Planning on Taking Your Kids to the Movies for the First Time? Read This Before You Go

Attending a film at a theater continues to be one of the most enjoyable pastimes for people of all ages. However, if you've ever been to a movie where there's a young child in attendance, you know how things can get out of hand quickly. If you're bringing your own kids to the movies, you don't want to be that disruptive parent, so you need to be prepared. From ensuring that your children are comfortable to preparing the right snacks, there's a lot you should consider.

To retain your sanity and make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone, read these tips before you take your kids to the theater for the first time.

Research the Film

The first thing that you need to do before bringing your kids to the movies is research the film to determine if it's suitable for them in the first place. If you're bringing babies, toddlers, or kids under 12 to the movies, you'll want to pick one that's rated “G.”

Even if it is, read up on the film and see if there's anything in it that you don't want your kids to see. Movie producers are a little bolder than they used to be, so they may try to sneak something in that you don't approve of. A great resource for research is Common Sense Media. They'll tell you the age that the film is most suitable for, or if there's bad language, violence, or inappropriate romance.

In addition to being appropriate, the other great thing about going to a movie that's suitable for children is that the theater is likely to be filled with kids. This is the perfect scenario because it will be a less formal experience, and if other kids are laughing and making noise, it will be less of a big deal if your kids are a bit restless too.

Mentally Prepare Your Kids

Once you find a movie that's suitable, you may want to sit down with your kids and prepare them for the experience. Tell them that once the movie starts, it will be mostly dark in the room. Also, let them know that there will be many other strangers sitting in the theater. They may even have a stranger sitting next to them. Reassure them that you're there to ensure they're safe and that it will be a fun experience.

Next, tell them about how watching a movie in the theater is different than at home. It will be louder, the screen will be larger, and it may seem like a longer experience than they're used to. Also, remind them that since there will be other people in the theater, they should try to refrain from running around. Ask them if they feel like they're ready to behave. If you sense hesitation, maybe wait a little longer for their first film.

Watch a Mock Film at Home

After you explain how the theater will be, consider practicing at home. Play one of their favorite movies and close the curtains so it's dark. Tell the kids to see how long they can enjoy the film while being quiet. If they can't last more than 10 minutes, then you may want to wait longer to go to the movies.

Think About How Long You'll be in the Movie

In addition to researching the subject matter, the length of the movie is something to consider. You've likely noticed that movies are getting longer these days, and the length of the film will impact how your kids act. Will they get restless? Will they be bored after the first hour? Since you don't know how your child may act during their first movie, you may want to test the waters by going to an inexpensive showing.

Many theaters show older family films in the middle of the day for $5 or less. That might be a good place to start. See how long your kids can last – if they're jumping out of their seats, then you can leave and know that you're not throwing away a lot of money.

Get Some Exercise Before the Film

It's almost a given that your child is not going to sit still for their first 90-minute film. So, don't go there early in the morning when they're full of energy. Instead, go later in the afternoon. Before you attend the cinema, get the wiggles out by spending some time at the park, in the pool, or by walking around the mall, so they're nice and relaxed as they approach showtime.

Get There Early

This is likely a tip that you'll continue to follow as you see more movies in the theater, and it's that you should arrive early. There are many reasons to get there in advance. One is that if you purchase your seats before others, you can choose where to sit.

If it's your first time at the movies and you know your kids will likely need to get up during the film, then you may want to choose seats near the aisle. Some people also choose to sit in the back row so that jumping kids don't disrupt other patrons.

Another perk of getting there early is that it gives you a chance to get everything you need and get settled. That means getting your snacks, popcorn, and plenty of napkins. You may want to go easy on the drinks the first time so that you can minimize bathroom time. With that in mind, use this opportunity to bring your kids to the restroom even if they claim they don't have to go, so you don't have to keep getting up during the film.

Be Prepared to be Cold

If you haven't been to the movie theater for a while, you may have forgotten how cold it can be in there. Most theaters are set up this way because cool air keeps the equipment from overheating. Plus, theaters expect large crowds, and all of those people can raise the temperature quite a bit. With that in mind, pack accordingly when you bring your kids to the movies for the first time. Bring an extra sweater or a light blanket just in case.

You May Need Booster Seats

When you're bringing your youngest kids to the movies, consider their height. Toddlers and smaller children may require a booster seat to see the screen, especially if someone taller sits in front of them, and you can't change seats. Call the theater ahead of time because many movie theaters have booster seats that you can borrow while you're there.

Noise Reduction Earmuffs

If you're going to a film that you believe may be particularly loud, consider getting your little ones noise reduction earmuffs, especially if they have sensory issues. If your child is bothered by the noise level, let them wear the headphones or earmuffs so it's not too loud and they can still enjoy the show.

Consider Bringing Support

If you're bringing your kids to the movies for the first time, you may want to consider bringing support. If your child always seems to be more relaxed when they're with their grandparents, consider bringing them along. That way, they can help to control your child if they get out of hand. Grandparents will likely be thrilled to be a part of the memory of your child's first movie, so it's a win-win for everyone.

Sort Out the Popcorn

If you plan to make it an authentic movie-going experience and you want to get popcorn, be smart about how you and your kids enjoy it during the film. It can become chaos if you're all eating out of the same bucket, so before the film starts, portion out the popcorn. Either bring or ask for little bowls at the concession area and give everyone their own so they'll feel special while enjoying the show. Keep in mind that popcorn is a choking hazard and isn't recommended for children under three or four years old.

Understand That You May Need to Leave

Our biggest tip for bringing your kids to the movies is to find a movie that you're not dying to see yourself. That's because there's a good chance that you may need to leave in the middle. If your child starts having a breakdown in the theater and you have no choice but to go home, you'll feel better knowing that you're not missing out on anything important.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock.com.