Movie Theater Opinion

A.,

I normally am very critical of kids at a movie. At any movie PG-13 and above. My opinion is/was, and I know I'll catch flack about this, but if you can't afford a sitter, stay home and rent. That's what we did. And on the rare occasion we could afford the babysitter AND a movie, I didn't want my evening ruined because I had paid good money to be there.

BUT this is a kid's movie. And as critical as I am I will be the first to stand up and support any parent who wants to take any kid to a kid movie. There are too few family friendly movies out there now NOT to enjoy it while it's out. I say go for it! You'll be surrounded by other parents of young kids who should be understanding.

In good health,

L. K

3 moms found this helpful

I took my babies to this special theatre that offers special shows on certain mornings for moms with babies. Here is the info from their website.
http://galleria6.stlouiscinemas.com/default.cfm
Cry Baby Matinees Every Week!
On Wednesday, November 12, our CRY BABY MATINEE
is the 2:00 pm showing of Madagascar:Escape 2 Africa(PG)
Bring the baby, and don't worry about the crying or fussing!
Enjoy Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa at 2:00pm on November 12. Children 3 and under are free. Only at the GALLERIA 6 CINEMAS!!

1 mom found this helpful

When our kids were little we could not afford baby sitters. The two youngest are 18 months apart, but even as young as yours they thoroughly enjoyed going to the movies. Our son could sit through a movie without much trouble but our daughter was a little more difficult. We usually bought her popcorn and something to drink. They both sat watching the movie and being so good, but if the food ran out she would get ancy. She wanted to watch the movie but she would be in my lap, the in her dads, then in her own seat. We thoght it would be distracting, so I kept snacks in my purse as well. I made sure that for the length of the movie she had soemthing to do with her hands, mostly food. We usually changed the eating schedule that day so that she was getting the nutrition she needed while still getting the snacks as well.

1 mom found this helpful

As a mother and daycare provider of young children I have found that kids love going to the movies!! This summer I had 10 kids plus my own that I would take to the movies! 2 of them were 18 and 19 months. They had a blast!! They sat still very well and I didn't ever have 2 take them out. I would recomend bringing your own snack since they don't offer healthy or the best choices. Hope this helps and have fun

1 mom found this helpful

We took our grandson to Horton Hears a Who - he did pretty well, we ended up leaving about 30 m inutes before it was over. At that time he was not interested in watching movies on dvd - Now that he's three, he loves movies - particularly if there's a lot of music - He wants to watch the original Willy Wonka two or three times a day! I wouldn't hesitate to taking him to a movie now - if fact we're going to the theater to see a production of "Frog and Toad All Year" - front row center and I believe he will do fine. So, I think if your daughter has the attention span for a movie at home, she will probably do very well.

With my first one I started taking him to the movies when he was about 2 yrs old. Fortunately we were in the St. Peters MO area & they had a $1 show so I would wait for it to get there & take him so I wasn't out so much money if we had to leave. I ALWAYS went with the notion in mind that we might have to leave so that way there's no dilemma when the time comes. He did really well. With my second he was even younger due to having an older brother & he was my energetic one & he always did really well also. I've only had to leave two movies because of it not holding their attention. Good luck and enjoy!

Will she sit down to watch a cartoon? About a year ago, we took our three to see A Bee Movie, and our youngest was 18 months. They all like to watch cartoons (a little too much!), so they all did really well. You might as well try it--you might find a new hobby!

I have raised four children and now have a four year old granddaughter. In my experience (with each and everyone of mine, anyway)I have NOT had good luck taking a child that young to the movie theatre...even if it was an animated children's film. Each time I ended up leaving frustrated. My advice is to wait until she's older, but having said that, each child is different, so there are just as many out there, I'm sure, who have successfully taken young ones to the movies. You know your child better than anyone, and if she's not ready, all you've lost is some time and the cost of the tickets, right?

Go for it ! She'll love it, and you'll be glad you took her. Like you said, you could always leave, but I seriously doubt that will be necessary. It is a kid's movie. There will be other kids there, and they are expected to be noisy.

well, you want to make sure you have snacks and things to keep her occupied and happy. and if you take her to a movie like Madagascar, the earliest showing of the day, esp on saturday, will be full of little kids. So either no one will notice yours is acting up b/c theirs will be too, or she'll be distracted by all the little ones.

I worked at a movie theater for 7 years and usually the littlest ones were brought to the earliest show times, esp on Saturday. On weekdays you get a few moms but not as many, which could be to your advantage if you'd rather have the theater more to yourself.

Go for it!
We have taken our boys to the movies when they were 6 y/o & 2 1/2 y/o. They both sat wonderfully! If she starts having problems you can always leave & ask the the theater manager for a refund. My husband was a theater manager for many years & we have gotten a refund when our youngest couldn't sit still for a movie.

