The Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, known as C2E2, returns to McCormick Place April 11-13, 2025. The massive pop culture convention proudly boasts itself as “the biggest geek party in the Midwest,” perfect for any fan who wants to “geek out with other nerdy Chicagoans.”
The three-day convention has panels featuring special celebrity guests, exhibitors and brands, and artists and creators that cater to all things comics, cosplay, anime, video games, pop culture movies, TV shows, books and more.
Whether your family is new to the comic-con world or they’re veteran pop culture fanatics, cosplay enthusiasts or Star Wars nerds, we have some super tips for navigating C2E2 with kids.
Read more: Top 10 April Family Events You Don’t Want to Miss
What families can expect at C2E2
- Visit Family HQ. Consider this the hub for your C2E2 experience with kids. Enjoy storytimes, play at the Free Play Area, build your own action figures and more. Pick up a C2E2 Adventurer’s Guide at Family HQ to find more family-friendly events happening across the entire convention.
- Stop by Cosplay Central to learn more about creating character costumes. In need of a quick touch-up? There’s a cosplay repair and changing station for all your costume needs.
- Play games galore. Play video games, board games and card games, or teach your kids about your favorite retro arcade games in the Gaming Zone.
- Oversized/double-wide strollers are not allowed. Regular strollers are fine, though, so strap in your little cosplayers; there’s a lot to see! There’s also a Quiet Room for guests who need a quiet moment away from the Show Room will be available. Strict volume levels will be enforced.
More things to know before you go
- Address: McCormick Place South Building, 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Day passes begin at $55 for adults. Kids 3-day passes are $30.
- Getting there: Several CTA buses, including the 3 and 21, have stops near McCormick Place. C2E2 is accessible by the Cermak-Chinatown red line, Cermak-McCormick green line and McCormick Place Metra and South Shore train stations.
- Parking: There is on-site parking available from $25-$38, depending on the day, time and lot.
This article was recently updated on April 4, 2025 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. The update included her providing the latest information on things for families to do at C2E2. Questions? Please reach out to katina@chicagoparent.com.
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