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: laurelhursttheater.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
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