God Bless!

As the wife of someone that worked through college in a movie theater, it is perfectly ok to bring your daughter to a kids movie. And, as an individual that's sat through those movies with all the kids, it's quite a treat to hear their laughter at all the silly parts.

One of the theaters in Wichita has a "cry room" you could see if any around you do just in case. We watched an entire movie in the cry room when our twins were 2.
Also, just took an almost 2 year old to High School Musical 3 and she lasted the whole time. She's our neighbor and usually pretty content to sit on her moms lap and hang out at home so we expected her to do well.

I think you would be fine as long as you find a movie time that works best for Kaelee's current schedule. I know that I took mine to a movie when she was about two, and we just had to find a time that was after food and nap so she would sit still and enjoy it. I already knew that she would sit still to watch an entire movie at home on the TV so I knew the time would be no problem.

You don't know until you try it...I took my 7 mo son to see Pirates of the Carribbean and he LOVED it...but then my daughter would never sit still or be quite in a movie...depends on the child...I would call the theater ahead of time and check with management...usually they are really good that if you have to leave the theater early b/c of a kid or illness they will either refund your money or give you a pass to see the next film... but then if you left early you wouldn't feel bad for being out the money.

Also, I wouldn't expect her to probably stay awake the whole time...something about sitting in a dark room like that just seems to make them groggy. Also, make sure you take her sippy cup or some kind of sports bottle for her to drink out of...I've found it's a lot easier in the dark and you don't have to worry about the possiblity of them dropping it in the dark. Have fun!

Good Morning A., I took our Gr kids 4 of um ( silly Nana) to see The Chihuahua movie several weeks ago. 9,8 4 & 3.
They we awesome during the movie, the hard part was getting them all going in the right direction with all the goodies. We finally got help from one of the movie attendants.

I have taken 2 to see Nemo several yrs ago, they loved it, Austin was I think 3 at the time and sat in my lap when the music got loud or the sharks showed up. They loved it and watch it on DVD now.

I heard a Movie review on the radio yesterday (Movie Mom) that said the Madagascar wasn't for kids under 4. Even though the characters were the same, with a couple added, some parts may frighten little ones. She didn't go into details, so I am at odds whether to take the two youngest right now. All of them Love The Move It Move It Song and we use that at times for Clean up time.

One thing is for sure *Silly Nana* won't be taking 4 or 5 of um alone anymore until the younger one are older! They never talked during the movie either, sat there and laughed and had good time.

I would take her after you yourself read or watched the trailer online. To make sure she wouldn't be frightened by whatever it is Movie Mom was talking about.

I am a brave Nana but 4 of um by myself was to much. Silly Nana of 5
K.

I've been taking our grandkids to movies for years, I haven't paid any attention to how old they are, we've even taken babies in car seats. The best thing is that children under 3 are free. The Madagascar series is so much fun for the entire family!! We're taking the grandkids this weekend and my 16 year old made sure we were going at a time that he can go too, so if you see a row of people with 6 little kids, two grandparents, 3 parents and a 16 year old with possibly his girlfriend that will be us and we won't mind any noise you make, we understand kids and don't want to grow up ourselves, I can't wait to see it myself!!

if she can sit through a whole movie at home then she would be able to sit through a movie at the theater. If she gets up every 10 minutes than I wouldn't recommend it. If you do decide to try it then take her to a daytime one so it isn't as crowded and won't have as many ppl upset or complaining. As long as you take her out as soon as she starts fussing or talking loud then there shouldn't be a problem anyway. My kids went that young and did fine but they loved to watch movies and could watch a full movie at home.
Some kids don't like the theater as much because it is so much louder so take that into consideration that it may hurt her ears too and become fussy. It is a fun experience if everything works out fine.
If you are in the Kansas City area, several of the AMC theaters are $5.00 Monday-Thursday anytime and think kids under 3 are free.

I agree with most moms here - take Kaelee to the movies!

Things that work for me when taking my little one (also 2yo) are: 1)Bringing her blanket and a small stuffed animal or little toy that she likes. My reason is that the theater is dark and strange and loud (a little frightening for teenie ones - especially the first time), and these two items are comforting. 2)Pack the snacks that your little one likes in the snack-sized zip bags, so that she is eating something she is used to and can handle it herself. 3)Take her after lunch and before her nap - she might be more relaxed, and not as likely to get bored or cranky - and if she falls asleep, atleast you can finish the movie.

Good luck!!

