Welcome to Family Programming at MarsCon!
We believe that it’s important to encourage a love of all things sci-fi and fandom in kids and
adults of all ages. Many sci-fi conventions and comic-cons focus on amazing panels, fun
workshops, and exciting activities for adult con-goers, and don’t have much to offer for the
younger fans and sci-fi enthusiasts. At MarsCon, we want to provide an amazing weekend for
the whole family! Our Family Programming track includes panels and activities designed with
our younger sci-fi fans in mind. We also have a Family Programming room stocked with
coloring and drawing supplies, Legos, K’Nex, and board games where our kiddos (and their
adults!) can come hang out, build something awesome, play a fun game, or even just chill out
and curl up with a good book. Come play with us!
Family Programming at MarsCon 2025 is out of this world!
We’ve been planning for a whole year, and we can’t wait to share a galactic good time with our
youngest fans. Check out the programming schedule so you can make sure the kiddos don’t miss
out on making alien slime, going on an Intergalactic Scavenger Hunt, learning how to paint their
own miniatures, and much more!
Book Swap for Kids and Teens
Trade your earthbound books for new cosmic adventures! Bring a gently used science fiction or
fantasy book and discover your next interstellar reading journey. Whether you're fascinated by
space pirates, alien civilizations, or magical quests, you'll find treasures to transport you to new
worlds. All donated books should be appropriate for kids or teens and in good condition.
Cosmic Sing-A-Long for Kids with Alyssa Yeager
Join our Musical Guest of Honor, Alyssa Yeager, for a fun concert that’s truly out of this world!
Get ready to hear and sing along with awesome songs about magic, imagination, and far-off
galaxies.
All ages welcome. No musical experience needed – just bring your enthusiasm and your best
singing voice!
Storytime
Are you ready for an adventure? There will be a special guest to share a kids’ book that inspired
them as they were growing up. Kids, and kids at heart, should bring a stuffy and grab a comfy
seat for story time at MarsCon!
Saturday Morning Cartoons for Kids
Travel back in time to the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons – in space! Put on your PJs,
bring your stuffy, and join us for some classic animated sci-fi adventures. From The Jetsons, to
Transformers, and Dexter’s Laboratory, these beloved cartoons will spark imagination across the
galaxy!
Alien Slime Lab
Warning: Extraterrestrial substances detected! Join our cosmic scientists to mix up your very
own batch of alien slime. Learn the secret formula for creating stretchy, squishy, colorful goo
while conducting safe and supervised experiments. Each young scientist will take home their
own container of custom-made alien slime. Put on your lab coat (aprons provided) and get ready
to get messy!
All ages welcome and all materials provided. Please note: Our slime is non-toxic and washable,
but participants may want to wear clothes that can get messy. Children with sensitivities to
common craft materials should check with staff about ingredients. Children 8 and under must
have a parent or guardian present.
Miniature Painting for Kids and Teens
Are you ready to bring your tiny space heroes and cosmic creatures to life? Come to Family
Programming to learn the secrets of miniature painting! We'll cover essential techniques
including priming, base coating, dry brushing, and detail work. Each participant will receive a
miniature figure to paint and take home. Perfect for both beginners and young artists with some
painting experience.
Ages 10+ recommended. All materials provided; space may be limited. Please note: While
acrylic paints are washable, you may get messy.
Board Game Party for Kids
Join the excitement at our kid-friendly board game party and dive into the captivating worlds of
strategy and teamwork! Unveil the mysteries of Forbidden Island, help the Doomlings survive
the Apocalypse, or embark on a sushi-making adventure with Sushi Go Party! Kids will learn the
rules, hone their decision-making skills, and strategize together in a thrilling quest for victory.
Don't miss this chance for young minds to explore these thrilling games, fostering camaraderie
and strategic thinking in an atmosphere buzzing with laughter and friendly competition.
Sci-Fi Movie Trivia for Kids and Teens
Calling all young space explorers and movie buffs! Come test your knowledge on iconic films,
memorable characters, and out-of-this-world plot twists. Whether you’re a fan of classics like
Star Wars or E.T., or more modern hits like Big Hero 6, there’s something for everyone. You can
play as a team or on your own. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or just love to escape to
other worlds, this is the perfect chance to showcase your sci-fi smarts and make new friends
along the way.
Interstellar Scavenger Hunt
Join us for a Bingo Scavenger Hunt at this year's MarsCon! Come get your bingo card and
explore the convention. You might even win a prize if you can use your powers of observation,
and a little luck, to fill in all the sights on your card! Bring your curiosity and sense of adventure
to seek out all the cool sights MarsCon has to offer!
Family Break Room
This year we’ll have a room for kids and families to take a break and play, explore their creativity, and maybe relax a bit. Our space for kids will have board games, Legos, K’Nex, coloring and drawing supplies, and even some awesome books to curl up with. Come check it out and play with us!
Be sure to look for the Schedule at the con so you don’t miss out on all the FUN! Family programming is in red on the schedule.
Family Programming: Things to remember
- Parents/Guardians: If you expect to step away from your child AT ANY POINT, planned or unexpectedly, during the Con, please remember to complete this waiver, be sure the buddy system is used, and remember that you are ultimately responsible for your child’s behavior, safety, and well being.
- Lost Parents Station: Please remember ALL ATTENDEES UNDER AGE 12 should have their parents’/guardians’ cell phone numbers written on the back of their badges. Parents/Guardians SHOULD KNOW WHERE THEIR CHILDREN ARE at ALL TIMES. If responsible adults become separated from their kids and cell phone service becomes unreliable, there will be a Lost Parents Station located at Con Ops.
- To view the MarsCon Policies, go to: https://www.marscon.net/wp/policies/marscon-policies/
TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS: Please look for programs intended just for you