At What Age Did Your Chld Start Going to the Movie Theater?

I think it totally depends on the individual child and what they can handle. My advice would be to try it BUT- if your daughter gets at all upset, cries, screams, is scared, etc. GO HOME. You just absolutely have to understand that you are TRYING this out, but be prepared to just bite the bullet and leave. Too many parents with kids too young or immature to be at a theater make the rest of the audience suffer along with them just so they don't have to wait for the DVD!

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A lot depends on the child. My son would just fall asleep sitting up if he got bored in the movie. He is a normal active boy, but was very well trained about sitting still in church at a young age. He loves popcorn. So... a little popcorn, a kids flick, and if he got bored he would go into a daze and then maybe asleep. He started going on very RARE occasions around age 4. My daughter is also a VERY well behaved young lady, also very accustomed to sitting still in church for long periods (no children's church, IN the service with everyone else) and also loves popcorn and movies. She started going with us to family movies around age 3. She often would end up in my lap before it was over, but never created a disruption for anyone else around us (no talking, playing, walking around, etc). But she WOULD get bored if the content was not a quick moving loud wise-cracking comedy kids' film. ANY slower parts, she started tuning out at that age.

I realized that it IS a children's movie... but keep in mind that that includes (what probably seems to you anyway, lol) older children as well, like my 8 and 11 yr old. We went to a movie LAST year together - when they were 7 and 10, (Where the Wild Things Are -which is a tale from a children's book, but not REALLY a children's movie, not young kids anyway, imho) and ended up in a full theater next to a woman with about 4 very young kids with her (age ranges probably 3 - 6), who talked throughout the movie, made noise with candy wrappers and were up and down in their seats playing (even though they didn't leave the aisle we were sitting on). The mom was constantly digging in her purse to find something to placate one or another of the kids. It was disturbing to me, but I figured my kids were engrossed in the movie and they would not care. The FIRST thing my daughter said to me upon leaving the theater when I asked her how she like it, was: "It was okay EXcept for those KIDS next to us. They talked through the whole THING!!" She was quite irritated.
Movie tickets are not cheap. And so while I suggest you give a dollar theater a test run to see how your daughter does, also bear in mind, even if she manages "to last" through it, how her behavior or whispering or whatever may affect the others around her in the theater, who also may have spent a lot of $$ to enjoy the movie.

Just because a lot of the audience may be children, it doesn't mean that they don't care about disruptions during the movie. And the parents that brought them are certainly going to be aware of how much they paid to treat their little ones (including popcorn and beverages). For my daughter and myself, at a matinee, on her birthday, with 3D, it cost me over $30 to see it, including shared popcorn and a soda. For our family of 4 to see ANY movie, and we almost always go for matinees for the kids' movies, it averages costing around $50. So, just keep that in mind, when you are deciding just how well your child might (or might not) do for 108 minutes. If you have any doubts, but YOU want to see it, then hire a sitter for your daughter.
Sorry if I sound irritated, but I've been through it many many times. And I know sitters can get expensive... but other people in the theater likely will have paid for one so they could enjoy the movie in peace. I know we have.

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If you are worried I might try a dollar movie first (so you dont waste much money) and then if that goes well do Toy Story 3 a week or so later. Whatever you decide may sure you bring a drink and snack as well as a lovey item. This really helped my son.

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We just took our 5 week old (she nursed and slept thru it.) with us and the kids ( 9, 6, 3) to see Shrek 3... We only see about 1 movie a year at theaters... But the FIRST time we took any kids our older 2 were 4 1/2 and 1 1/2... THey both did good...

Tips. Go to the earliest showing... They are cheaper than later ones so if you do have to leave the loss isn't as much.

Do not go the first week or so. Wait until the theater isn't gonna be so packed...

If noone's complaining and she's getting bored let her quietly play in the aisle... Oh, sit towards the back! THen if she's climbing around she's not such a distraction...

