How to Survive the Cinema with a 2 Year Old

15.8.17

Last week I made the absolutely crazy decision to join my sister and her little ones at the cinema. Not just me though. Me and my two. The cinema with a 3 year old and just turned 2 year old. 

I was mad right?

But much to my relief, it was actually rather successful! Armed with all the popcorn, comforters and even more snacks, we made it through the whole of Sing (a 108 minute long film), with two year old Parker only getting restless in the last 20ish minutes.


So what would my tips be for cinema-ing with toddlers? 

  • Look out for specific children's movie screenings. Our local cinema is an Odeon, and during the holidays and at the weekends they show 'Odeon Kids' films in the mornings. And the best thing about them is that tickets cost just £2.50 each - including adults!

  • TAKE ALL THE SNACKS. Okay, so Parker pretty much resembled a piece of popcorn by the time the film ended, but the cinema is a treat right? 

  • If your little one has a comforter / dummy make sure it's packed! Parker always snuggles up when he has his dummy and muzzie, so it was a great help in keeping him in his seat. 

  • Go with friends / family! Parker spent a lot of time snuggling on my sister's lap, and it made the whole experience a whole lot easier as I wasn't completely on my own!


I also asked my fellow bloggers for their top tips, and as always they came up with some brilliant ones! I especially agree with the one about the toilet.. we ended up missing the end of the film as I had to take both littles to the loo.

  • I always try and arrive after the adverts have finished as they last so long and usually by the time the film starts, my kids are fidgety. If I get there when the film starts they are still captivated - Kerry

  • Trial at home first! If they sit through a movie at home, they will LOVE the cinema - Alex

  • We sat at the end of an aisle so we could escape if needed - Lisa

  • Sit where it's easy to nip to the loo! No matter how many times you ask before hand, they will still get fidgety and want to go! - Jodie

  • We took lots of drinks and snacks and sat near the back so if he was fidgety or stood up it wouldn't bother anyone - Lindsay

Don't get me wrong, I don't think I'll be heading to the cinema every week with them. But it's definitely given me the confidence that it is manageable. And actually, it quite fun too!

Have you taken your toddler to the cinema? Any top tips?

9 comments :

  1. Thus sounds great, thanks for the tips! I've seen baby friendly screenings before but I'll maybe wait til mine is a little older. Good to know the option is there though!

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  2. Ooo great tips, this is definitely something that we would love to do in the future so great to be prepared x

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  3. Great tips! I really want to find a baby cinema to take my little one to so I can watch something. These tips will come in really useful.

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  4. Awh well done Parker! Some brilliant tips there x

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  5. My boys hated the noise and bright lights when they were young so we didn't take them until they were older - now they love the cinema.

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  6. Even going with my 5 year old can be stressful, I'll try some of these tips, thank you

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  7. This is so helpful, we want to take P next year and will definitely be using these tips. Glad he was good.

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  8. Lots of great tips... Snacks are definitely my number one tip when it comes to the cinema! I also show Alexander the trailer near the time of going, that way you can gauge reaction.

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  9. Thank you for including me, snacks deffo saved the day for us. Well done Parker for sitting through the film xx

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