Taking little kids to the movies can be a challenging experience. There are constant bathroom breaks, the urge to wander the aisle, and general disruptions. Austyn de Lugo-Liston, a father of six in Los Angeles, shares his experiences in a TikTok video that has gained significant attention.

Discover the Best Way to Take Little Kids to the Movies

Movie Theater Options for Young Kids

Movie theaters now have dedicated spaces for young kids. Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas' "Junior" theater, for example, has slides and climbing structures. Kids between 3 and 12 can play for 20 minutes before the movie starts and there is a 15-minute intermission. Parents must be present at all times. This provides a unique experience where kids can get their "wiggles" out. 1: This theater option is especially beneficial for parents with young children who are not yet ready for a full two-hour movie theater experience. It helps ease kids into movie theater etiquette without the fear of them crying and ruining the experience for others. 2: According to the website, this concept was born out of the desire to offer a unique experience for families. It allows parents to enjoy quality time together while their kids have fun.

Parent Perspectives and Reactions

Some people are jealous of the experience at the "Junior" theater, while others have different opinions. Some worry that it teaches kids bad habits like being able to go crazy at the movies. Others think it's a great idea as it prepares kids for regular movie theater behavior. 1: There are comments like "Isn't this teaching the kids they can go crazy at the movies?" and "Or, take your kids to the movies when they are old enough to sit still. For this, just take them to a play place." These show the diverse viewpoints. 2: However, de Lugo-Liston himself doesn't worry about parent shaming in such a kid-friendly theater. He shares an incident during the live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid" when his 3-year-old got overexcited during a song. He had to make a decision between letting her ruin the experience for others or removing her from the movie.

Preparing Kids for the Movie Theater

Family therapist Sheryl Ziegler suggests that kid-friendly theaters are good preparation for the real thing. They can help calm kids with energy, sensory problems, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. 1: Paying attention to how well kids sit for movies at home is important. If they can sit through a movie without excessive talking, getting up, or using the bathroom, they may be ready. Library story hours, restaurants, and bookstores are also places to test if kids can stay still and use their "indoor voices." 2: Ziegler also mentions that kids who are scared of the dark or loud noises may not be ready. Some locations have "sensory friendly" showings with brighter lighting and lower sound volume. Nervous kids can bring comfort objects like a stuffed animal or a fidget spinner.

Timing and Snacks

Catching an earlier show time when kids are rested and not hungry can make the movie theater experience better. Ziegler also emphasizes that kids at movie theaters should be able to regulate their emotions around an abundance of snacks. 1: Thinking about whether kids can abide by limits on popcorn or candy is crucial. It helps them learn self-control in a social setting. 2: By considering these factors and choosing the right movie theater environment, parents can make the movie theater experience more enjoyable for both kids and themselves.