BUT she may suprize you and sit thru the whole thing in wonder... or fall asleep in front of the "Big TV"... Or the loudness and bigness may over whelm her and she could end up crying...
Never know until you go and see...

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I took my daughter for the first time yesterday evening to Toy Story. She is 3.5 years old. Before now, I don't believe she would have sat still for the hour and half movie.

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We took my oldest when he was 2.5 to see Madagascar 2. We went with the idea that we may be leaving in 15 minutes or an hour into it, but he LOVED it! We got him the kids' pack with popcorn, a drink and some gummy candy, and he sat transfixed. There were a few times near the end where he got in our laps, but that was it. We've taken him to numerous movies since then! I would definitely take her, but just have it in mind that you may not make it through the whole thing. Explain to her beforehand what the rules are -quiet, it will be dark and once you leave the theater you can't go back, etc. She'll probably have a wonderful time!

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she is pretty young, but there are kids who can do it. it's an individual call. i agree with the advice to wait until it's at the dollar theater so you don't waste money if she gets wiggly and has to leave.
and blessings upon the heads of all mothers who DO take their wigglies out of the theater and let the rest of us enjoy the show!
khairete
S.

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We have taken our little one to the movie theater twice. Once to see Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs, and recently to see Babies. She was good both times (she just turned 3, so she went at about 2 1/2 and 3). She started to get antsy toward the end both times, I would recommend introducing a snack when that happens. Have fun!

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I think it depends on your child. My oldest daughter was 2.5 when I took her to her first movie with her cousin around the same age. My daughter was really into it, and now the movie that she saw in the theater is one of her favorites. (Bolt) My niece was ready to leave after 10 minutes but sat through it in the end. My daughter was always into watching cartoons and movies so it didn't surprise me. Now my youngest, she won't watch a cartoon/movie for more than 10 minutes. She is almost 3 and I haven't taken her yet, and probably won't until she is a couple years older.

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My husband took our 3 1/2 year old to see How to Train Your Dragon at the dollar theater for a matinee in March (so just over 3 years old). He has not been to another but my husband said he really enjoyed it and it was nice that there were not other people at the early showing. He was a little startled by the volume in the theater, but you could try ear plugs. We waited because of the sound and also because there was nothing playing I wanted him to see. Your daughter might be fine, but go to an early showing and be prepared for it not to work out.

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We took our kids for the first time last spring (2009) when Monsters vs. Aliens was playing. Neither did particularly well despite being exposed to movies at home for a while. Our son was almost 3, our daughter was 1.

We took them to toy story 3 this past weekend (now both recently 4 and 2), and they did great!

I think a lot depends on the kids.
If possible, take them to a matinee where you're not spending as much and don't feel as badly if you have to leave.

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I took my son when he was 4, and it was a birthday party. Until then he couldn't sit through a whole movie very well. As it was there was one part of the movie that scared him and he spent about a half hour sitting in my lap. Every kid is different. A movie can be expensive - even matinee tickets can set you back $20. Add in popcorn and a drink, and there's another $20. In general I think it's best to wait until you can get your money's worth for the experience.
That being said, if you have an open Drive In anywhere near you, and it's family oriented - those are GREAT places to take the kids to see a double feature!
Before we moved, the Family Drive In:
http://www.thefamilydriveintheatre.com
was an hour away from where we lived. The price was $7 per person, and they let you bring your own food (policies vary from drive in to drive in), although the popcorn and snacks they sell are also good. They have a play ground where the kids can play before it gets dark. Kids often change to their pajamas for the first or 2nd feature and fall asleep in the back seat. We really loved it!
You can search by zip code for open Drive Ins in your area here:
http://www.drive-ins.com/database.htm

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All of my kids were able to sit through movies in theaters at 2yrs old. But the 2yr old child sitting with his parents next to us last night at Toy Story 3 (which is a fantastic movie BTW) was obviously NOT ready to sit through a movie. He was talking loudly, squirming, not watching the movie AT ALL the entire time. I kept wondering at what point the parents were going to give up and leave, but no, they stayed the whole time. I think all the people around them, including us, were not quite happy about it. You never really know how your child will do until you try. If it gets to the point that she's bothering people around you, it's time to realize she's not ready and leave. On the other hand, she might sit still like a little statue and be glued to the screen. I would say try it and see how it goes. Just a little word of caution: TS3 is a very exciting movie and there are parts which *could possibly* be scary for a very small child. Just be prepared to leave if necessary and/or comfort her if she gets a bit scared. Other than that, ENJOY!

