Now Showing: DC’s Most Kid-Friendly Movie Theaters

by Wendy MillerJanuary 2, 2020

In a world with Netflix and Disney+, it’s hard to beat the comfort of your own couch and freshly buttered air-popped corn. Unless you’ve been cooped up in your own living room for far too long. Escape the confines of your home with a trip to one of these family-friendly theaters where kids are welcome and you don’t have to worry about who gets the “best” space on the sofa because all of the seats have a good view (and, if you’re lucky, they recline). Read on for the best places to escape your abode for a family flick.

Alamo Cinema
This dinner-and-a-movie concept (available in Ashburn and Woodbridge) showcases kids and family events with a full page of tyke friendly fun like Alamo for All, sensory friendly, all-ages screenings where the lights are kept on low, and nobody has to swap diaper changes for scene changes as you can duck in and out anytime. Check out Victory Vanguard, a film club and discounts just for teens, or PBS kids T.V. show screenings where the admission price benefits your local station.

Ashburn:
20575 Easthampton Plaza
Ashburn, VA 20147
571-293-6808

Woodbridge:
15200 Potomac Town Place, Suite 100
Woodbridge, VA 22191
571-260-4413
Online: drafthouse.com

American Film Institute Silver Theatre and Cultural Arts Center
Typically catering to adult film fans, this cultural hub Imakes room for the occasional kid-friendly feature and series in their landmark theatre in downtown Silver Spring. Look out for runs like the Holiday Classic Series now playing, and special Silver Babies with first run showtimes on Friday mornings at an admission price of just $10 for parent and baby.

8633 Colesville Rd.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-495-6700
Online: afi.com

AMC Theaters
Most of AMC’s DMV locations now offer premium seating where everyone gets to put their feet up, as well as the traditional daytime discount for little people‘s favorite movie showtime—before 4 p.m. Also consider joining the chain’s loyalty program—AMC Stubs—and take advantage of $5 Ticket Tuesdays when you purchase at the box office.

Various locations.
Online: amctheatres.com

Angelika
What’s that you say? Junior has been a bit of crybaby today? You said it, not us. But not to worry, this indie mecca with two locations in Northern Virginia, and the ultra-chic pop-up at Union Market, has you covered. Bring the babe to the movies for a mid-day Crybaby Matinee on Wednesdays in DC and Mondays in Farifax. Check under the Programs and Events tabs for the latest showings.

550 Penn St. NE
Union Market
Online: angelikafilmcenter.com

Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse
Offering Monday discounts, Saturday morning birthday party opportunities, and special events like a Christmas movie marathon, this longtime neighborhood favorite is a go-to place for families. In addition to cinematic offerings, comedy nights feature live comics from Mad TV, Comedy Central and more. And have we mentioned the pub style food, or the adult bevvies?

2903 Columbia Pike
Arlington VA 22204
703-486-2345
Online: arlingtondrafthouse.com

Old Greenbelt Theater
This lively old fashioned spot in the heart of Old Greenbelt, itself declared a National Historic District in 1997, shows both first run and arthouse movies, and hosts film and other programs for all ages, including a bi-weekly Monday morning Storytime on Screen, free to the community, and an eclectic Family Series with a broad variety of performances film fest screenings for kids.

129 Centerway
Greenbelt, MD 20770
301-329-2034
Online: greenbelttheatre.org

The Avalon
Tops on the list at this Chevy Chase Circle favorite is the Weekend Family Matineeseries which features singing, magic actsand more, including occasional family-friendly films screened in front of an old fashioned stage. Under an art deco gilded painted ceiling, the Avalon’s foreign and domesticarthouse selections make for a great date night, or perhaps brunch at the nearby Bread and Chocolate.

5612 Connecticut Ave. NW
Chevy Chase
202-966-3464
Online: theavalon.org

Cinema Arts Theatre
Located in a Fairfax strip mall, this theater offers a great matinee price ($6.50/person) and on weekdays, crowds are super small. That makes it the perfect time to take your kiddo for their first movie, or if they don’t like crowds or you simply want them to have freedom to be themselves. They’ve also got a great selection of tasty concessions, and plenty of places for a meal before or after the movie, too.

