Taking your child to the movies for the first time marks a significant moment in parenting. Introducing young ones to the allure of a large screen, plush seats, and immersive sound creates enduring memories.
It’s natural for both parents and children to feel apprehensive beforehand. Children must acclimate to a new setting, darkness, and heightened audio levels, while parents may worry about their child’s adjustment and the potential disturbance to other moviegoers.
With the school break approaching, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to make your child’s first cinema experience stress-free for everyone.
HELLO! ‘ s top parenting tips for a successful cinema outing with kids:
Pre-Cinema Preparation:
- Kids typically enjoy movies lasting 60-90 minutes starting from ages 2-3. Test their attention span with longer TV show episodes or child-friendly films at home.
- Discuss the cinema environment before arriving—explain the darkness and presence of other viewers.
- Highlight the benefits of watching a film in a theater compared to at home. You can show them reviews in magazines or watch trailers together.
- Remind them to be considerate of others during the movie and practice this behavior at home during a movie night.
- Avoid action-packed or horror films until they are older due to loud sounds and intense scenes.
Ticket Booking Tips:
- Younger children are more attentive in the morning or right after lunch, so opt for early or daytime screenings.
- If your child may need to move around or use the restroom frequently, choose seats near the aisle.
- Some cinemas offer special screenings for guests with autism or sensory issues, providing a more accommodating environment. Check your local cinema’s website for details.
- For parents with infants, look for baby-friendly showings with dim lighting and softer sounds.
- Children under two usually enter for free, but if they need a separate seat, a Child ticket is required.
Pre-Departure Checklist:
- Encourage kids to dress up as their favorite movie character for a more exciting experience.
- Let them pick a snack or drink to bring along, and they can also bring a toy or blanket for comfort.
Cinema Visit:
- Arrive early to use the restroom and settle into your seats. You can skip the trailers to help kids focus on the movie.
- Relax and enjoy the experience! Most families understand and are tolerant of children’s reactions during the film.
Post-Movie Activities:
- Films can help children understand real-life situations. Discuss the movie’s themes and plot with your child and reminisce about their favorite scenes.
For a delightful family-friendly movie event, don’t miss Peppa’s Cinema Party celebrating Peppa Pig’s 20th anniversary.
Inviting preschoolers to embrace curiosity, Peppa Pig navigates life’s challenges with enthusiasm, inspiring kids to approach obstacles with a positive mindset.
Premiering on February 9, Peppa’s Cinema Party offers child-friendly screenings of ten new Peppa Pig episodes in a 65-minute feature film. Check local cinemas like Everyman, Vue, Cineworld, Odeon, Showcase, and independents for showtimes.
Featuring a vibrant three-part Wedding Party Special with voices of Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, along with new songs and interactive shorts, this event promises an immersive experience for kids and families.
After enjoying Peppa’s Cinema Party, groove to the five new tracks from Peppa’s Cinema Party: The Album, available for streaming on major platforms.
- Everybody Party
- Wheels on the Party Bus
- Bing Bong Stomp
- Better with You
- Let’s Dress Up