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We took our daughter at a little after 3 years old. Especially nice in our are b/c most of the movie theaters have summer movie camps, so movies gered towards kids at 10am, some are free like at Regal Cinemas, and Cinema de Lux, but some costs $1 or $2 like at AMC. So check out google AMC Theaters.
My one daughter is 5 now but wants to see Toy Story 3. What you could do is wait a little while longer, it is a popular movie and will be around, so wait until it's been out for a few more weeks, that way crowds will be less. Pick an earlier movie time in the morning(and yes its bad but i sneak in 'healthy' snacks to the movie). Plues bring your own beverage for your daughter, they never offer healthier drinks.
Good luck! and have fun!
P.
P.

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My son was around 2 when he went to his first movie. He sat through it with no issues or problems. If you have any sort of Regal Cinema near you, may I suggest looking into their free movie of the week now that it is summer? Basically, they take last year's G and PG movies and play them for free at the theater Tuesday-Thursday mornings. You truly don't have to pay a penny for anything (of course they want you to buy popcorn, soda, candy, etc.), and because it is all small kids, it is often times much noisier than the theatre would normally be and parents are much more lenient with other peoples' kids making too much noise (since no one paid)! It may be the perfect time to see if she is ready for the theater without spending tons of money. Have fun!

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We have been taking our son (3yrs) for about a year now. It is hit and miss some days he just isn't in the mood but most of the time he does fine.

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My 3 year old went to see it yesterday and LOVED it. A aunt took her as a special treat. She ate popcorn and some cereal from home I sent in a ziploc and drank from her sippy of water. She did have to go potty twice...but told her aunt she wanted to go to the movies again.

We warned her it would be loud and dark...so she was prepared.

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We took my daughter to see Ice Age when she was 2. She sat just fine. We bought a large popcorn and got a little cup just for her to hold. I brought her drink in with us since she only drinks water.
My advice is to go early, like to the very first matinee showing. Chances are, it will be less packed and if she has to get up to stretch her legs no one will mind. Also, avoid the 3-D version. There's no way she'll keep the glasses on and I've heard it gets kind of intense. Be prepared for her to sit on your lap through most of the movie.
I doubt that she'll be totally quiet, but what can you do? I mean, it's a kids movie and chances are she won't be the only one talking. Just remind her to whisper.
Have fun!!! We love going to the movies with our kids :D

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It all depends on your chlids personality. Is she a wild child, : ) or calm and mellow? I have the wild 2 yr old so there's no way we'd step a foot in a theatre. Well, we tried, when the Chipmunks came out, he loves watching it at hone but my husband just spent the entire time with him in the theatre going back and forth out of the theatre to keep him quiet. We couldn't just leave, we had 2 other kids there, both 4 and 8. I wish more than anything we could go see the new Toy Story, he loves that too but I just don't want to even try again, yet. BTW, I brought a TON of goodies along with me, they helped short term but not much. He just wanted to get out and run down the aisle. : ) If she's your only child, I say it wouldn't hurt to try and if worse comes to worse you can just leave if you have to.

Good luck!

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Totally depends on the child. I tried to take him to see Marry Poppins (there's an old timey theater here that plays old movies) when he had just turned three because he had seen it already and loved watching it over and over at home.

The no talking thing was tough for him, and he fell asleep an hour in.

7 or 8 months later, I took him to see UP in the theater and he loved it. I went with a friend and her 12 year old girl (whom my son adores) and he did great with following her model. I talked to him a LOT about what it was going to be like in the movie (dark, loud) and what he could do if he had questions (whisper quickly or wait until after). Anyway, he did GREAT!

