First time at the movies - how old?

[Phteven]

DH and I were thinking of making our first ever family outing to the cinema but we're not really sure if the boys are old enough to enjoy it.
Yasin is three and a half and Imran has just turned two.
It's a lot of money to spend if the boys don't like it especially if we end up having to leave early because one of them chucks a wobbley or something.....
We thought of maybe going when Imran is due for his nap so if he's bored he'll just go to sleep.
When did you start taking your children to the cinema?
What about the drive-in? There's one not far from us.

Also what's worth seeing at the moment?
Anyone seen Horton Hears a Who?

[AnyDream]

Hi, we took DD1 when she was just over 2 yo, to see Thomas and the Magic Railroad. She was absolutely transfixed for the entire time LOL! Having said that, it was really a film aimed at preschoolers - whereas a lot of G rated films are actually better for older kids, kwim? So I'd say go but choose your film carefully. I haven't seen Horton and dont know what else in on right now that's good for littlies.

[Lisa]

We saw Horton Hears a who the other day... the bigger kids loved it, and Harrison watched it too, until he fell asleep.

When I lived in Sydney, my ex and I used to take our kids to the drive-in all the time, that way if they did throw a wobbly, they weren't disturbing anyone but us, plus, it was somewhere familiar to them... they usually slept.

[Kitt3n]

DD was 2 and a half, and we went to see Finding Nemo.

But i think Nemo is on a different scale to anything that is out at the moment.

Havent seen horton, but looks pretty good - maybe you could try that one at the drive ins? However i do think the drive ins are usually 2 movies back - to - back. The drive in is at Bass Hill as far as i remember.

[Antheia]

We took the kids(aged 3 and 17mths) to see horton hears a who about a month ago. Wasn't very successful. DS started mucking up about halfway through and kept running around making noise so DH took him out for a walk. Then DD wanted to leave with about 20mins to go.

[SamiH]

I think they are a bit young for Horton - I saw it with my 5yo last week and he was just getting fiddly for the last 10minutes. A fair bit of dialogue - and yep -Nemo was in a category of it's own I think.

I would suggest saving your $$$ at the cinema for this time around ....

Good luck!

[DrGirl72]

Took eldest DS to movies when he was 5 (Piglets Big Movie) then with DS number 2 we saw Finding Nemo when he was about three. DS #2 is very active and found being still for all of the film a challenge. We saw Horton last week (they are now 7 and 9 years old) and I agree with some of the other posters that preschoolers may struggle throughtit. The boys and I loved it though!

I'd go with saving money or going to Zoo/Musem etc.

[bon]

DH took Harry when he was 3 too see Cars and he loved it - sat and watched the whole thing. Then a few months later I took him to see Charlotte's Web and he got bored and was getting up and walking around...I think it really depends on the movie. I won't take Grace or Matilda to the cinema because I know they won't sit still for that long.

[Lucy]

Olivia had her first trip to the pictures as a special treat for her 4th birthday...I took her to see Alvin & the Chipmunks.........she was as good as gold.

And coincidentally we have a trip for all 5 of us planned for the drive in tonight! I am torn between looking forward to it and dreading it......but figured it'd be a long weekend treat of hot chips in the car for dinner, then a movie, and if they all get cranky, its only a short drive home.......but I have pillows and dooners for the tailgate planned in the hope they will just drop off to sleep..........

[beansbeans!]

hi; i dont really know if they are too young. I think the issue is more on whether they are interested in the topic and theme of the movie. Also there is no cinema guidelines as to who is free to get into the movie. For instance some cinemas say that under fours are free, others do not. If you want to cut down the cost, you could ask the cinemas beforehand about it. It can even differ from staff to staff.... Personally I think they are old enough, but in the end it is up to you!

Justine

[krysalyss]

The times might not suit but a lot of cinemas have a parents session. The one near me is on Wednesday and the kids (under five) are free. Also they can run around inside the movie and you dont have to leave. HTH

[mrsmac]

Or you could just ignore the general public and do what these 2 mums did when I went with my friends to see Sx and the City the other day and just bring your 4 preschoolers with you and let them do what they want!!! (sorry still annoyed- mainly cause of content for the kids as well as being disturbed)