Besides a pool, there is nothing more blissful on a hot summer’s day than a cool, dark movie theater. Even better if you toss in some salty popcorn for the kids and some caffeine for Mama! Now that most theaters have upgraded their seats to recliners, if you’re sure your kids will stay put, you might even be able to grab a short nap!
Here’s a round-up of kid-friendly movie theaters to check out this summer:
- Alamo Drafthouse
This place had me at “bottomless popcorn” and endless drink refills. The entertaining previews don’t hurt either! Alamo’s summer Kids Camp allows families to choose their own ticket price – $1, $3 or $5 – online and to reserve their seats in advance. 100% of ticket sales are donated to local non-profit organizations. Most Kids Camp screenings are ages 3 and up, but some locations are all ages. Movie times vary by location.
- AMC Theaters
Austin-area AMC theaters have been upgraded to reclining seats and offer a number of snack and beverage choices. Unfortunately, only AMC Classic theaters are participating in the kid’s summer movie camp offerings, which rules out Austin locations, but AMC Stubs members can receive discounted tickets on Tuesdays.
- Blue Starlite Mueller
Although this is neither indoor nor necessarily air-conditioned, it’s worth mentioning because it’s so cool. Blue Starlite is Austin’s only boutique drive-in movie theater. Walk-ins are welcome for $8 per ticket or one of a small number of car slots can be purchased for $25. Concessions are available and patrons are allowed to bring their own snacks as well as BYOB. *Check to make sure the feature is suitable for children and buy your tickets in advance at www.bluestarlitedrivein.com.
- Cinemark Theaters
Bee Cave and Round Rock Cinemark theaters are participating in the Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse. At the Bee Caves location, showtimes for the PG rated movies are 9:30 and 9:40 a.m. on Wednesdays and run from June 5 – August 7. In Round Rock, movies are shown at 10 a.m. Mondays – Thursdays beginning the week of June 3 and concluding on August 8. Ticket prices are only $1 and both theaters feature reclining seats.
- Flix Brewhouse
This Round Rock theater boasts on-site brewed beer and handmade food. The Flix Brewhouse Junior Family Program offers $2 tickets to kid-friendly movies on Wednesdays mornings at 11 a.m. in June and July. It goes without saying – drink responsibly at all times, but especially when driving precious cargo!
- Galaxy Theater 10
Galaxy Theaters offers its Kids Summerfest programming on Saturdays and Mondays at 10:30 a.m., June 1-August 6. Tickets are only $2 and a $3 concession combo pack is available with ticket purchase.
- Moviehouse & Eatery
Both Austin-area locations feature reclining seats and full-service dining. Moviehouse & Eatery offers free movies for kids during the summer, on Tuesdays from June 4 – August 27. Tickets are available first come, first served at 9 a.m. and all movies begin at 10 a.m.
- The Paramount Theater
The Paramount Theater is offering its summer classic film series for families. Tickets are discounted to $10 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. Showings include pre-show special events and photo opportunities. Parking is available for $5 at 600 Congress. Screenings are on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Regal Theaters
Regal’s Summer Movie Express offers kid favorite movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning June 4 – July 31 for $1 per ticket. Participating theaters are Regal Westgate, Regal Metropolitan and Regal Gateway. Regal Westgate features reclining seats. Further information can be found at:
- Southwest Theaters
This Austin-area theater already sells discounted tickets, but it discounts prices even further to $1 per ticket for its summer kid’s series. Shows begin at 11 a.m. Mondays – Thursdays, June 3 – August 8. The theater recently upgraded all seats to recliners.
Which is your favorite theater and why?
