Taking a Toddler to a Movie Theater?

I'd go - I've taken kids/grandkids at that age and sometimes it goes great, and other times not so much (which can be the case of kids even older than that!). Sit in an aisle seat for ease of getting out to the door if needed. I always it closer to the front since the kids seemed to be more engaged in the movie if we were closer to the screen, but that is totally up to you. If you go close to nap time, you might find that he ends up dozing off after awhile. Bring a blanket and a lovey if that helps.

Good luck!

I think you should be fine if it's a Friday matinee. Movie theaters are usually empty on summer weekdays, especially during the day when kids are at summer camp or parents are working. The fact you're prepared to remove the disruptive toddler if needed is great, it shows proper planning and consideration for others. You plan on having your mother there and that will be of great help so the older cousins can still enjoy the movie without having to leave because of a crying toddler. As others suggested, sit near the exit so you can take care of the issue quickly. If worse comes to worse, this is a test run and now you'll know whether he is ready for movies or if you need to wait until he is a little older. You can wait outside the movie theater or have your mom text/call when the movie is over so you can meet them.

I saw "The Incredibles 2" a few weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon and it was awful how many people had infants crying THROUGHOUT the movie, never bothering to try a pacifier or taking them outside and giving the rest of us a break. People were shushing the offenders but they did not take a hint and never bothered to leave the theater. They got plenty of glares too. It was hard to hear the movie's dialogue. SO ANNOYING. When did people become so inconsiderate? Who brings infants to a 2-hour long movie anyway? I have even experienced this at R-rated movies that involved lots of loud explosions and violence, again, who brings babies to those? Go figure! Just don't be "that parent" that ignores their crying kid and hopes everyone else can tune him out as well, and you'll be fine.

Don't overthink it. Since you'll be there with your mom it will be easy enough to take your son out if he gets antsy. No biggie.

I can't stand talking, crying, whining kids during a movie. I know, I'm a mom, so I should be a little more understanding, lol! However, if I went to a Friday matinee, I would not expect the theater to be quiet since that is a popular time for parents to take children. I think you should be fine going, but like you said, be prepared to take kids out if they are anything worse than a bit fussy.

I think It depends on your child. I brought my then 3 yo and one week daughter to les miserable on Broadway and she was great! I brought several lollipops with me and she ended up falling asleep but she never made a peep. She was better behaved than many adults I’ve seen TBH.

I would take him. If there are issues, then leave. Sit close to the doors and aisle that way you are disturbing anyone if you leave.

Matinees are the times with the most small children. Busy or not, he probably won't be the only small one. Things will probably work out well for you.

The worst case scenario is that your toddler acts up and you have to leave with him. Be prepared in case that needs to happen and everything will be fine.

Sit closest to the exit that way if he starts acting up you can exit quickly before too many are disturbed. With it being a matinee people are going to expect there to possibly be young kids.

We took ours around 3 and it was fine.

One was to see Cars and the just at the end (the big race) our 3 year old said "Ok I'm done" and I felt wait ... here's the race! but he was done.

Otherwise, mesmerized.

I think it will be fine. Anyhow, one of you can take him out of needs be. I was able to coax ours to sit and watch the race and it was fine.

As others have mentioned, don't overthink :) It will be ok. I would worry only if I was the only adult and had a bunch and was stuck dealing with one with no help. You're not in that situation. As you say, it's a matinee and you can always sit to one side away from others if concerned.

First you know your child best, and probably have a good determination of if your DS will be able to sit for a movie.

I have been taking my DD to movies since she was about 2 1/2. She will be 4 soon. Some movies she sits better than others. A Friday matinee is a good choice. While arriving early can get you good seats, I find the less time DD has to sit before the movie is best. We try to arrive in the middle of the previews. We also sit adults at each end of the group. And try not to sit behind others if possible. This way your LO can quietly move a bit without bothering others.

it's a tough age for a kid to sit through a feature length film, so i certainly appreciate your consideration. it sucks to pay for a movie and have a crying baby or toddler ruin it.

you've got a decent shot with this one, though. it's a kid movie, a matinee, and your mom is right, having been out for a while it will probably be sparsely attended.

so long as you're prepared to snatch him and de-camp if he doesn't make it all the way through i think it's worth a shot. good for your mom for wanting to create fun memories, and good for you for being thoughtful.

hope it works out!
:) khairete
S.

No!
Kids that age don’t need the extra screen time, added to that is that the movie will be really loud and it will be Chaos. I wouldn’t subject my child or the other patrons to my 2.5yr old son sitting still for what is easily 2+hrs with credits and everything else.
Your son isn’t going to remember this but everyone else will.