Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Context
I have three kids: a 2-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a 12-year-old. I’ve been to anime conventions before—specifically Momocon, but that was 10–15 years ago, and the experience today feels very different. This was my first time attending an anime convention as a parent, which changes how I evaluate the experience.
Overall Experience
Going to an anime convention with kids was interesting and mostly positive. There was a lot to do and see, and overall it felt well-organized and family-friendly, even if not everything fully aligned with my personal interests.
What I Liked
- Early show premieres (including shows not yet released on Crunchyroll)
- Dub versions available to watch
- Panels and discussions with creators and industry folks
- Art booths and creative activities
- Game areas, including access to Japanese games
- Seeing people dress up and fully embrace the atmosphere
- Kid-friendly spaces, including:
- A play area
- Drawing with crayons on the floor
- Helpful and kind staff
- Good accessibility (elevators, manageable crowd flow)
- Parking was surprisingly easy, thanks to app-based parking systems (even if the walk was a bit long for kids)
How Things Have Changed Over Time
Compared to 10–15 years ago:
- Access to Japanese games is no longer rare—you can find them locally or online now
- Anime premieres are often released online quickly, reducing the “you must be here” feeling
- Nostalgia plays a smaller role now that content is more accessible
- Events that once felt exclusive now feel more like early access rather than unique access
Mixed Feelings / Observations
- There was a heavy focus on voice acting:
- Voice actors attending
- Voice acting panels
- A voice acting school with a booth
This isn’t bad, but it stood out. When I was younger, conventions felt more centered on watching anime and playing games, with less emphasis on voice acting as a career path.
- Game tournaments were less interesting to me than they used to be:
- They feel more like watching highly practiced competitors
- My interest has faded, possibly because I have kids now
- Watching full shows is harder with a 2-year-old, which creates practical constraints
Demographics & Social Observations
I found myself noticing who was there:
- Many attendees seemed to be single, dating, or without kids
- Fewer families with young children
- As someone in my 30s with three kids, it highlighted how life stage changes how you experience conventions
- Not a negative—just an interesting contrast
Personal Preferences
- I care less about arts and crafts
- I’d rather watch shows or experience premieres
- I still think I prefer game conventions, especially for:
- Experimental demos
- Hands-on gameplay experiences
Final Thoughts
Overall, the experience was good.
Not everything hit the same way it would have 10–15 years ago, but that’s expected.
There’s a high probability we’ll go again next year, mainly to:
- See what’s changed
- Re-evaluate as the kids get older
- Experience it again with adjusted expectations
It worked well enough, and I’m glad we went.