9650 Main St
Fairfax VA 22031
703-978-6991
Online: www.cinemaartstheatre.com

Cinemark Fairfax Corner 14 and XD
National chain Cinemark offers Reel Family Time/Family Day at Cinemark every Mon. Enjoy $1.25 discount on ticket prices when you have three or more people in your group. You can also check out their Early Bird program, which gives you an extra discount on matinee prices for the first matinee of the day before 1 P.M. There’s also Wednesday when they offer $5 tickets. Don’t forget Front Row Joe, the program that lets your kiddo celebrate their birthday with a private movie screening and a Movie Snack Pack of traditional movie treats.

11900 Palace Way
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-378-6550
Online: www.cinemark.com

Regal
National Chain Regal offers a couple of kid-friendly options. The second and fourth Saturday of each month at 10:30 A.M. is their My Way Matinee, a sensory friendly movie with the lights turned up and the sound turned down. Let your kiddo wander, talk, or do whatever else they like. During the summer months, don’t miss their Summer Movie Express, two movies a week that are family-friendly with steeply discounted tickets.

701 Seventh St. NW
Penn Quarter
844-462-7342
Online: www.regmovies.com

Cobb Village 14 Cinemas
Cobb Village 14 offers sensory-friendly films once a month where your kiddos can enjoy a great movie with brighter lights, lower volume, and no pressure to be still or quiet. They also have Cobbster’s Kitchen & Bar, a family-friendly full-dining service that allows you to take your food to enjoy during the movie or at the lobby tables.

1600 Village Market Blvd. SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
571-291-9462
Online: www.cobbtheaters.com

The Miracle Theater
This former vaudeville theater offers lots of kid-friendly entertainment, going above and beyond just movies. For example, they have a Polar Express Pajama Party in Dec., along with plenty of other family-friendly movies. Year-round, they have the Boogie Babes every Thursday, an interactive musical experience for kids.

535 8th St. SE
Capitol Hill
202-400-3210
Online: www.themiracletheater.com

Here’s How To See a Sensory-Friendly Screening of “Toy Story 4”

by Erica LoopJune 17, 2019

Regal Cinemas wants to make going to the movies a positive experience—for everyone. And with the company’s My Way Matinee program, kiddos with sensory processing disorders and other similar needs can view the summer’s top flicks in a totally new way.

My Way Matinee movies are sensory-friendly, including soft lighting and lower volume sound. Along with these additions, children are free to sing, laugh, dance, talk, make noise or walk around mid-movie! In other words, there are no “no’s” here.

https://twitter.com/RegalMovies/status/1140637178793463812

Fans of Buzz, Woody and the rest of the Pixar gang can check out Toy Story 4 on Jun. 29 at select Regal Cinemas theaters across the country. All showtimes start at 10:30 a.m. local time. Visit Regal’s website here to locate participating theaters.

Along with the latest installment of the Toy Story series, Regal’s My Way Matinee will also include Spider-Man: Far From Home (Jul. 13), The Lion King (Jul. 27), Dora and the Lost City of Gold (Aug. 10) and Angry Birds 2 (Aug. 24).

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Pixar via YouTube

This Money-Saving Hack Can Help You Score Free Movie Tickets This Summer

This Theater Is Offering Free Movies for Kids Who Read Books

This Theater Chain Is Offering Give Backs to the Community with Every Kid-Movie Ticket

by Shahrzad WarkentinJune 17, 2019

Summer is in full effect and so is the struggle to stay cool and keep kids busy. All summer long Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is hosting Alamo Kids Camp where you can choose your movie ticket price and give back to the community. It’s a win-win!

Throughout summer families are invited to attend Alamo Kids Camp where they can watch family-friendly films, like Trolls, Kung Fu Panda and The LEGO Movie for the ticket price of either $1, $3 or $5. The donation is up to you and full cost will be go to local nonprofits designated by each Alamo Drafthouse location.

Alamo Kids Camp is hosted daily Mon.-Fri. for matinee showings. Most Alamo Kids Camp events are for kids ages three and up, though some are for all ages. You can get more details about movies, showtimes and activities for your local Alamo Drafthouse theater here.

