Kick back with some popcorn and settle into the best kid-friendly screenings in Los Angeles
Looking to catch a family-friendly movie with your toddlers and tweens? Luckily, the city has plenty of special screenings that’ll strike the fancy of your future filmmakers and movie lovers. (We’re talking films they’ll actually want to sit through.) From indoor jungle gyms to free popcorn and special matinee screenings at L.A.’s best movie theaters, these recurring and limited-run showings are a perfect stress-free activity for all ages to enjoy.
Walk among the iconic stars on Hollywood Boulevard and step right up to the box office of this glittering 1926 theater, owned by the Walt Disney Company. The mix of ultra-lavish vintage interiors with modern technology creates a magical and immersive setting to watch the Disney classics.
In February the theater will raise the curtains to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Feb 2-7) in honor of the film’s 80th anniversary, along with Lady and the Tramp (Feb 9-14), just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Mexico-based luxury theater chain Cinépolis puts to rest parents’ fears of restless youngsters with its unique playground-meets-theater “Junior” concept. For 20 minutes before the movie and during a 15-minute intermission, children ages 3 to 12 can climb the indoor jungle gym and venture down a 25-foot slide, located right beside the theater seats. In addition to regular seating, you can reserve lounge chairs, pillows or bean bags (every kid’s dream) to view the daily G and PG selections.
Be on the lookout this winter for a special showing of Paddington 2.
Beyond interactive science exhibitions, demonstrations and live shows, the museum is home to an expansive IMAX theater. The seven-story screen shows films that follow scientific discoveries and journeys in all corners of the globe—the kind of visually stunning and educational documentaries you’d find on the National Geographic channel.
Follow an explorer on his 11-year journey through the rainforest in Amazon Adventure 3-D (Feb 1-Mar 23) or learn the story behind one of the world’s most devastating natural disasters in Hurricane 3-D (Feb 1-Mar 23). You and the kids can also discover the history behind ancient tombs in Mysteries of Egypt (opens Mar 24).
Did somebody say “free popcorn”? At filmmaker Quentin Tarantino’s indie theater, children ages 12 and under can indulge in a complimentary bag of popcorn during the “Kiddee Matinees” series on weekends. As if that’s not enticing enough, all tickets are just $6. In keeping with the theater’s aim to preserve and celebrate vintage film projection, you can expect a range of 35mm selections: Think family-friendly classics like The Princess Bride, Big and Snoopy, Come Home.
Break out the strollers and head to “Monday Morning Mommy Movies” at the Grove, where fellow caregivers can relax and enjoy newly released films. In a theater full of young families, you won’t have to worry about squirming little ones—if anyone understands, it’s other parents.
In February catch the 3-D, live-action adaption of the adventurous and always impish Peter Rabbit.
There are plenty of things to do outside in Los Angeles, but even with all our beautiful beaches and parks, sometimes you just want to be indoors.
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