Although they are over now, sorry... the movie theatres do FREE movies in the Spring and the FAll. Not sure about winter but in the SUMMER the theatres sometimes do weekly morning movies for younger kids. They do around our little nowhereville, so surely in the cities they do this too. Go online and see what is available in your area at like GoodRich and some of the other thearte company names. That is how we Tested the waters for the movies with our bunch. But then again, we went with them a babies also, and just walked and swayed in the back during regular movies as well. Just go at a much slower time like a thursday afternoon or whenever you know? LOVE movies, and if you are there with them then you can also work through any unnaceptable parts that may or may not be appropriate anyways, so go , enjoy the popcorn,and have fun!

When our son was little, I wanted to take him to the movies and had just as much apprehension as you do now, but when I finally got the courage to do it, I found that there were other kids his age that were watching the movie as well. So we weren't out of place because there were other kids that were talking during the movie.

Basically, take your daughter to the movie, but make sure to do it during the day when most parents take their kids, that way you're not the only one with a small child. If your daughter acts up and you end up leaving, most movie theaters would reimburse you the cost of the ticket provided you're not 3/4 of the way into the movie. It's a kids movie, so most of the time people understand.

I think that you are wonderful to take your daughter to the movies. Not only are you DOING something with HER, it is something that you would enjoy also. The only other "suggestion" that I can think of other than just go, is to hit one of the matinee's, maybe right after her nap (if she still has one.) Not only is it cheaper, it is during the day when you and she will still have time to do something afterwards if you so choose.
Just go, and cherish the moments, they grow up fast!

M. H.
Enhancing Lives One Family At A Time
http://www.StayingAtHomeWithMyKids.com

I think you should go for it!! Of course if she does act up everyone would be appreciative if you took her out. But I think it is a great way to introduce her to doing public social things, as well as learning how to behave there. Have Fun!!

Depends on the kid. My daughter was about 2-and-a-half when she saw her first movie and she LOVED it. Did great. My son is now 27 months old and we are thinking of taking him to Madagascar, too. If she has a pretty good attention span, you could try it. Have you tried seeing how she does with a video?

It is hard for me to remember exactly, but I am pretty sure my daughter was 2 when we took her to see Finding Nemo and she did great. If you know your child will sit and watch a full length movie at home for you its a pretty safe bet she will in a theatre. I was worried about it being "dark" but Kristen was fine, I think I did have her on my lap for part of the movie as the seats are made for adults. I know I did take her a sippy cup with water, becuase hse doesn't drink pop. And we may have even been naughty and taken in fruit snacks as an alternative to the candy they sell. Also it was totally unavoidable to make a potty stop in the middle of the movie...because she was in the process of potty training, I think I did stick her in a pull up so we wouldn't have an "accident" in the theatre. Good luck, have fun...I am sure she will enjoy it.
B.

Go for it take your snacks in diaper bag her juice cup I like to go in the afternoon not croweded at all and school is in session.

Most of the theaters now a days have booster seats for them to sit on and kids popcorn kits that come with a drink and candy. My girls were two and loved going to the movie. Try it and see how she does, she may be one that loves going and watching movies on the big screan and then she may not. Good luck and God Bless.

I took my son to "Happy Feet" when he was just over 2 years. He loved it! We did get up and stand in the side aisle for a while, but where we were, we were not in the way. Be sure they have a restless room just in case, and be willing to leave if it doesn't work out. Good Luck!

I think 2 yrs old should be fine to try the movies. Take her to a matinee - and most ppl there would probably have children. You kind of expect going to a kids movie that it won't be completly quiet so I wouldn't worry too much. You might find that she won't be able to sit still for that long also so be prepared to leave early. I took my son to the movies around that age and he was interested for about 30 mins and we ended up leaving (luckily it was a $1 movie). Good luck...

A., It is a kids movie, so there will be lots of kiddos and noise. The kids always laugh a little more than is appropriate at the funny parts and make loud comments. My guess is she'd do fine. I would suggest a theater that has "cuddle seating", the seats where you can raise the arm rest in between seats. This kind of seating is much better for kiddos. (The AMC Olathe theater at 119th and Strange Line has this. I'm sure others do also.)

Have Fun! M.

I've taken both of my children to the movies at about that age. I agree that matinees are the time to go - less people and not so costly if you end up leaving before the movie is over. Have fun!

Give it a try! My older son would love to watch movies that that age. My younger son usually only made it about half-way through.

K.

I don't know if they offer it around here, but in Maryland, where I just moved from, they offer movies for people with young kids in the morning or early afternoon. They keep the lights dimmed, but not completely off, and they turn the volume down a bit. Sometimes they would even offer juice and "kid snacks". Apparently, everyone is very tolerant and helpful to eachother. I never actually had the chance to go, but always wanted to. Just a thought!

