One of my pet peeves is sitting in the movie theater …(especially a movie for adults) and I hear a child crying
. Even when I took my 3 yr old to see Toy Story 3 I prayed he wouldn’t get upset and start up his crying fits because the popcorn spilled. I feel embarrassed for myself!!! So instead of just complaining or not taking him at all I decided to do my job, Find places where crying isn’t frowned upon in theaters….because its for…KIDS after all. Then I said Heck! Lets add a couple of places where you can hang out with your child past their bedtime….The city is beautiful at night, why not share the experience with your Tot.
Mom & Me Movie Matinee
Up to 100 parent-child pairs regularly attend these community-minded Brooklyn Heights screenings, and some even help to pick the movie of the week from the theater’s lineup. As for infant considerations, soundtrack volume is softer than at typical shows, changing tables are available in the restrooms, and films with startling noises, such as gunshots, are usually nixed. Lights in the theater are kept lower than at the city’s other parent-child film programs to accommodate kid-free moviegoers; bawling babes are a part of this particular cinematic experience so I suspect that the unaccompanied are mostly interested in the matinee price. Ages 2 and under.
United Artists Court Street Stadium 12, 106 Court St between Schermerhorn and State Sts, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn (718-246-8170). First showing on Wed. $8.50, children under 2 free.
Rattle & Reel
The indie-minded and their babies head to Sunshine Cinema for films culled from the art-house’s current offerings. Elevators deliver you to the sprawling subterranean theater, where the volume is lower and the lights brighter than at your average screening. Additional parent-friendly amenities include changing tables and soundtrack-pumping speakers in the restrooms, a stroller check, prize giveaways. Ages 18 months and under.
Sunshine Cinema, 143 E Houston St between First and Second Aves (212-330-8182, landmarktheatres.com). Wed at 11am. $12.50, babies free.
Crybaby Matinee
These Upper East Side matinees serve parents in search of the latest blockbuster. A “stroller valet” service and changing tables are available, in addition to the customary lowered volume and raised theater lighting. All ages.
City Cinema East 86th Street Theater, 210 E 86th St between Second and Third Aves (212-734-4169, readingcinemasus.com). Wed at 11am. $12.50, kids $9, children under 5 free.
Here are some Kewl places to go with your child past bedtime:
Catch a view
Play late-night tourist with your tot. The Empire State Building Observatory (350 Fifth Ave between 33rd and 34th Sts; esbnyc.com) is open until 2am, with the last elevator heading up at 1:15am. The Top of the Rock conservatory (30 Rockefeller Plaza, entrance on 50th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves; 212-698-2000, topoftherocknyc.com) closes a bit earlier (midnight), with the last elevator ascending at 11pm.
If your little one is afraid of heights,(which I am) take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry (1 South St at State St in Manhattan, or 1 Bay St at Wall St in Staten Island; siferry.com); it’s free, it’s open all night, and those soothing vibrations could put a cranky baby to sleep in no time.
Just Browsing
If GOODNIGHT MOON just doesn’t cut it anymore, the Lincoln Center Barnes & Noble (1972 Broadway at 66th St; 212-595-6859, barnesandnoble.com) lets you browse books until midnight.
Indulge your sweet tooth and then share some with your lil one
Though most sugar shops are shut by 10pm, celebrated cupcakery Magnolia Bakery (visit magnoliacupcakes.com for three Manhattan locations) serves its goodies until 12am on Fridays and Saturdays. If it’s ice cream you crave, many Ben & Jerry’s shops (visit benjerry.com for locations throughout the city) dish out multiple flavors until midnight seven days a week. The eponymous treats at Donut Pub (203 W 14th St at Seventh Ave; 212-929-0126) are at hand 24 hours a day!!
Have Fun!!!
CC
CC's Kidz 