Fan Expo has always been a good time for us, but the Fan Expo 2026 family experience officially crossed into core memory territory. This was the year it stopped being just a convention we attended and became a full-on family affair. That shift changed everything.
Between bringing more kids along, navigating the show while I was in a boot thanks to an Achilles injury, and watching our extended family fall in love with the con scene, this weekend hit differently in the best way.
Once we talked about etiquette with our crew, we knew we would have a great time. Why? Fan Expo takes its commitment to putting on an all-ages, serious show seriously.
Fan Expo 2026 turned out to be one of the most family‑friendly conventions we’ve ever attended, and this recap breaks down what worked, what surprised us, and why we’ll be back.
Fan Expo 2026 Family Experience: Different Days, Different Vibes
Friday Was Calm and Comfortable
Friday reminded us why we love opening days.
- Lower crowds
- Easier navigation
- More time to talk with vendors and artists
It was relaxed, manageable, and a great way to ease everyone into the weekend.
Saturday Was Busy and Worth It
Saturday flipped the switch.
- Packed floors
- Wall-to-wall cosplay
- Big energy everywhere
Seeing the kids experience that excitement made the crowds feel completely worth it.
Unfortunately, other obligations and my bad foot kept us from attending on Sunday.
Cosplay, Community, and One Perfect Quote
The cosplay this year was outstanding, but what stood out most was the kindness behind it.
Our little one and her cousins often interacted with cosplayers, and none of them disappointed them. They posed for pictures and answered questions.
Artists often advised our kids that being an artist is both hard work and lots of fun.
As for the con, we had no negative interactions. In fact, on the way to our relatives’ hotel after the con on Saturday, a fellow con goer had a Funko Pop they didn’t want and gave it to one of the kiddos. You can tell they were so happy making the kids happy!
The Community Zone Was a Huge Win
The Community Zone turned out to be one of the most meaningful parts of the weekend, especially for the kids.
My sister-in-law went all in. She paid (the money went to charity) for all the kids, hers and ours, to dress up as Ghostbusters. This led to an impromptu photoshoot with the kids, and they loved every second of it.
Watching that moment unfold, she summed it up perfectly.
“This is what it’s all about.”
She was absolutely right. Memories were being made.
The Kids Zone Worked for Everyone
With my boot limiting how long I could stay on my feet, the Kids Zone became an unexpected lifesaver.
- The kids burned off energy
- They got creative
I was able to sit, rest, and still be part of the experience, which mattered more than I expected. I filmed them working on projects and let them film their own. It was a way of connecting that they, and I, needed.
For us, this part of the weekend defined the Fan Expo 2026 family experience.
Staff and Accessibility Really Mattered
I cannot say enough good things about how the staff handled accessibility.
Staff noticed I was struggling to walk. As we headed into the John Cena panel, they made sure I was taken care of while still respecting the integrity of the seats people had paid for.
Walking a convention floor is exhausting even on a good day. Doing it in a boot is something else entirely. From my perspective, Fan Expo 2026 handled accessibility with thoughtful care.
We love cons that pay attention to accessibility issues and do their best to take them into account. If you want to read more about how we pack for a con with my issues, please check out our essential preparation list for cons.
Now, I’m not in a scooter or wheelchair. We would love to have someone share their experiences not just with Fan Expo, but with any con so we can learn more about how you are affected. Send us an email (below in the author’s box!)
Celebrity Encounters That Felt Personal
Josh Holloway
Josh Holloway was an amazing guest.
- He was interactive
- He talked directly with our daughter, niece, and nephew
- He seemed genuinely interested in what the little ones had to say
And according to my wife, he has aged like fine wine.
Oroku Saki
Oroku Saki, known for Lost and TMNT, was kind and encouraging.
- He offered thoughtful advice to our daughter and niece
- His words meant even more to our niece, who is about to start rehearsals as Ariel in a production of The Little Mermaid
That moment will stick with them.
Hayden Christensen
We attended the Hayden Christensen panel, and it was very well run. You could clearly see how much he loves and embraces his place in the Star Wars universe.
My sister-in-law took a photo with him, and he signed a painting my other sister-in-law created. He was really impressed with the painting and understood how personal it was to her.
John Cena
John Cena should teach a clinic on how to run a panel.
- Clear answers
- Strong pacing
- Real engagement
Also, his Waffle House order included a deep cut that absolutely landed with the crowd.
The Biggest Takeaway: This Community Gets It
What stayed with me most was the fan community.
- K-pop Demon Hunter cosplayers always stopped to take photos with the kids
- Vendors selling wands and LEGO minifigs talked to the kids, not down to them
- People seemed genuinely excited to include younger fans
Experiencing a convention through kids’ eyes makes moments like that even more meaningful.
Yes, We Spent Too Much Money
We spent more money than I want to know about. We bought wands, mini-figs, jewelry, artwork, and clothes
No regrets.
The Highest Compliment We Can Give
Here is how I know Fan Expo 2026 was a success:
My sister-in-law already wants to come back next year, and they have not announced a single guest yet.
That says everything.
People Also Ask…
Is Fan Expo good for families with kids?
Yes. Between the Kids Zone, Community Zone, and the welcoming fan culture, Fan Expo 2026 was very family-friendly. There are some adult moments and panels, but it is not, for the most part, in-your-face. There are some cosplays that can make people blush, but nothing you wouldn’t see on the beach nowadays.
How is Fan Expo for accessibility needs?
From our experience, staff handled accessibility respectfully and thoughtfully, especially during panels and high-traffic areas. The vendor area is crowded, but there are very wide avenues to travel between.
Are celebrity panels worth attending at Fan Expo?
Absolutely. Panels like Hayden Christensen’s and John Cena’s were engaging, well-run, and respectful of fans.
Why we keep going back?
If you’re considering Fan Expo with kids, our Fan Expo 2026 family experience shows just how welcoming and memorable it can be. For us, Fan Expo has become one of our favorite family‑friendly conventions, and 2026 set a new bar.
The next Fan Expo is in Portland. Tickets are on sale now!
Media Disclaimer
Nola Nerd Couple attended this event with complimentary media credentials. No financial compensation was provided, and this post contains no affiliate links. All opinions, experiences, and perspectives shared are entirely our own.
About The Author