Hi A., I would do it for sure! In the daytime though when it's not so full and she can move around some.

Good luck!

I think there are some theaters in the St Louis area that have specific times for moms to bring their little ones along. I remember hearing about it from a friend a couple of years ago. You might want to check out some theaters and see if they offer that option. Even if they don't I think your little one would be fine to go. Have fun! God bless!

You would be surprised how well a child can act at a theater! My son (now 4) loves to go to the theater to see a movie. We only do it about 2 times a year...so it is a real treat for him. I plan to take him to see Madagascar 2 on Tuesday (my day off work). I would suggest a kid friendly time, and a family friendly day to go. Trust me, there will always be another parent having more trouble with their child than you. My son's first theater experience was to see Curious George and he wasn't quite 2 yet, so it only lasted about 45 minutes. But since he's been about 2 1/2 I have taken him to see a toatl of 5 movies, and we have had so much fun! You'll never know until you try. And no matter what you do, if you are excited about the experience, then your daughter will be too! Have fun!

I would absolutely take her! Most likely, she will be enthralled by the big screen... Definately take her to the matinee(sp?), there will probably be lots of kids. Just keep in mind that she might get a little scared when the lights go out (mine did), but just tell her it will be brighter when the movie starts... If it is just much for her, or if she starts yelling, running around, etc, just leave... but definately give it a shot!
Good Luck
B.

My Opinion take her and if she get restless you leave.

HI A.! i took my soon to several movies when he was around that age! if you go to the matinee during the week there will be very few people there(we got a private viewing of Arthur and the Invisibles!!!) so even if she does want to run up and down the aisles she wont be disturbing folks! plus the matinee is cheaper! pick a treat that she loves and of course take your 'mommy arsenal' of entertainment, just in case. we have only had to leave one movie(Cars) because it got 'boring' in the middle and that movie is now one of his favorites. Good Luck!!!!

Go for it. I would pick the an ealier afternoon show where it's not as crowded and likely to have more kids around that age.

The have the kids pack with a small drink, fruit snacks and small popcorn.

You know your child the best, so if you think she would like the movie definately take her. People don't expect silence at kids movies. If you worry she might have a problem sitting throught it try a drive in movie. We take my son to the Skyview Drive in in Belleville, IL. That way if he started to get cranky he doesn't bother anyone and they usually have kids movies the first two or three week they are out.

I've taken my kids as early as 9 month old to the theater. Of course, then I was nursing him in a sling. But now that I have four, it's still really no problem. Last Spring when "Horton Hears a Who" came out, my neighbor and I each took our four kids they were close in ages, mine was (at that time) 9, 7, 3, and 13 months. I put the toddler in a stroller and gave him Cheerios. He did quite well. After over half the movie was over he wanted out so we hung out in the hall between the chairs and the door going back and forth while watching the movie still. It was a "little" high maintenance but we don't go that often anyway. The trick is to keep them in the stoller as much as possible so just bring as many tricks up your sleeve as much as possible. Sippy cups, gummy candy, cherios, puffs, etc. As old as yours is, you could put her in a booster seat. Theaters make those available for young kids. It has a drink holder on it and everything. My 2 to 3 yr olds like to start off in a booster and end up on my lap. It's all good. Besides, that's what children's movies are for - children. As long as you don't keep her in there screaming the whole movie - it's no big deal, kids make noises and that's okay. But always be prepared to leave as a moments notice. Good Luck and enjoy.

I don't think it matters how young your baby is as long as you are a considerate mother and leave when the baby gets noisy. You just have to consider that she may be great through most of the movie then get cranky - and you have to leave during the best part! But do leave - or you'll be getting the stink eye from everyone else!

I have tried this 1st with my daughter and then with my grandsons at about the same age as you daughter. I found that the strangers, dark, and all around excitement was too much for them to keep their attention on the movie. Not a very enjoyable experience for me or for them.

I think you should go, why not? You could go on a Saturday during Matinee time (it's cheaper). Check with area theatre's because some have it to where children under a certain age are free.

As for her acting up? I would tell her about 2-3 days in advance what you are going to do together so the excitement declines a little, but not too much. And explain to her that if she misbehaves you will leave. And make it stick. If she acts up be sure you indeed get up and leave. Then the next time you go to a movie together she may remember and sit there and you both can enjoy the movie together.

Take her! She will probably love it. My daughter is 3 and she just saw it today. She loved it and is still talking about it. We took her to see the chipmunks last year when she was 2 and she was very good. She did get up and dance when they sang, but so did the other kids. It was cute!! You could take her during the day, its a lot cheaper so if you do have to leave you wont waste too much money, and there is less people then. I think she will like it!