In addition to daily movies Alamo Drafthouse will also be hosting some other family friendly events throughout the summer. In the month of June, theater lobbies will be transformed into a Toy Story 4 family party where kids can participate in games and activities before the movie. In July, the party will shift to The Lion King and in August you can celebrate the 20th anniversary of Iron Giant with a fun lobby bash.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse/ hlkfotos.com

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Reel Cool: The Most Family-Friendly Movie Theaters

by Maria ChambersJune 10, 2019

Warm summer days are gleefully upon us, which also means there are days where refuge will be needed when temps hit sweltering. When you want a time out from the elements—or just a cabin fever reprieve—head to the cinema. These theaters are known to be extra family friendly. (Translation: Nobody will be upset when you show up with your mom-tourage).

photo: Tivoli Theatre via Yelp

Tivoli Theatre
Why We Like Them: Overall value and old-timey simplicity

The best movie value is Tivoli Theatre, which is just one of the equally-swell 14 suburban theaters owned by Classic Cinemas. Inexpensive ticket prices and free refills on all drinks and popcorn keep cinema outings affordable for families. Customer experience is the priority, and it shows in the way employees seem to appreciate every person who walks in the door and every dollar spent. They also have an organ performance every Friday and Saturday evening 30 minutes before the last two showtimes.

Kick off summer mornings with the $1 Wednesday Morning Movie Series, running June 5 through August 7, at all Classic Cinema theaters. Employees dress as popular characters and facilitate games in the lobby prior to the 10 a.m. show time of a family-friendly flick.

Matinee: $6
5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove
Online: classiccinemas.com

photo: Davis Theater courtesy of Justin U. via Yelp

Davis Theater
Why We Like Them: Long live the street-front theaters!

Feel like you live in a small town, for just a few hours, while nestled in the big city. The simplicity and friendly atmosphere of Davis Theater is what makes the Lincoln Square mainstay special. A renovation in 2016 didn’t strip away any of the charm and this neighborhood favorite is now making homemade caramel and cheese popcorn, along with other fun flavors. A few times around the block and you can usually find street parking. No messing with garages or trekking down long hallways to get to the show. It’s great for parents who want their kids to experience movies the old-fashioned way, without all the flash of newer theaters.

Matinee: $9
4614 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Square
Online: davistheater.com

Showplace Icon Theater
Why We Like Them: Nap-worthy reserved seating, it anchors a pretty cool shopping development and, oh, that popcorn!

Calling all bacon lovers! The bacon-flavored popcorn is reason enough for you to try this South Loop movie palace. Sample the selection of popcorn salts or ditch the popcorn altogether for a brownie in a skillet.

Showcase offers guests reserved seating. This is fabulous news for parents, as you no longer need to fret about arriving early to secure prime viewing space. It’s not just any reserved seating, either: It’s leather, comfortable, spacious and your three-year-old won’t get scrunched in the usual folding chair.

Matinee: $5
150 W. Roosevelt Rd., South Loop
Online: showplaceicon.com

photo: Facets birthday parties

Facets
Why We Like Them: They bring us the annual Chicago International Children’s Film Fest and their birthday parties are a blast!

We absolutely cannot have a list of favorite Chicago theaters without mentioning Facets. Not only can you host a memorable birthday party for your kids, they host film camps and bring us the annual children’s film fest (in it’s 36th year!) that was the first to be recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which means films screened at CICFF can go on to win Oscars®.

No matter your kiddo’s film interest, you’re bound to find something that peaks their interest—animated features, child-produced shorts, documentary short films, live-action features and more! (Even some that will appeal to the teens in your house.) Keep on eye on their schedule and support this neighborhood gem.

Facets Multimedia
1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Lincoln Park
Online: facets.org

photo: CMX Cinema

CMX Cinema
Why We Like Them: Grab and go made-to-order gourmet delights

See a show like never before with the innovative CMX Cinema. Relax in super comfy, oversized reclining chairs, while noshing on grab-and-go and made-to-order gourmet delights like pretzels, milkshakes, sandwiches, and pizza. For parents that want an adult only VIP dinner-and-a-movie experience, pop over to the CMX CinéBistro, offering a full menu.

