How old does a child have to be to go to the movie theatre?

Tina - posted on 06/27/2011

I was thinking for the same with my son, kicker is to take him to a morning matinee.... that way he'll watch the movie then, lunch, after all that its nap time!

Janet - posted on 04/19/2011

Don't worry about your child being fussy if your going to watch cars the theater will be filled of little kids talking laughing and crying so you won't be alone...

Amanda - posted on 04/18/2011

Thanks ladies for all the advice it think i will try he movies and if he gets frigidity i will take him to the bathroom and give him a break n then return and if that don't work then we will try the drive in next time.

Sherri - posted on 04/16/2011

So take him my son has been going to the movie theater since he was an infant. Only you know your child and if it doesn't work out take him out and try at a later time.

Danielle - posted on 04/15/2011

Some theatres have special show times alloted for toddlers so that if the kids decide to run around and play it doesn't distract other movie goers. They also allow more lighting and keep the volume down a bit for little ears.

Kristy - posted on 04/15/2011

I think its fine, my son is 3 in September and cant wait to take him to the car 2 movie, dont think he will watch the whole thing.

Erin - posted on 04/15/2011

I think the drive-in idea is fantastic if there's one near you! My daughter could go to movies by 18months but I know 3 and 4 year olds that can't sit still. It really depends on the kid. Can he sit still at a restaurant for an entire meal? I think that's a good indication as well since there are distractions and it proves they know how to behave in public. If you do take him, be prepared to leave if he can't sit still since its not fair to the other patrons to have a wandering/noisy child in the theatre. You could try a weekday matinee as well since those are less busy. Good luck! My daughter (now 3) loves to go to the movies and I love taking her since she knows how to behave ;)

Erin - posted on 04/15/2011

Try a drive in if there is one close. My son has been to see a movie in the theater at age 2 and did fine. But all kids are different. He has gone 3 times to the drive in though, they are so fun!

Bonnie - posted on 04/15/2011

I don't know if they have it everywhere, but in my city they have something called 'Stars and Strollers'. There is a showing for a particular movie during the day that is specifically for mothers or parents with small children.

Jay - posted on 04/15/2011

Ya that is old enough! I was at the movies at 3 and 4 and loved it, such an adventure when you are that young.
If he starts gettin fidgity maybe just pop out to the loo with him or out for a drink so he gets a lil break and returns fresh.x

Jennifer - posted on 04/15/2011

I have never taken any of my kids, but I honestly think my 5 year old would be able to handle it now. My 7 and 3 year olds are way to active, and never sit still long enough to even watch a 1/2 hour show. I was thinking of taking them all to a drive-in though. There, it doesn't matter how much they want to play.

Teresa - posted on 04/15/2011

Any age is fine as long as you are prepared to leave if the kid isn't handling it. My girls went to the movies at 2 months and slept the whole time. We didn't go back to a movie til they were 3 though. They did fine. My son (3) has never been, but dvds at home are cheaper. :)

Karen - posted on 04/15/2011

i've taken a 2 year old before - depends really on their attention span. if they can sit well through a tv show at home chances are they'll do fine in a movie. i've been to movies where people have had their infants with them and there were no problems. if baby started fussing mom or dad stepped out to settle them and then came back in

Alison - posted on 04/15/2011

I've heard no babes in arms. I started taking my daughter to the movies at age 3.

Medic - posted on 04/15/2011

My kids have been going to the movies their whole lives. Up until about 2.5 my oldest would watch then just fall asleep and that is what my now 14 month old does. We usually go to the movies for us and the kids just get dragged along.....it makes seeing disney movies easier if you bring kids. The theaters don't have age limits.

Amanda - posted on 04/15/2011

thanks I figured that n that's why I figured we wouldn't do mush of drinks just popcorn for him.

Louise - posted on 04/15/2011

I think 3 is fine any earlier and you would have problems. Don't expect to see much of the film though as they seem to get fascinated with going to the toilet all the time.