It’s Show Time! Parent and Toddler-Friendly Cinema Screenings
If you ever find yourself at a loss as to what to do with a small baby or young toddler, the idea of going to the cinema doesn’t usually spring to mind. That said, numerous cinemas offer baby and toddler-friendly screenings. These can be ideal for a trip out as they often have the lights dimmed rather than off and the sound at a more child-friendly level. I’ve taken advantage of these screenings in the past and certainly will be doing so again.
Below, I’ve set out a useful list of those cinemas currently providing this offering in and around Manchester, UK, as at February 2024; however, it's essential to check with each cinema directly or visit their websites for the most up-to-date information on their baby-friendly screenings, as schedules and policies may change over time:-
HOME Manchester:
They regularly host screenings tailored for parents and babies under 1 year old. Tickets are priced at £9.15 (their standard matinee rates) and there is no extra cost for babies. All movies screened during baby-friendly sessions hold U/PG/12A ratings and you can expect softened lighting, slightly lowered volume and the freedom to enter and exit the space as needed. There is also a brief 2-minute video outlining event expectations and there are no adverts. Prams and strollers can be conveniently stored in the cinema foyer.
Everyman Cinema, Altrincham and Manchester
They have and toddler-friendly showings. Join them every Friday or Saturday for toddler-friendly cinema screenings. Tailored for children aged 1 to 5, these screenings invite you to share your childhood favorites and discover the latest family film releases with your sprogs. As part of the experience, they offer a complimentary warm drink and a slice of cake, all included in the price of your ticket. The ticket is £10.90 for both you and your toddler (you don’t need to buy an additional ticket for your little one as you get two seats for this price).
Toddler Club is a bi-weekly screening event welcoming anyone with a child aged 1 to 5. They feature films with softened sound and dim lighting throughout to ensure your little one’s comfort. Seating is allocated and staff are happy to help if you need assistance with storing your pram.
I actually found it quite hard to find out much about Baby Club (for parents or carers of children under 12 months old) on the Everyman website so I emailed them to check that they still do it - and they do! It is a screening event every Tuesday and Thursday in their Altrincham site that enables anyone with a child under 12 months to attend. Again, new releases are shown with softened sound and dimmed lighting throughout for the comfort of your baby. As with the toddler-friendly showings, each ticket includes a hot drink and a slice of cake. People attending without babies in attendance will not be admitted to these screenings. If you, like me, have any difficulty locating the screenings on their website, you can look up their scheduled showings for the next 7 days and the relevant ones will appear online with a blue box above the showtime that reads 'Baby Club'.
ODEON Manchester Great Northern and Trafford Centre:
ODEON cinemas sometimes offer "ODEON Newbies" screenings, specifically designed for parents with babies. Their special screenings are designed for mums, dads, guardians, and their infants under 2 years old. Everyone in the cinema understands the challenges of parenthood, so there's no need to worry about disruptions if your baby becomes fussy. With gentle volume and subtly brighter lights, ODEON Newbies provides a calm atmosphere where you can care for your little one while enjoying the movie and perhaps even lull them to sleep. The baby-friendly environment allows you to enjoy popular films without worrying about disturbing others. While your baby may well nap peacefully, if they become vocal, rest assured that no one will mind. Please check the website for up-to-date prices.
Cineworld Didsbury:
At Cineworld, they provide their Cinebabies screenings, on Wednesdays. At Cinebabies screenings, they offer conveniences such as pushchair storage and nappy changing facilities (apart from at their Brighton site). During the screening, the lights are dimmed and they slightly reduce the volume so you can enjoy the movie while holding your baby. While the screenings are primarily geared towards parents, children of any age are welcome to attend. Rest assured, they only show films with ratings up to 12A. Ticket prices for adults are £5.99, and infants under 18 months old attend for free.
Cineworld also offer ‘Movies for Juniors’ - discounted weekly screenings of family films from just £2.50 per ticket (for kids and adults alike)! Adults must be accompanied by children, so why not take your sprog out for some movie magic.
Light Cinema, Stockport and Bolton:
Light Cinema offers both ‘Toddler Time’ and baby-friendly screenings. Their ‘Toddler Time’ offers are interactive and engaging screenings tailored specifically for preschool children and their parents or carers. The sessions are designed to encourage audience participation and create a fun experience for everyone involved. Most Toddler Time files are just 25-30 minutes in length and tickets start from just £3.50 for children (parents/carers attend for free). Babies and older children are also welcome to attend these screenings but unaccompanied children (and parents) will not be admitted.
The baby-friendly screenings cater to adults accompanied by babies under one year old. The sound is lowered and the lights are dimmed, making it pleasant for babies and allowing parents or carers to enjoy the film without any distractions. The facilities are breastfeeding-friendly and baby changing facilities are provided. A maximum of two adults are permitted per baby. Older children and the general public will not be permitted entry. Ticket prices start at £5.95 for an adult, although I understand that they can vary depending on the film, day, and time of the showing.
In Bolton, you can park easily at Market Place Car Park (BL1 2AL) and redeem your parking ticket in the cinema for 3 hours free parking. If you are visiting the Stockport site, you can park at the NCP Redrock multi-storey car park (SK1 1RY) and get the first 4 hours free after registering your vehicle on the cinema’s tablet before you use the car park’s app to pay for additional hours. Importantly, you have 30 minutes from parking your car to do so or you will be charged the car park’s standard rates.
Vue Altrincham and Manchester Printworks:
Join Vue cinema for Mini Mornings for kids' and family films at prices starting from just £2.49 per ticket for both adults and children. Mini Mornings take place every Saturday and Sunday morning starting at 10 am, and also run daily during school holidays (availability may vary depending on your little one’s holiday schedule). Featuring a selection of kids' movies and new releases, Vue's Mini Mornings promise entertainment for the whole family.
Remember to verify the current schedule and availability of baby and toddler-friendly screenings at each cinema before planning your visit. Additionally, be sure to familiarise yourself with the cinema's policies regarding baby and toddler-friendly screenings, such as age restrictions and ticket prices.