Locations in Skokie and Arlington Heights with plans to expand into more Chicagoland markets, so keep your eyes peeled on their website for updates.

photo: Studio Movie Grill

Studio Movie GrillI
Why We Like Them: In-movie food/drink service and lots of personal space

Hello, food heaven. The in-movie food service puts the end to days of you attempting to corral your kiddos toward the theater while juggling their drinks, popcorn and candy. Just sit back, relax and let the food come to you. As an added bonus for parents, the extensive menu includes alcoholic bevvies.

Seats are equipped with built-in trays. And with the leg room this theater offers, you won’t have to worry about getting the stink-eye from the person in front of you; your precious has no chance of kicking their seat.

For families with kids with special needs, SMG offers family friendly movie showings where the lights are turned up and the volume is lowered and kids are free to move around, talk and even dance in the aisles. Check their website for details.

Matinee: Before noon $6.50; $8.50 kids after noon; $5 all day long on Tuesdays
301 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton
Online: studiomoviegrill.com

AMC River East 21
Why We Like Them: Special movie showing options for kids with special needs

AMC has partnered with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where lights are brighter, sound is minimized and the kiddos can dance, walk or sing in the aisles. Their Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. They also offer assistive moviegoing options for those with hearing and vision impairments.

Oh, and did we forget to mention their heated leather recliners? It might just turn into nap time for the littles. Never a bad thing.

322 E. Illinois St., Near North Side
888-AMC-4FUN
Online: amctheatres.com

— Maria Chambers

featured photo: personal creations via flickr

This Movie Theater Chain Is Offering Sensory-Friendly Screenings of “Wonder Park”

by Karly WoodMarch 15, 2019

Heading to the movies is a special treat for most families, but it can be stressful for littles to abide by traditional movie theater etiquette. For children with special needs, the challenge can be even more difficult––but not anymore!

As part of Regal Cinema’s My Way Matinee program which offers sensory-friendly movie screenings, guests can catch a screening of Paramount Picture’s Wonder Park on Saturday, Mar. 23 for just $6.50 at select theaters!

photo: IMDB

Regal Cinemas states that the program allows guests to “express themselves by singing, crying, dancing, walking around, talking or shouting while enjoying Hollywood’s latest films.” Participating theaters turn up the lights and turn down the volume to make the experience more sensory-friendly.

Showings are every second and fourth Saturday of the month and start at 10:30 a.m. You can enjoy tickets for just $6.50, but be sure to check out the My Way Matinee website to see if your local theater participates in the program.

––Karly Wood

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Lights! Camera! Action: Head to the Theaters

by Annette BenedettiAugust 30, 2017

Forget spending movie night in the family room, view your favorite PG flicks on the big screen. Portland’s got a long list of kid-friendly theaters that take the stress out of enjoying the silver screen with kiddos in tow. Enjoy cheap tickets, kid-friendly matinee viewing times, and snacks that satisfy young pallets at the following cinemas. Read on for all the details.

Hollywood Theater
Step back in time when you enter this classic theater. Hollywood Theatre has been in Portland for 90 years and it honors its community by serving up s up plenty of cinematic family fun. Your crew will love heading to this iconic Portland landmark for movie night an their Family Pictures monthly series provides young movie buffs just what they need to have a good time. The series offers weekend afternoon showings of films that are perfect for kiddos. (Think: Matilda, Annie and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.) Tickets for the Family Pictures series are just $6/general admission and $3/kids 12 and under. The atmosphere is low stress for viewers with tots and gives caregivers an opportunity to relax with some popcorn and a soda

4122 NE Sandy Blvd.
503-281-4215
Online: hollywoodtheatre.org

The Academy Theater
The Academy theater may very well be at the top of our favorites list, and it’s soon to be at the top of yours too. They make their mission clear declaring “All ages welcome at all times” and by offering up babysitting in a beautiful play loft! That’s right, there’s onsite sitters for parents who need a break! Additionally, parents hoping to keep movie snack time on the healthy side will love their menu which includes Flying Pie Pizza ( with a gluten-free option), Miyamoto Sushi, and salads.

