Obviously here on our site we share A LOT of movie reviews. And what better way would I be able to tell you if Smallfoot or Missing Link were appropriate for young children than without actually taking the children? For a lot of parents the idea of taking their young children to the movies makes them break out into a sweat. But honestly I go at it with a 4 and a 1 year old regularly and it is never THAT bad. So how do I do it? I have a couple of to tips to surviving the movies with young children.
Choose Family Movies
I’m not gonna lie, Zayn’s first movie was Infinity War. But to be completely fair he was around 9 months old, a quiet kid and he slept through the entire movie. If you’re taking the whole family to the movies then pick a movie you all will enjoy. Animated movies are way easier for small children to sit through. I took my boys to see The Nutcracker and the Four Realms when it came out and while it held RJs attention, Zayn had no idea what was going on nor did he have a desire to find out.
Skip the Previews
Whenever someone asks me for a theater experience recommendation this is number one. You’re seeing a family movie and chances are, as an adult you could care less about the previews they’re going to show. Not only that but in most instances, the previews before the movie are 15+ minutes long. Add that to a 90+ minute movie? My child could never. The previews in these instances are not important. Skip them, you’ll see the commercial on TV.
Go to an Early Showing
I was surprised to find out that a lot of mom’s didn’t know about the special screenings some theaters hold just for parents of little ones. Check with your local theaters to see if they have any special screenings such as Cry Baby Matinees or early morning family screenings. And even if they don’t the earlier you go to a showing, the more likely you are to be in a theater full of other families just trying to survive the movie going experience before the day gets too busy. For my NYC readers, check out this list from MommyPoppins on where to see a movie with a baby.
Dont Skimp on the Snacks
This is the one time my kids eat ALL the things. I think they may getting the chance to eat popcorn more than actually watching the movie. If you’re children are chewing, they aren’t talking. And if you have reservations on giving your little ones popcorn (because of the choking hazard) then there are plenty of other options at the theater. Or, bring your own snacks. I feel like this may be the one time that movie theaters don’t mind you bringing in other food. Who’s going to stop a momma with a diaper bag full of apple slices?
Choose an aisle seat
Or one of the seats off to the side. Because your child WILL have to use the bathroom. They will want to stand up mid-movie. And they just may be extra like Zayn and want to take a walk up and down the aisle really quick. All of this is easier when you aren’t climbing over 5 other families just to make it to the aisle. The closer you can sit to an aisle, the better.
Multiple kids? Bring backup!
Full disclosure, I’ve never taken BOTH my children to the movies alone. Things go a lot more seamlessly when I don’t have to drag everyone out of the theater for a bathroom break. Or when daddy can grab snacks while we find seats. Having another adult with you when there are multiple children helps.
Relax and Enjoy the Movie
Because your kid is not the only one yelling at the screen (or is that just RJ?). Or asking way to many questions with no concept of an inside voice. They will probably stand up at some point of the movie, or accidentally kick the chair in front of them. Just relax. You aren’t the first parent to bring their kids to the movies and you won’t be the last. The experience will only be as stressful as you make it. So enjoy the movie and remember, kids will be kids!
So are you ready to take on the theater experience? Summer is coming and its the perfect time to head to the movies and out of the heat. Plus, yesterday I shared that amazing $1 movie promotion that Regal is having all summer long. Going to the movies with young children is definitely a different type of experience, but it doesn’t have to be a horrific one.
Have you gone to the movies with young children? What are your tried and true survival tips?
These are all great suggestions. Thank you for sharing your experience!
no problem!! thank you for reading!!