Now, at 4 1/2 we've been to a couple of movies this month and he loved them. Toy Story 3 was one of them (but even he needed to ask questions... there's some really creepy bad guys).

HTH
T.

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We took my daughter to see Ice Age 3 when she was about 3 1/2. She had been watching the first 2 movies on TV, so she was already familiar with the characters & we knew she liked it. She loved seeing it at the theater! She was glued to the screen! After it was over she said "I wanna watch it again!" haha

She's 4 now & we took her to see Toy Story 3 the other day. Again, loved it & glued to the screen! lol

We did try to take her to see a non-animated movie once (G-Force I think it was called? With the hamsters?) Did NOT go well... she wouldn't sit still & watch it. Just wasn't interested. So we only take her to see animated movies now.

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My son is 32 months old. On Father's day we took him to see Toy Story 3 in the 3D version (this was his first time in a movie theeater). We were a little hesitant since his cousin who is 3 weeks older didn't like seeing anything in 3D. My son did great and after it was over he said "More toy story". We didn't even have troubles with him keeping the glasses on.

I did explain to him a few days before and everyday until movie day what to expect....that there were going to be a lot of people, it was going to be very noisy, that he would have to wear glasses and keep them on to watch the movie.

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Here's a tale of two sisters.

When we were little I loved the movies while my sister loved the movie food. I could sit for hours gazing at the screen. Once the food and drink were gone my sister was ready to go. I was very young when I started being taken to the movies and so was my sister.

While raising our children, we start going to the movies as a family. We even take the little babies (binkies, bottles or boobs in tow). Some do better than others but they all seem to do great by about 4-5. Boys liked action and the girls loved pretty dressed.

It's your call. You know your girl best.

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First born didn't like loud noises and scared easily........not til he was about 5.

second child was born to watch movies........probably your daughters age.

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We took our daughter at age 3 to see Monsters vs. Aliens and she loved it! We budgeted for popcorn but I also brought goldfish crackers and a granola bar and our own water in my purse. We had such a great time we took her to see The Princess and the Frog a few months later.

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I think at 2.5 she is old enough but just be ready to leave if/when she wants to, dont forcer her or she may not enjoy movies in the future.

We went to Ennis to the Galaxy drive in to see Toy Story. It was perfect cuz the kids could get out stretch run around the car, play mini golf before the movie started, then go to sleep when they were ready. It was like a 45-55min drive from Carrollton though.

I personally have 10 yr olds but took a group of family and friends and all felt it was perfect for all who took part.

might I also recommend the Studio Movie Grill, its a little more space and less "strictly movie" if that makes sense.

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my girlfriend just took her 2.5 yr twin girls to Toy Story 3 and said "they didn't move a muscle" they were so entranced by the movie and loved it.

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We just saw Toy Story last night and it is a terrific movie, but there were lots of scenes that would be very scary for a small child....mean toys, toys about to be sliced to pieces or burned in incinerators.....I looked over at my 8-yr-old a few times to make sure she was OK. I might start with a less- scary movie. -- And I agree with the post about getting a refund. My experience is that as long as the movie is still playing a refund can be obtained.

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I'd try out a $ movie first. I take my kids to Cinemark Hollywood, it's not far from here. It's 30 to 635 and exiting I think Northwest Highway, right off the feeder- maybe 20 minutes from you. How to Train your Dragon is there right now, but it might be a little scary for your daughter. Furry Vengence is there too and it's really funny. It is a kids movie instead of a cartoon, but all the animals are just so funny. I know Alice in Wonderland is there too.

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many of the movie theaters around do summer series movies early in the morning for next to nothing. I would try one of the $1 movies early in the morning first before I spent $15 on toy story. Go to an early show and pack baggies or cups she is used to eating her snacks out of.

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So you know MOST theatres will give you vouchers to come back if you have to leave in the first half of a movie because of a child. The employees would rather semi-refund 1 family, than to completely refund several families because of the distraction.

