How old should your child be before taking them to the movies?

Question

I have a 2 1/2 year old boy. We watch movies at home pretty often (he loves the Pixar/Disney movies), but we we have never taken him 'to the movies' at a theater. He is an active boy - well behaved, but a typical 2 year old.

My mom-in-law really wants to take him to see a movie this weekend. I was wondering if anyone has taken their young children to the movies with any success? btw... the movie is kung fu panda.

Answer 1

if he sits through a whole movie at home why not? give it a try. my daughter loves movies and sits through the whole thing from the beginning the end at home .my daughter is 2 1/2 we recently took her to the movies for the first time  ( kung fu panda) . it went well though she was in and out of her seat alot. and walked up and down our row of seats a little bit. my husband was at the end and did not let her into the main aisle  .  she claimed to like it and wants to go back . i will take her again . she was quite the whole time and didn't bother anyone else . we told her she had to whisper during the movie so as not to bother anyone else. i would only take her to see movies for kids though . fellow parents seem to be a bit more understanding of your situation. if you like try taking him a early showing first to see how it goes. the theaters are mostly empty then . good luck ! my daughter said the snacks is what she liked the best!

Answer 2

a good  first try idea would be to find out if the theater in the town you live in has a baby and parent kind of movie. I live in sudbury ontario and I know that our local silver city theater have what's called  "stars and strollers presentations" It's a choice of two movies ( both are generally, not always, baby friendly) and you can bring your child to that to get the accustomed to the theater first. We do that quite often. It's cheaper since it's aimed to families and it's during the day, so you get a nice afternoon movie, so your child won't be sleepy and cranky (hopefully, haha). We've gone to see Bee Movie, Horton Hears a Who (twice, haha), and a bunch more. It's nice to take them in to a children's movie and sit and enjoy it together. The lights are usually a bit brighter than normal, the volume of the movie is lower, there kids everywhere, so nobody in the theater cares if your child runs around ( supervised of course) or makes some noise. Just be prepared to be in a noisier than normal theater. The popcorn sometimes isn't the greatest, but that's a sacrifice I'm always willing to make. Have fun, hope I helped =D

Answer 3

At least over 2 years of age. I still haven't taken my kids to the movie theatre. (4 and 2). I am planning to take my 4 year old to his first movie this summer when kung fu panda hits second run. I don't expect him to sit through the entire thing.

If he can sit at home and watch a whole movie in one sitting, then he can probably handle the movie theatre. My kids barely make it past the opening song of elmo's world at home, so I'm scared to take them to the movies. (lol)

Answer 4

I tried taking my son to a movie when he was 3, and I really found that it was overwhelming, just because of the large screen and surround sound.  Kids that age can really feel the peril of characters in danger, especially when they're larger than life.

It seems like Kung Fu Panda will be out on video soon.  Could she wait and then have a special night where everybody wears pajamas and you make popcorn and see the movie together?  If not, I would go with them, just so you can see how your child is reacting and take him out of the theater if he's having a hard time.

Good luck!

Answer 5

ill agree with going....the kid will probably be so amazed at the SIZE of the screen it should hold his attention....and even if it didnt u could always walk out for a sec....but i took mine young and he sat for the WHOLE movie and never heard a peep from him until it was over=)

Answer 6

Yea that age is fine to take him. As long as you feel that he is well-behaved enough to go. But I trust that he is. Anyways I don't know about your theatres but theatres where I live have this thing called "stars and strollers." These showings are made for younger children. The lights are not all the way turned off just dimed. The volume is softer etc.

Answer 7

Kung fu Panda is a great little kids movie..even adults.  Lots a laughs.  He will love it.

Answer 8

i don't have kids, but i have friends with children as old as 5 they don't take to the movies.  kids often find it overwhelming. your child might be fine, but its' a long time to sit in an "adult chair" with adults and noise and lots of distractions. you know your child best and if you think he's ready, he probably is.  but if you have doubts, then it's probably best to wait it out.

Answer 9

you can try but be prepared to leave! most 2 year olds will not sit still in a movie that long!

Answer 10

If he can sit still and watch the movie take him the movie is great we went and seen it a couple of weeks ago and we took 4 kids ages 7,5,4, and 18mos even the 18mo got into it and watched it....So Enjoy!!!

Note: also dont forget this movie is intended for children I know when we went there was lots of small kids talking, playing,getting up to go potty it just becomes what you expect when you go to the movies to see a kids movie.

Answer 11

I think taking them at 2 and up is a good idea...but be prepared to leave the theatre when they start getting antsy and loud. You won't know until you try - each kid is different.

Answer 12

I think you should give it a go. I first took my son when he was two and he loved it!!! The big screen really keeps their attention!! What's the worst that can happen, if he acts up you can just leave!!

Answer 13

honestly i've taken kids i babysit to the movies before [they we're three and five] and they didn't really watch the movie.

The three year old fell asleep and the five year old was so fascinated by the inside of the theater that all he did was wander up and down the aisles the whole time

2 1/2 may be a bit too young

i think kids need to be at least seven before they can sit through an entire movie and enjoy it

Answer 14

I toke my 3 y/o to her first movie when she was 2. We actually sat through it ALL! I mean there were times where I had to tell her shhh, but she did pretty well. I also recently took my 3 y/o to see Kung fu Panda with her cousin. I am also thinking of taking her to see WALL-E.

But Good Luck and have fun.