This theater also offers double-feature Mondays, where kids can see two films for $6 ($4/adult) and Two for Tuesdays (buy one ticket, get one free for the same show). Babysitting is offered on Fridays between 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and for all shows before 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Babysitting is by reservation only – no drop-ins – and costs $9.50 per child, ages 2-8 years for the length of the film. Save time by filling out the babysitting release form before you arrive.

7818 SE Stark St.
503-252-0500
Online: academytheaterpdx.com

McMenamins Kennedy School
You know a theater is kid-friendly when it offers Mommy Matinees. From Tues. – Thurs., this former school auditorium offers viewing times that fit the schedules of those with little theater goers. The seating arrangement is perfect with couches and table to snuggle up in, it’s almost like bringing the theater home. The best part of all may be the price of the tickets. Talk about affordable, at just $4/adults; $2/kids 11 and under; free for kids 2 and under, who could resist? Don’t forget to take your swimsuits and towels, too, for the heated soaking pool afterwards. Kids are allowed before 6 p.m.

5736 N.E. 33rd Ave.
503-249-3983
Online: mcmenamins.com

Laurelhurst Theater
If you are a little tight on cash but need to get out, grab a matinee at Laruelhurst. Shows before 6 p.m. are just $3 for adults and children 12 and under get in for $2. With just five minutes of previews and a zero commercials to sit through, your children may actually make it through the movie without getting restless. And if anyone in your crew gets hungry, pizza, salads, and cookies are on the menu and mom can enjoy a mimosa or glass of wine too!

2735 East Burnside St.
503-232-5511
Online: l aurelhursttheater.com

Valley Theater
Family Matinees at this theater, $4.75/person, and now families can enjoy hitting the theater on Monday and Tuesday for just $1! This theater doesn’t allow outside food or beverages but it does provide four varietys of hot dogs (including a vegan option, and though Google says otherwise, they want patron to know that they do in fact access all major credit and debit cards.

9360 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy.
Beaverton
503-296-6843
Online: valleycinemapub.com

Where to Have the Ultimate Movie Birthday Party

by LeTania Kirkland SmithJanuary 18, 2017

Everyone in LA loves movies! For this year’s birthday party, take those budding movie mogul to the matinee. This is LaLa Land after all and there are no shortages of movie theaters that provide all the amenities, making this the easiest party you’ll every plan. From large stadium seating theaters to intimate movie houses, we have the go-to list of the spots that will give your little cinephile the birthday of which (celluloid) dreams are made.

photo: El Capitan Theatre

El Capitan Theatre
Throw your movie themed party right in the middle of Tinseltown at this historic movie palace. Originally built in 1926 and restored to all its lavish glory, the El Capitan Theatre takes movie-going to a whole new level. The theater specializes in Disney releases and features a number of exclusive events from live musical performances to photos with movie characters. The venues offers two birthday packages: the Red Carpet, which features VIP concessions with in seat service and post movie party time in a shared room with games and crafts; and the Movie Premiere Packages, which sweetens the pot with a “paparazzi” photographer who will shoot photos of guests upon arrival and a post movie private party that includes food, a themed cake and Ghirardelli Sundaes. Check their website for more details and the upcoming movie schedule.

6838 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood
818-845-3110
Online: elcapitantheatre.com

photo: Regal Cinemas via Creative Commons

Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live
For kids who dream of Bright Lights in the Big City, the Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live may be their viewing destination. Your birthday girl or boy can celebrate in style with their name on the marquee at the film of their choice and full access to a private party room. Guests will receive reserved seats and a party pack with popcorn, drink and snack for the film. Outside food and drink are welcome and a Regal staff member will assist in pulling off the whole shebang. It’s also the only place in town that screens 4D movies, which is a super special treat for adventurous birthday celebrants. And if you all still have energy after the celebration, downtown and the city bustle is right at your fingertips.

