6 tips on taking small children to a movie theater

We saw Skyfall when it was it theaters, great movie if you haven’t seen it.  The theater was packed and seating was limited.  In front of our seats was a young couple with a 3 month old in their baby carrier.   The specter of a crying newborn was almost as scary as Javier Bardem’s performance was creepy. 

People who go see children’s movies have experienced the joys of being in a theater with a child who was too young. The difference in that case is that it’s a movie for children, possibly rated G and most likely animated.

We took our 3YO to a pair of movies recently; both of them were children’s movies and provided learning experiences for us as responsible parents.

Arrive early

This will allow your child time to get comfortable.  When 3 YO Mojo went to his first movie (Wreck It Ralph) he was initially scared entering the theater.  “sPooky”, he said.  Mom held his hand and told him that the room had to be dark so people could watch the movie.  He was still a bit scared, but saw people eating popcorn and happily said “oooh, popcorn!” and was much better.

Get snacks if needed-but don’t get the value combo

Popcorn or a snack can help children ease into the theater.  While the drink and popcorn combo may be the best fiscal deal, it doesn’t make sense for small children-even when they share it with mom or dad.  The drink (we got Hi-C), even the small one, was too big and made him have to go to the bathroom twice during the movie.  Get the bottled water if you have to get a drink.  The small popcorn is easier to manage as the parent can just close the bag or throw it away.

Prepare for restlessness

Halfway through Peter Pan he started to get restless or scared.  Regardless he sat down on the floor and looked at the screen through the seats in front of him.  He was quiet so I let him stay there until he wanted to sit down again.

As a family we waited until he was just over 3 YO to go to the movie theater.  Personally I see 3-4 movies a month and have witnessed countless acts of bad parenting or children that didn’t need to be there.

If your child needs to be carried into the theater-they’re too young

I know that parents need a night out and I am ALL for that that.  However, taking your child out for the night at the expense of others is not a fair trade for us.  If you can’t find a sitter or don’t want one to watch your child-stay home.  Blanket statement, movie theaters shouldn’t allow infants or children that need to be carried into the theater.

If your child can’t speak yet, they might be too young

If they can’t speak and gets scared or bored they’re first reaction will be to cry, yell or kick the seat.

If your child doesn’t have an inside voice, they might be too young

It’s almost the same category as the above, but just a bit different.  This is the age of a 2.5YO; they can speak a bit, but possibly in only one loud volume.  Some children can figure out volumes and appropriate places quicker than others.  Ours is loud, thus we waited till he was over 3YO.

With spring coming up we’ll take him to age appropriate movies much more frequently.  These tips have helped us be respectful moviegoers to others and made his experience more enjoyable.  Do you have any tips or observations about children in movie theaters?