Whether you’ve got a newborn who will (hopefully) sleep through any flick or a tot who probably won’t sit still, these theaters offer kid-friendly screenings and amenities—like free popcorn, a playground and more. (And if you haven’t at least been to LA’s iconic El Capitan, it should definitely be on your LA bucket list!) Read on for all the details on LA’s best family-friendly movie theaters.
Kid-Friendly Movie Theaters in LA
New Beverly Cinema
Visit one of the oldest theaters in Los Angeles for a Sat. or Sun. Kiddee Matinee. All ages welcome and there's a free child-sized popcorn and raffle tickets for guests ages 12 and under. Movies change from week to week and range from popular contemporary flicks to old-school classics.
7165 Beverly Blvd.
Fairfax
Online: thenewbev.com
Cinepolis Junior Theater
A movie theater and indoor playground in one? We’ve hit the mother lode at the Junior Theater located within Cinepolis which screens kids movies (Rated G and PG only) all week long. The theater boasts a play structure meant to give children (ages 3-to-12) a chance to burn off some of that boundless energy before the show and during a brief intermission.
The concept is pure genius for toddlers and other kids with a low tolerance for sitting still for extended periods of time. Equipped with two slides, a tire climber, and plastic animal sculptures, little ones can romp and roam for 20 minutes prior to the start of the film and during a 15-minute intermission. Playtime is not allowed during the movie but kids happily (and surprisingly) abide by that rule. Parents can relax in peace knowing their kids are mellowed out and ready for the main attraction.
8540 Whittier Blvd.
Pico Rivera
562-205-3456
Online: cinepolisusa.com
El Capitan Theatre
Disney’s own El Capitan Theatre introduces your little one to the magic of movies in a kid-friendly yet elegant setting. Dubbed “Hollywood’s First Home of Spoken Drama,” this architectural masterpiece blends a Spanish Colonial exterior with a vibrant and lavish interior. Aside from the state of the art special effects, this 1,000 seat theater offers an incredible Dolby audio system that parents will appreciate.
If your child is very young or has special needs, the Tiny Tot screenings (Tues. at 10 a.m.) are designed to reduce sensory overload: Lights go dim (not down), the volume lowers and all films are screened in 2D. Parents and kids will marvel at the majesty both on and off the screen at this iconic Hollywood theater.
6838 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood
818-845-3110
Online: elcapitantheatre.com
Los Feliz 3 Cinema
Parents with children age 4 and under can take advantage of their Wed. morning "My & My Parents" matinees that are shown at 10:30 a.m. Check the theater's website for the full film schedule.
1822 North Vermont Ave.
Los Feliz
323-664-2169
Online: vintagecinemas.com
Outdoor Movie Theaters & Drive-Ins
Pop-up movie theaters timed perfectly with summer give LA families a chance to enjoy cinema al fresco. But at Street Food Cinema, watching a beloved movie outdoors is just one part of the family fun! Admission to this event also gets you a ticket to live music performances and lots of delicious eats via (infamous) LA food trucks.
If that isn’t enough to woo parents, kids 5 and under are free. With 14 locations from Glendale to Malibu, there’s plenty of kid-friendly programming.
Online: streetfoodcinema.com
Vineland Drive-In Theater
Take a trip back in time and cruise over to one of LA’s best-kept secrets. This theater is perfect for families that want to experience a movie with all the comforts of their car (and home). Pile everyone in and bring along your kid’s favorite snacks, blankets and pillows. Movies here play rain or shine, seven nights a week.
443 N Vineland Ave.
626-961-9262
Online: vinelanddriveintheater.com
–Beth Shea & Janelle Connor
featured image: iStock
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