Don’t have tickets for Comic-Con? No worries! There’s still plenty to see and do outside the convention center—from Petco Park to various offsite events.
Want a sneak peek of preview night? Check out this awesome 2025 video from @luvpinkhellokitty — thanks to her for letting me share it!
👧🧒 Kid-Friendly Offsite Events
1. New Children's Museum Park – Nickelodeon Activation
Outdoor play zone with live performances and games from Paw Patrol, TMNT, and more — plus a family movie screening of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants on Friday at 7pm. July 23–26, 200 W. Island Ave.
2. Petco Park Interactive Zone
More than a dozen brand activations, games, and celebrity appearances across Gallagher Square — free and open Thu–Sun.
3. Hello Kitty Café Truck
Parked inside the Petco Park Interactive Zone serving themed treats and exclusive merch. Thu–Sat 10am–4pm, Sunday 10am (closing TBD).
4. Switch Sports Resort
Nintendo's family-friendly pop-up letting kids go hands-on with Switch Sports games, plus photo ops. Thu–Sun.
5. PAWmicon Pet Cosplay
Helen Woodward Animal Center's pet costume contest at Balboa Park — free to watch, family-friendly, all ages. Tuesday, July 21, 4:30–7pm.
6. Comic-Con Museum: Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder
U.S. debut exhibit with 17 iconic Doctor costumes, a full-size TARDIS, and sonic screwdriver props. Open Thu–Tue, $15–30 (free under 6).
🌟 General Free Pop-Ups & Activations (All Ages)
1. Comic-Con Art Show
100+ artists' original work, silent auction and quick-sale pieces. Manchester Grand Hyatt, free, Thu–Sun.
2. Her Universe Fashion Show
DC-inspired couture runway show hosted by Ashley Eckstein. Free, wristband details TBD. Thursday, July 23, 6pm.
3. Chuck Jones Gallery Meet-and-Greets
Artist signings celebrating the Looney Tunes creator, plus guest Disney/Warner Bros. artists. Seaport Village, free, Thu–Sat.
4. Marvel Contest of Champions: Towers (Digital Game Room)
Free tournaments, challenges, and prize spins at the Marriott Marquis Marina Ballroom. Thu–Sat 9:30am–7pm, Sun 9:30am–5pm.
5. Clash of Clans – Clash for the Stache
10-minute immersive challenge room with merch, food, and photo ops. Seaport Village, running through September 7.
6. Swing Social RPG Hub
"Dungeon Crawler Carl" and "Bobiverse" immersive activation with XP-for-prizes and a Princess Donut food truck nearby. July 25, 1–4pm, 527 Fifth Ave.
7. Spider-Man: Brand New Day Photo Ops
Photo activation plus BERO nonalcoholic beer sampling for Sony's upcoming film. Nason's Beer Hall, July 24–25, noon–4pm.
8. PopUp Bagels & Donut Bar at Pendry San Diego
Grab-and-go breakfast and character-themed doughnuts, daily from 7am until sold out.
👨👩👧👦 Family Tips for Offsite Events
- Arrive earlier than you think — free activations can hit capacity long before posted closing times.
- Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes (many lines are outdoors with limited shade).
- Bring a portable phone charger for photos and check-ins.
- Set a meeting point in case you get separated in crowds.
- Double-check hours, age limits, and reservation requirements the morning you attend — details can shift day to day.
- Follow event social accounts for last-minute swag drops or line updates.
*This article is not affiliated with or endorsed by San Diego Comic-Con or Comic-Con International. “San Diego Comic-Con” is a trademark of Comic-Con International. The list portion was created with AI assistance.