So if your daughter can't handle it, stop by the box office, and you & hubby will be able to go see a flick.

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Hi R.:

I think it just depends on your child. You said she is hooked on Toy Story - well, now would probably be a great time for her to visit the theater!

I'll bet she will be glued to her seat watching all the characters she already knows.

You could try taking her to the theater early. Maybe early enough so that the lights are still on, before the previews. That way she can check it out first.

If she sits at home during the whole movie, I think she'll do great.

Have fun! I know I got so excited when I took my boys to the theater for the first time.

Don't forget the popcorn!;-)

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My son just turned three and saw Toy Story 3 in 2D at the theatre and LOVED it. I have taken him to a couple of other kids' movies at the Studio Movie Grill (matinee) to eat lunch and watch a movie, just to make sure he was ready. There are lots of kids at lunchtime at SMG, so if my son was squirmy or talked a bit, it wasn't a big deal. As expected, the more he liked the movie, the less he squirmed.

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My kids are now 7 and 3.5 almost 4.

My daughter, although she liked movies at home... did NOT like movie theaters... because, she is sensitive to 'noise.' Movie theaters, are simply TOO loud for her. She can't stand it and it hurts her ears.
Only recently, say about 6 years old, she can now, withstand it. The sheer volume of the movie theater. Which for my ears, is too loud too.

For my son, at his age now, we have never taken him to the movies... although he likes watching at home. But will not sit through a whole 'movie.' He likes movies, but even he will say he does not want to go to a movie theater... so we have never taken him.

Nor will my kids, sit through a theatrical play or kids production like Sesame Street... even that is too 'loud' for them, and too much stimulation.

We thus go according to our kids and their personality.

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I think this particular movie is not for kiddos that young. They have some scary parts adn some very sad parts. I'm hoping my 4 year old granddaughter doesn't get issues with baby dolls, teddy bears, and daycare from it. Certainly, my grandson at 2.5 would I'd think.

As they say, this movie is for adults and it also has enough for children to enjoy. But use discretion. I'd wait.

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My daughter was probably 6 months. And now about to be 7. She never fussed once or cried in a movie.

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I have 3 kiddos: 7, 4 and 2-1/2. The first time I attempted to bring all of them to the movies was over the Christmas break - and my youngest was only 2 ... she was awesome! We decided to go to the earliest showing of Princess and the Frog and she sat through the movie until there was about 20 minutes left, then she had to get up. My husband walked her up and down the hallway and she was fine. Of course, you are going to see a children's movie, so parents are pretty understanding if your child is not perfectly quiet. I took all 3 of my kiddos to see Toy Story 3 the weekend it opened. We went to a 10:20am movie and the theater was packed and the only seats together were on the very FIRST row. Although, it was not the most comfortable seat & viewing spot for me, my kids loved it. She had her own little bag of popcorn and sat in her seat 98% of the time watching the movie. She got up to stand (nothing in front of us, so she did not pat anyone's head) and then sat right back down. I was very pleased :) My 4-yr old was more antsy than she was! If it is just the 2 of you going, I bet she will be an angel. They usually watch a movie they have not seen before pretty closely. If you do not want to buy popcorn there, be sure to bring snacks. Having their own 'big' cup and straw seem to be a big deal!
Good luck :)

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My daughter who just turned 6 has been going to the movie theatre since she was about 18 months old. She has always been really good at sitting thru a movie if it was one that interested her.

That being said, I know other people whose children still can't sit thru a movie at age 6. It really does depend on the child.

I live in Fort Worth and I know that The Rave Movie Theatre has everyweek a free movie for children that starts at 10am I believe. If they offer something like this in your area, you may want to try it out and see how she does before sinking money into a movie that you will have to get up and leave (movie admission is so expensive!)

Good Luck!

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My little one was about a week old when we took him to his first movie. Granted no he didn't watch it. But I think Toy Story would be a great movie to take your daughter to. You don't want to take a child that age to just any movie but that one would be perfect!!!!

