Do you love going to the movies, but a member of your family finds it challenging? Maybe they have trouble sitting still for what can seem like sooo long, or maybe it's just too loud and they are sensitive to noise. Either way, I have solutions to help you. Did you know that select movie theaters offer sensory-friendly showings for families? These can be a lifesaver for family members who have autism or other special needs. This parent to parent guide will help your find your family fun at the movies!
Parenting is not always easy, and we need to take advantage of all the tools available to us. When my boys were younger, they were super sensitive to loud noises and had to wear special noise-canceling headphones or earmuffs to enjoy a show. I also have one of those kids who's super wiggly and sometimes extra chatty, making going to the movies extra challenging.
Some of these sensory-friendly options might present logistical challenges since they can be limited in availability. If that's the case, here are a few tips to make attending a movie with your family more enjoyable for all:
- Choose the Right Location, Date, and Time: Some theater locations are less crowded in general. Opt for days and times that are likely to be less busy. Waiting a few days or a week after a new release can also help avoid the crowds.
- Seat Selection: Consider what seats will work best for your needs. If you're not familiar with the theater, you might want to call ahead or choose your seats at the theater box office. Depending on your family’s needs and the theater layout, the very back or very front may offer advantages. In the back, an active but quiet child is less likely to distract others. If you have a seat kicker, look for a row that is more set back or choose the front row where there are no seats to kick.
- Pre-Movie Wiggle Time: If you have a wiggler, help them get their wiggles out before you take your seat or even before you go into the theater.
- Plan Your Exit: If you anticipate needed to leave the theater during the show sit near the exit or at least at the end of the isle to be less disruptive. Some kids might need a break from the show midway.
- Plan for Sensory Needs: Bring noise-canceling headphones or earmuffs for children who are sensitive to loud sounds. Some children might also benefit from bringing a favorite blanket or toy to help them feel more comfortable.
- Snacks and Drinks: Bringing familiar snacks and drinks can help make the experience more enjoyable. Some theaters allow you to bring your own, especially if it’s for a child with special dietary needs—just check with the theater beforehand.
- Practice Movie Etiquette at Home: Watching movies at home can be a good way to practice sitting through a film and understanding movie etiquette. It can make the actual theater experience smoother.
Remember, every family is different, and what works for one might not work for another. The goal is to make the movie-going experience enjoyable for everyone. With a little planning and consideration, you can create a fun and memorable outing for the whole family.
No matter if you have a child / adult with Autism or other special needs we've gathered a few helpful options. Offering vary by location but typically the lights are up and the sound is down and moving around and talking is allowed. Take advantage of these sensory friendly movie showings when you can and Find Your Family Fun at the Movies!
 Miaden Sladojevic from Getty Images Signature via Canva |
AMC Theaters has partnered with the Autism Society to offer special showings where they turn the lights up and the sound down for people living with autism or other special needs. These unique movie showings are a place to get up, dance, walk, shout or sing without judgement.
Sensory Friendly Film showings: Offering select showings each month, with films catering to youth and family audiences, as well as a mature audiences. Please check theatre for specific movies and showtimes
- Family-Friendly: The second and fourth Saturday each month
- Mature audiences: Wednesday evenings
Near Los Angeles:
- AMC DINE-IN Topanga 12: 6600 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd #3100, Canoga Park at Westfield Topanga
- AMC Burbank 16 - Burbank
Studio Movie Grill - Special Needs Screenings
Sensory friendly Special Needs Screenings present movies with the lights up and lower sound, where moving around, talking and even dancing in the aisles is welcome.
Special Needs Screenings are offered on select Saturdays at 11:00 am at all SMG locations unless noted otherwise.
- Tickets available at the Box Office only, as early as the Wednesday prior to these screenings.
- Tickets are free for all attendees and seating is first come, first served. Movies vary by location - Parental guidance is suggested.
Ventura County: Studio Movie Grill, 1555 Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley
Sensory Sensitive Films are shown with the lights up and the sound down at select locations.
The first Saturday of each month at 10 am - matinee ticket prices apply
Ventura County: Plaza Stadium 14, 255 West Fifth Street, Oxnard, CA 93030 | Info Line: 805-487-8380
"Alamo for All" is a movie program for young families and guests with special needs. Lights up, sound down, chatter ok for all ages. Schedule may vary during holidays.
- All shows starting before 2 pm on Tuesdays follow Alamo for All rules, with more shows on the weekends.
Sensory-friendly "Alamo for All" info:
- Lights are turned up and sound is turned down
- All ages are welcome - including infants
- Talking and noise is allowed and guests can move around
- Latecomers are admitted
- Adaptive technology is welcome - but no other electronics, please
Los Angeles: Downtown, 700 W. 7th Street Ste. U240, Los Angeles, CA 90017 | 213-217-9027
Regal’s My Way Matinee gives everyone the opportunity to experience a movie with the lights turned up and the volume turned down. This becomes safe space where guests are free to express themselves by singing, crying, dancing, walking around, talking or shouting while enjoying Hollywood’s latest films!
Sensory Friendly Film showings: Please check your local theatre listings for specific movies and showtimes
- The first show of the day on select Saturdays each month at participating location.
Los Angeles County: Regal Edwards Bakersfield | Regal Edwards Canyon Country
Publisher's note: While this option is NOT sensory friendly and Not close by, it is child-friendly so I'm including as it may be a helpful option
Cinépolis Junior
Some Cinépolis locations offer a space for families to enjoy the magic of movies in an environment that caters to children. Unlike anything seen before, the playful rooms offer families a way to connect through one-of-a-kind spaces designed with children in mind. 20 minutes of playtime will start before the scheduled showtime. Additionally, there is a 15-minute intermission halfway through the film for children to play, visit concessions and take a bathroom break.
Closest location:
- Cinépolis Pico Rivera - Located at Village Walk at EastLake | Free onsite parking
The junior auditorium is equipped with a play structure, two slides, and a playpen area, kids get to play before the show starts and during the intermission. This auditorium is uniquely designed for children!
- Cinépolis Junior shows G and PG rated children’s films seven days a week
- Children must be between the ages of 3 and 12 years old and be between 3 and 5 feet tall
- Children cannot play while the film is playing
- Children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian at all times
- No adults may enter the Cinépolis Junior theatre unless accompanied by a child.
- Children must wear socks in the play area.
 Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels via Canva |
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