PAX Unplugged tips for a first-timer
December 4, 2024 5:50 AM Subscribe
I'm attending PAX Unplugged for the first time with my 4 year old on Sunday. Any tips to help us get the most out of it, especially with a child?
Hello PAX Goer! Although most of my experience at PAX is at East and not Unplugged, I think the following is pretty universal
1. PAX in one day is very hard, because there is so much to do. Download the app in advance, make a VERY SHORT list of "must do" things, then be prepared to be flexible for the rest of day. PAX is very large - the map in the app will help. Accept that you won't get to see or do all the things that are interesting to you.
2. PAX is a community. I attended PAX East with my kid for years (they're 18 now) and overall I found that PAX goers are very welcoming and open to kids. The volunteer staff are called "Enforcers" and you can identify them easily by their matching Purple shirts. Point them out to your kid early and often - make sure kiddo knows they are people (with radios!) who can help if you get separated or there is an emergency.
3. Take lots of breaks. The show floor is huge, and you'll be doing lots of walking. There is a ton of noise and its can be a sensory overload for kids (and for adults). Taking regular breaks in a quiet (or quieter) spot (chill out room, hallway nook, empty conference room, classic cardboard area). Be sure to bring a water bottle for each of you (there are plenty of places to refill) and snacks (outside food is fine). STAY HYDRATED and don't get hungry.
3a. There is a (paid) coat and bag check, and for $10 you can get what's called "in and out" access to a bigger bag. I have in the past used it to check a small cooler for snacks and lunch foods for me and the kiddo. Con food prices are crazy. Both of you will be happier with familiar food that doesn't cost $20 or involve a massive line.
4. If you have the time and energy it could be fun to make a short (like 5-6 item) 'scavenger hunt' for your kiddo, printed on paper, with things for them to find. So, maybe a photo of some dice, a dragon, maybe the PAX logo, something associated with a game you're particularly interested in -- any items, doesn't matter .... but giving it to your kid can give them something that feels like its their "special mission" to find those things. There is also an official scavenger hunt called "PAX XP" where you find the stations and scan your badge -- at nine my kid was INSANELY GOOD at finding the XP locations but it might be harder for a four year old. The goal of PAX XP is to encourage you to explore the entire convention, so trying to find the spots can be a good way to "see the entire con" (although that's hard in one day).
5. There is a robust PAX community online. There is an official PAX subreddit where you can find posts on a lot of different topics, including advice for first time PAX goers, and there are also three different Discords (PAX Official, PAX Community, and Penny Arcade). All of these channels are used to people asking questions and are very welcoming to first time PAX goers.
6. Pin trading is big at PAX and may or may not be of interest to you. The thing to know is that official pin trading is limited to official Pinny Arcade pins (purchased from PAX/PinnyArcade). Pin trading is a huge topic and feel free to ask if that's of interest to you. Mostly know that its a thing.
7. Generally there are a decent number of cosplayers, although I'm not sure there are as many on Sunday. Cosplayers can be a cool thing for kids (or they can be very scary). Know your kid, and approach or avoid as appropriate. If you or your kid want photos with a cosplayer, don't take them in the isles - you'll need to step out of the flow of traffic.
8. Be sure to go visit Cookie Brigade at booth 28A. They're a grassroots charitable organization that grew out of the PAX community, they raise money by selling cookies (now packaged cookies) at PAX events, they support children's wellness charities, and they have a super fun, goofy, engaging booth. Also: cookies.
For me personally, going to PAX with my kid for the past ten years has been an amazing experience and an opportunity to share something I love with my kid but also see the world through my kid's eyes. I hope that you get to do some stuff you love (and find some new stuff to love) while also spending time having fun with your kiddo. Wish I could be in Philly this year. Feel free to reach out if you have specific questions.
posted by anastasiav at 10:19 AM on December 4
1. PAX in one day is very hard, because there is so much to do. Download the app in advance, make a VERY SHORT list of "must do" things, then be prepared to be flexible for the rest of day. PAX is very large - the map in the app will help. Accept that you won't get to see or do all the things that are interesting to you.
2. PAX is a community. I attended PAX East with my kid for years (they're 18 now) and overall I found that PAX goers are very welcoming and open to kids. The volunteer staff are called "Enforcers" and you can identify them easily by their matching Purple shirts. Point them out to your kid early and often - make sure kiddo knows they are people (with radios!) who can help if you get separated or there is an emergency.