Good luck and God Bless!!

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I took my oldest at 2 years old and he did great. My youngest just turned 3 last month and Toy Story 3 was his first movie last weekend. He was hysterical! He asked if I "saw the really huge tv?" and "we need to get one of those for our house." He made no more noise than the other kids in the theater and of course had to go to the bathroom half way though, but it was a lot of fun. I waited a year longer for him than I did for my oldest just because of his temperament. My 3 year old has the attention span of a fly! lol

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Mine was 3, and it was hard. I wouldn't try with much younger than that.

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We tried a conventional theatre when my daughter was 2 but she wasn't ready and only lasted about 45 minutes. Then we hit on the idea of the movie taverns. She gets a personal pizza and it takes her the whole movie to eat it and if she gets scared or it's too loud she can climb on my lap and it's comfortable for both of us. The seats swivel and rock and there's tons of room if she wantst to get down for a minute. It's more expensive but we go to movies so seldom that it's worth it for us. We've seen Cloudy w/ a chance of Meatballs and Ice Age 3 that way and she enjoyed both (the 2nd a lot more). Now that she's 4 I've thought about trying a matinee at a regular theatre again but I'm in no hurry. You may just have to experiment a bit to see what works for you and her.

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I took my son at 2.5 (he was free then too!). We usually go to a daytime matinee and usually the 1st one at 10 or 11 am. It's always less crowded during the week, even in summer and I don't feel so bad about him talking too much or something since it's pretty much moms with little kids at that time of day. I let him bring his favorite animal and we do a kids pack popcorn/drink we share the popcorn and candy or fruit snacks and I buy myself my own drink. Pick up a booster in the theater, it helps keep the seat from flipping up. Be ready for bathroom runs if she's potty trained. We also try to stick to the row with the rail so he can stand up and not bump anybody else's seat if he gets tired of sitting. Avoid the 3-D version, the glasses are a pain and my 4 year old still hates 3-D, the last thing you want to do is freak her out at her first experience ;-)

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I don't think it's really an age thing as much as it is a readiness thing. I would suggest taking your daughter to a movie once or twice first, so she is used to the new venue. Try going to the mid-week matinee that is playing at so many theaters (usually about $1 for kids).

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I just took my kids, and my 2 year old did fine after the previews were over. It is so good, and she loved it. We went to the earliest showing so she wouldn't be cranky, and kept her occupied with snacks until the movie started.

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I started taking mine when she was 3 and she did pretty well, although be prepared to go to the restroom a lot at that age :) Her average was 3 times in a movie. Now at 5 she just goes once. Have fun!!

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I had heard Toy Story 3 is a bit scary, but my husband took my almost 6 year old to see it anyway. She thought UP was scary when he took her to see that. She said Toy Story 3 was really good, but mentioned that at times it was a little scary. Skip the 3D version - especially for the first movie theater experience. My daughter watched a Chance of Meatballs in 3D and kept taking off the glasses.

I think my daughter was almost four years old when we took her to her first movie.

There are lots of free or cheap kids' movies playing at various theaters during the summer. Studio Movie Grill, AMC and others offer them. Here's a link to a list of some:

http://homeschooling.about.com/od/summerfun/tp/summermovi...

Go to studio movie grill's site to get their list.

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The right age depends on the child. I think took our to a movie at about age two. We looked for free summer movie camps or $1 movies. If we had to leave, it was no big deal.

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I took my 2 year old son last weekend to see Toy Story III but it was not a great idea. For one, the movie at the theater was in 3-D and he will not wear his glasses. He did not want to sit still for more than a couple of minutes at a time. He does wonderful with his Toy Story movies and home and absolutely loves Toy Story but I think that is because he is in the comfort of his home and not made to sit the whole time. Of course your daughter is 6 months older so that might make a difference and she may not be quite as hyper. I have a friend that took her son when he was a little older than 2 and he did great. You really have to base it on that child.

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