1000 W. Olympic Blvd.
Downtown
844-462-7342
Online: lalive.com/movies

photo: iPic Theaters

iPic Theatres
If you’re looking for a posh party for your pampered starlet, iPic Theatres is perfection. Remember the days when choosing your seat at the cinema seemed cutting edge? Imagine a selected seat, pillow, blanket and in-seat service. At iPic theaters you can have your popcorn and so much more. You little can bring their crew in for any matinee before noon and enjoy A-list service. Choose from an entree, candy, dessert and unlimited popcorn. Entree choices include kids’ menu favorites like burgers, pizzas, chicken fingers and grilled cheese with the option of a fruit bowl or fries. Never fear if you’d rather not go the kiddie route for your meal; iPic also has a chef-designed menu with more refined choices quinoa and spinach dip and chicken satay in addition to the classic flavors like Margherita pizzas and burgers. You do nothing, your birthday celebrant and guests are treated like stars, and everyone goes home happy. iPic has locations in Westwood and Pasadena.

Online: ipictheaters.com

photo: The Americana at Brand

Americana at Brand’s Pacific Theatres
If you’re short on time (or energy, or ideas) for planning this year’s party, this is your pick. Depending on your needs, the Americana concierge can help you reserve seats in the theatre or buy out the entire space. Your party assistant can even help out with party goodie bags. Your crew can even arrive in style with a private trolley ride that will deliver to the theatre doors. Contact the concierge at the Americana and they will get your movie loving birthday babe’s desires all squared away. (This is a super fun option for grown up birthday party planning, too!)

889 Americana Way
Glendale
818-637-8982
Online: americanaatbrand.com

photo: The Grove

The Grove’s Pacific Theatres
If a party in Glendale seems like a schlep, heading over to The Grove (the Americana’s sister property) is a great alternative. The Pacific Theatres at the Grove will provide you with a theatre host, a choice of concessions for guests and private access to the theatre mezzanine, that your birthday girl or boy can decorate to their heart’s desire. Plus, The Grove boasts such sweet spots as American Girl and Dylan’s Candy Bar for pre- or post-movie fun. Contact the Pacific Theatre directly for more information.

189 The Grove Dr.
Mid-City
323-692-0829
Online: thegrovela.com

Do you know of a great place to host a movie-themed birthday party? Let us know in the comment section!

—LeTania Kirkland Smith

A New Toy Store That Inspires Imagination & Creativity

by Jennifer B DavisMay 31, 2016

Shopping for the toy for your little learner or a special birthday reveler can be daunting and time consuming, especially if you start your search online with “kids toys.” So. Many. Options! But fear not, Seattle parents. Your search for the perfect toy or gift just got a whole lot easier thanks to The Landing’s new toy store, Learning Express Toys.

photo: Jennifer B. Davis

Easy In & Out Access
Replacing a previous toy store, Learning Express Toys is located next to the theater and conveniently backs onto the northern parking garage, for easy pop-in-pop-out access. The brightly lit, nicely organized store is big enough to provide a good selection, yet small enough to offer help and suggestions. And, while it’s locally owned and operated, it’s a franchise (the first one in Washington), so you’ll find the prices to be quite reasonable.

photo: Jennifer B. Davis

Special Appearances
Co-owners Cody Perino and Danica Cowden, practically kids themselves, opened the store mid-May with a grand opening party complete with character visits and door-buster prices. But fear not, the special events (and good pricing!) will continue. Reoccurring story time is in the works, along with appearances from real-life heroes like Wyatt Bray, world champion of Kendama (a Japanese cup and ball game, taking the world by storm), along with local pro, Luke Ford, who plans to stop by to offer tips and tricks to aspiring Kendama-ers.

photo: Jennifer B. Davis

Gifts for Every Age & Stage
According to Perino, “Learning Express Toys is all about learning, fun and playing games – not providing an impersonal store or experience.” And that it’s not. From books and science kits, to classic and newly-popular games, scooters, stuffed animals, LEGOS and Calico Critters, Learning Express Toys provides unique toys, gifts and teaching supplies—all of which inspire imagination, creativity and intellectual and physical development—for a range of ages and interests. An assortment of play areas and tables are also a huge hit among kids and parents alike, especially when the ‘rents need a bit more browsing time.

