Kids Market at Tampa Bay Comic Convention

Young Entrepreneurs Take Center Stage at Tampa Bay Comic Con

The Kids Market at Tampa Bay Comic Convention transforms Sunday afternoon into a showcase for Tampa's youngest business minds. Running from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on September 6th at the Tampa Convention Center, this unique marketplace gives children the chance to sell their handmade crafts, artwork, and creative products alongside one of the region's biggest pop culture gatherings. While comic con Tampa draws thousands for cosplay and collectibles, this dedicated kids' section offers something different—a real-world introduction to entrepreneurship wrapped in the excitement of convention culture.

What to Expect:
The Kids Market operates as its own distinct area within the larger Tampa Bay Comic Convention, creating a family-friendly zone where children run their own vendor tables. Young sellers display everything from hand-drawn comic art to handmade jewelry, custom bookmarks to painted figurines, all while learning customer service and money management skills. The atmosphere blends the energy of a comic convention Tampa with the supportive environment of a school fair, where parents browse alongside cosplayers and convention-goers looking for unique finds.

Insider Tips:
- The 1:00 PM start time means arriving by 12:45 PM gives families time to locate the Kids Market section within the convention center before the afternoon rush
- Bring cash in small bills—most young vendors can't process cards and appreciate exact change
- The Kids Market typically winds down earlier than the main convention floor, so plan to browse before 4:00 PM for the full selection
- Convention center temperatures run cool, so light layers work better than relying on summer clothes alone
- Parking fills quickly during comic convention Tampa events, making the Convention Center Parking Garage the most reliable choice despite higher weekend rates
- The family activities Tampa scene means strollers are common, but the convention floor can get crowded—consider a carrier for smaller children

Getting There:
The Tampa Convention Center sits at 333 S Franklin Street in the heart of downtown, with the Convention Center Parking Garage offering the most direct access just 92 meters from the entrance. The Pam Iorio Parking Garage provides another multistorey option 130 meters away, while P2901 Preferred Parking Lot offers surface parking 79 meters from the venue for those who prefer open-air spots. The TECO Line Streetcar stops at Dick Greco Plaza, an 84-meter walk from the convention center entrance, connecting riders from Ybor City and the Channel District. Franklin Street serves as the main north-south route through downtown, while the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway provides quick access from I-4 and points east. Walking from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park takes about eight minutes along the Riverwalk, offering a scenic approach for those already downtown.

Local Scene:
The Tampa Riverwalk location puts family events Tampa right next to some of downtown's most accessible dining. Harpoon Harry's Crab House sits 96 meters away at 225 S Franklin Street, serving casual seafood that works for families wrapping up their convention afternoon. Riverwalk Terrace at 505 Water Street offers outdoor dining 164 meters from the venue, though the brunch-focused menu makes it better suited for pre-event meals rather than the late afternoon crowd. Beacon provides rooftop views 202 meters away, but the upscale atmosphere and bar focus make it more appropriate for parents returning solo after dropping kids at home. The Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown Convention Center restaurant at 513 S Florida Avenue sits just 75 meters away, offering reliable hotel dining when convenience trumps atmosphere. For families wanting to extend their downtown visit, the Riverwalk stretches in both directions with additional restaurants and the Florida Aquarium within a 15-minute walk.