3. Take lots of breaks. The show floor is huge, and you'll be doing lots of walking. There is a ton of noise and its can be a sensory overload for kids (and for adults). Taking regular breaks in a quiet (or quieter) spot (chill out room, hallway nook, empty conference room, classic cardboard area). Be sure to bring a water bottle for each of you (there are plenty of places to refill) and snacks (outside food is fine). STAY HYDRATED and don't get hungry.
3a. There is a (paid) coat and bag check, and for $10 you can get what's called "in and out" access to a bigger bag. I have in the past used it to check a small cooler for snacks and lunch foods for me and the kiddo. Con food prices are crazy. Both of you will be happier with familiar food that doesn't cost $20 or involve a massive line.
4. If you have the time and energy it could be fun to make a short (like 5-6 item) 'scavenger hunt' for your kiddo, printed on paper, with things for them to find. So, maybe a photo of some dice, a dragon, maybe the PAX logo, something associated with a game you're particularly interested in -- any items, doesn't matter .... but giving it to your kid can give them something that feels like its their "special mission" to find those things. There is also an official scavenger hunt called "PAX XP" where you find the stations and scan your badge -- at nine my kid was INSANELY GOOD at finding the XP locations but it might be harder for a four year old. The goal of PAX XP is to encourage you to explore the entire convention, so trying to find the spots can be a good way to "see the entire con" (although that's hard in one day).
5. There is a robust PAX community online. There is an official PAX subreddit where you can find posts on a lot of different topics, including advice for first time PAX goers, and there are also three different Discords (PAX Official, PAX Community, and Penny Arcade). All of these channels are used to people asking questions and are very welcoming to first time PAX goers.
6. Pin trading is big at PAX and may or may not be of interest to you. The thing to know is that official pin trading is limited to official Pinny Arcade pins (purchased from PAX/PinnyArcade). Pin trading is a huge topic and feel free to ask if that's of interest to you. Mostly know that its a thing.
7. Generally there are a decent number of cosplayers, although I'm not sure there are as many on Sunday. Cosplayers can be a cool thing for kids (or they can be very scary). Know your kid, and approach or avoid as appropriate. If you or your kid want photos with a cosplayer, don't take them in the isles - you'll need to step out of the flow of traffic.
8. Be sure to go visit Cookie Brigade at booth 28A. They're a grassroots charitable organization that grew out of the PAX community, they raise money by selling cookies (now packaged cookies) at PAX events, they support children's wellness charities, and they have a super fun, goofy, engaging booth. Also: cookies.
For me personally, going to PAX with my kid for the past ten years has been an amazing experience and an opportunity to share something I love with my kid but also see the world through my kid's eyes. I hope that you get to do some stuff you love (and find some new stuff to love) while also spending time having fun with your kiddo. Wish I could be in Philly this year. Feel free to reach out if you have specific questions.
posted by anastasiav at 10:19 AM on December 4
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Get the PAX app! It has maps, events, and show info which is super helpful. I try and pick out a few places/activities I definitely want to go to, as it can quickly become overwhelming once inside.
Wear layers!! It actually looks to be decent weather on Sunday (low 50s F) but I really like being able to adjust as needed, since the convention center can be really warm, especially with many moving bodies in the market area. There is a coat check (paid) if you need to stash coats.
Wear your comfiest shoes. The convention hall floor is straight concrete and can be hard on your feet.
They don't have an official AFK Room this year, but they do seem to have something called a Chill Out Zone room? I still encourage breaks to hang out in the carpeted hallways to give my feet and mind a rest. If you're not sure where to go, just pick a hallway outside the main convention floor (around rooms 100-120) and start walking down it. The crowds tend to be really clustered in discrete areas and I've always been able to find a quiet place to relax when I need to take 5.
If you plan on buying anything at all, bring a large and comfy storage bag or backpack. There's also lots of freebies like one-shot campaigns and posters and stickers.
I do believe strollers are allowed at Unplugged (if you are planning on using one), but just be aware that especially in the market area and some of the entranceways, crowds can make navigation difficult.
Your profile indicates you're in Philly, so I'm omitting any food advice except don't eat at the convention hall food service vendors, but you probably already knew that. Also, you can bring your own water and snacks!!
Their official 'quick start guide' is pretty decent. Definitely check out the location entrance and be prepared for a waiting line to get in.
Have fun!
posted by rachaelfaith at 7:34 AM on December 4