Store Extras!
Learning Express Toys offers FREE personalization of its items like plastic headlamp hats, clipboards, storage boxes and buckets. And not only that, you can get your gift wrapped for FREE. Plus, teachers and those in the armed services receive 10% off at checkout. What’s not to love about that?

photo: Jennifer B. Davis

While You’re at The Landing
If you haven’t visited The Landing lately (or ever) it’s a great spot for a day out with the fam or an afternoon with your mini-me. Catch a matinee at the Regal Cinemas Stadium 14 theater, grab a burger at Five Guys Burgers & Fries and indulge your sweet tooth at Sweet Decadence. Or try one of the many restaurants at The Landing that are kid-friendly, then run off the crazies at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, just a few minutes away. Just be sure to pop into Learning Express Toys for an exciting, educational toy or gift that won’t break the bank (or your spirit).

photo: Jennifer B. Davis

Learning Express Toys
840 N. 10th Pl., Suite A
Renton, Wa 98057
425-264-3606
Online: learningexpress.com and on Facebook
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Have you visited Learning Express Toys? What do you like most about the store? Tell us in the Comments below.

— Jennifer B. Davis

Reel Cheap: Movie Theaters That Go Easy on the Wallet

by rtnicolemorrisOctober 6, 2015

Bitter cold. Snow. Rain. Hail. Maybe all in the same day. We know what’s coming, Chicago. As winter approaches, field trips out of the house are a must to curb cabin fever. How about spending a cozy afternoon in front of the big screen? Treating your brood to a flick can be a regular event with these theaters that go easy on the wallet.

photo: courtesy of annca via pixabay

Ogden 6

Why We Dig Them: Matinee Prices All Day, Every Day

Want a matinee price with the luxury of showing up at your convenience? Ogden 6 has kept their prices down so you can enjoy a $4 movie all day, every day. Another $2 and you can really “Wow!” the kids with a 3D experience. If you’re unsure if your tot is ready for the movies, test the waters here, as their policy offers a full refund within the first 30 minutes for any reason.

$4, $6/3-D experience
1227 E. Ogden Ave.
Naperville
630-357-5050
Online: classiccinemas.com

photo: Studio Movie Grill

Studio Movie Grill

Why We Dig Them: In-Movie Food/Drink Service, Loads of Personal Space & Reserved Seating

This place makes going to the movies easy-peasy. Reserve your seats online and stroll in right as the flick starts – no worries about little ones getting restless while the previews roll. They offer families two different options to enjoy the movie-going experience at throwback pricing. Cartoons are no longer just for Saturday mornings in your living room. The Toons! series brings hour-long, direct-to-DVD cartoon movies to the big screen every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. If throwback family movies are more your thing, check out Family Rewind, retro family series and think about how fun it’ll be to introduce your kids to PG greats like Back to the Future II, Hook and Home Alone.

$3 for Toons! and Family Rewind tickets
301 Rice Lake Square
Wheaton
630-480-9557
Online: studiomoviegrill.com

Regal Webster Place 11

Why We Dig Them: Reserved Showtimes that Cater to Parents and Reclining Seats Perfect for Nursing Moms

Have a new baby or chatty toddler at home and can’t recall the last time you saw a non-animated movie on the big screen? Show up any Tuesday to the first showing and enjoy a kid-friendly environment. Sit amongst other parents and tiny tots and relax, worrying not if your babe lets out some sqwaks or cries. Nursing? No problem! These seats offer a recline feature and will make you forget you’re not in your own living room. You might just wind up sitting next to your new best mom-friend! Better yet, this weekly invitation overlaps with Regal’s low price of $5.79 tickets and $2 popcorn on Tuesdays!

Note: Daytime street parking CAN be found, or choose the covered parking lot for $5 with validation.

$5.79 Tuesdays, first moving screening
1471 W. Webster Ave.
Lincoln Park
844-462-7342
Online: regmovies.com

photo: Tivoli Theater

Tivoli Theater

Why We Dig Them: The Nostalgic Experience

Show the family what a classic movie theater experience once was at this historic landmark built in 1928 as one of the nation’s first theaters for “talkies”. Admission price is only $5 all day, but the nostalgic experience is priceless. Note that this small venue has limited showtimes and only features one second-run film at a time.

