Wondering which movie theater steals the show for seeing a family-friendly flick with your kids? We’ve rounded up our favorites which feature everything from play areas, parent’s night out showtimes and family flashback films to crybaby matinees and $1 movie deals. Read on to see which movie theaters we give two thumbs up.
Angelika Film Center
Are you crying for a day out? Need a little time with other parents? Well, grab the littles and head to the Crybaby Matinee (Wednesdays, 11 a.m.) at Carmel Mountain's Angelika Film Center. Whether your babe needs a nap or needs to be changed, they've got you covered with dimmed lights and lower volume on the big screen. Even more, look for special guests before the show. They recently had a lactation consultant visit to advise moms and answer questions before the movie. You'll get information and a free cup of coffee to boot. We also love Angelika's Family Flashbacks where you can take your kids to see classic films from your childhood on the big screen––like The Princess Bride and Labyrinth!
Dates: Wednesdays, 11 a.m.
Angelika Film Center
11620 Carmel Mountain Rd.
San Diego, CA 92128
858-207-2606
Online: angelikafilmcenter.com
AMC Poway Dine-In 10
This recently remodeled theater includes upgrades like heated recliners, dine-in delivery to your seat, RealD 3D and reserved seating. You'll find plenty of family flicks and upscale food like artisan pepperoni flatbread and gourmet fries. Even more, you can stretch your legs or cuddle up in the new large reclining seats with footrests included. Don't miss their $5 ticket Tuesdays to save some dough!
AMC Poway Dine-In 10
13475 Poway Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
Online: amctheatres.com/dineinpoway10
Cinépolis Junior Theater
Playtime and movie time combined! Find it at the Cinépolis Junior Theater in Vista. First, there's a jungle gym on the side of the theater. You relax the twenty minutes before the film while your kiddos climb around and play. Second, if you have a toddler there's a separate gated play area in the front of the theater. Everyone has a choice of seating too: either a long leather chair (to extend those legs) or a huge (red) bean bag chair. A perfect family movie hot spot.
Read more about Cinépolis Junior Theater here.
Cinépolis Vista
25 Main St.,
Vista, CA 92083
760-945-7469
Online: cinepolisusa.com
UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley
Convenient stroller parking right outside the theater? Yes, please. Also, you'll find a spot in the back of the theater (with wipes) to change your little one if needed. Moreover, there are two family-friendly movie time options. If you're a morning person, there's a Parent Movie Morning (10 a.m) where you can watch a grown-up film with your baby. You'll find dimmed lights, valet stroller parking, lower volume and a baby station. On the other hand, if you prefer an evening out, go to the Baby's Night Out (same perks). Usually on Wednesday's too, but check the theater website before you head out.
Dates: Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and for the night show check the theater website.
7510 Hazard Center Dr., #100
San Diego, CA 92108
619-685-2841
Online: ultrastar.com
Drive-in Theaters
Kick it old school at a drive-in. Not only do you get two movies for the price of one (at South Bay Drive-In), but you can also bring your own snack and beach chairs (or there's a snack bar with movie food). Pack up the car and treat your brood to the big screen. Make sure everyone takes a nap because they often show double features!
South Bay Drive-In Cost: $9/adult; $1/kids ages 5-9; free for kids under 5
Santee Drive-In Cost: $9/adult; $4/kids ages 5-12; free for kids under 4
Santee Drive-In
10990 N. Woodside Ave.
Santee, CA 92071
619-448-7447
Online: santeedriveintheatre.com
South Bay Drive-In
2170 Coronado Ave.
San Diego, CA 92154
619-423-2727
Online: southbaydrivein.com
Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas- Del Mar
Sit in the lap of luxury at Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas. The Del Mar location is situated in Del Mar Highlands Town Center, so you and the kids can grab a bite and shop and get out the wiggles before or after the flick. After a full renovation in 2017, the theater has 11 auditoriums with plush, reclining leather seats, reserved seating and dine-in seat service. During the summertime, check the theater's website for discount movie offers on kid-friendly films all summer long.
12905 El Camino Real
San Diego, CA 92130
858-794-4045
Online: cinepolisusa.com/locations/cinepolis-luxury-cinemas-del-mar
Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium
See films in both standard and IMAX format (with reserved seating) at this gigantic theater that makes a trip to the movies seem epic. This theater doesn't have all the modern bells and whistles of luxury cinemas, but nice kid-friendly touches include a small arcade, booster seats you can grab on the way in to your theater and our favorite perk, the Summer Movie Express which offers $1 movies all summer long.
10733 Westview Pkwy.
San Diego, CA 92126
844-462-7342
Online: regmovies.com/theaters/edwards-mira-mesa-stadium-18-imax-rpx