$5
5021 Highland Ave.
Downers Grove
630-968-0219
Online: classiccinemas.com

Cinemark Century Theaters

Why We Dig Them: Discount Tuesdays and Throwback Disney Flicks

Take your bunch to see a first-run flick that the kids are excited about at a price that can’t be beat. Find your nearest Cinemark theater to take advantage of a discounted ticket price all day on Tuesdays for $5.75. Bloomingdale and Woodridge locations also feature a child and senior price of $4.50 every day. Be sure to check ahead as some exclusions may apply.

Have a Disney superfan in the house? Cinemark Seven Bridges is showing throwback Disney movies daily until October 22. Introduce your kids to favorites like Toy Story, Wall-E and The Rescuers for just $5.

$5.75 all day on Tuesdays; $5 Disney throwbacks

Century Stratford Square
804 Stratford Square
Bloomingdale
630-893-0271

Century 12/CineArts6
1715 Maple Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
847-491-9751

Cinemark @ Seven Bridges
6500 Rte. 53
Woodridge
630-663-8892

Online: cinemark.com

photo: Cascade Drive-In

Cascade Drive-In

Why We Dig Them: Movies Under the Stars and a Chance to Kick it Old School

Here’s one that not only offers throwback pricing, because you pay by the carload on Sundays, but a throwback experience. One by one, drive-in theaters have disappeared in favor of their theater-style competitors. Cascade is still around, offering blockbuster double features under the stars. It’s not often parents have a chance to blow their kids’ minds, but you’ll do just that when you park the car in front of the nation’s largest outdoor movie screen and offer them a dose of yesteryear. Bring your own food and charcoal to cook on one of the grills in the picnic area. Cascade operates March through November.

Box office opens at 7:00pm
$10/adults; $5/ages 5-11; free for ages 5 & under; $14/carloads on Sundays
1100 E. North Ave.
West Chicago
630-231-3150
Online: cascadedrivein.com

Worth Noting

Have a child who enjoys films but finds the theater environment over-stimulating? Many theaters have begun “Sensory Friendly” screenings to meet the needs of all families. AMC Theater locations offer four showings per month on every 2nd and 4th Tuesday and Saturday at 10 a.m. Lights are kept up and sound is kept down, while children are free to walk, talk, dance or sing throughout the film. Be sure to check your local theater for details.

Online: amctheatres.com

Share in the Comments below if you have a favorite theater for cheap movie dates.

—Nicole Morris

Fun and Games: Book-Inspired Activities that Make Reading Come to Life

by rtemmasmithMay 19, 2015

What’s better than you and your kiddos cozying up to a stack of new books? Using the pages as your blueprints to some awesome real-life adventures! We’ve paired up a collection of new children’s titles by local authors and illustrators with nearby activities for you and your family, ripped right from the stories.

This month, we went straight to the good stuff: fun and games. We’ve matched each book, which features kids playing, creating, imagining, and building, with a parallel outing. From taking in a flick at an old-timey movie house to digging a hole to China, these adventures speak to the child in all of us.

Catch a Flick!

Read this: Ivy and Bean Take the Case, by Annie Barrows. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. In the tenth installment of this popular chapter book series, the dynamic duo is inspired by watching a classic film noir to hang out a private detective shingle of their own. Although simple sentence structure and frequent illustrations make this a good choice for beginning readers, kids will also enjoy having it read aloud.

Then do this: Are you an old film buff? Bring your kids into the fold with a Saturday morning viewing at the classic Balboa Theater in San Francisco. Bucking the trend of neighborhood theaters closing, the Balboa has managed to stay in business by offering creative programs, such as its kid-friendly matinee Popcorn Palace. $10 buys you a ticket, popcorn, and drink. Movie choices tend toward '80s classics like E.T. and The Princess Bride.

3630 Balboa St.
San Francisco, CA
415-221-8184
Online: cinemasf.com/balboa/pocorn-palace/

Do you have any other suggestions pairing great books with real-world fun? Tell us in the comments below!

—Emma Bland Smith

ML Interest Tag: matinee

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Catch a Flick!

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