Wehrenberg Theatres lets parents bring kids to grown-up movies
I have a list of movies a mile long I’d love to see with my husband, but when I factor in the baby sitting costs to the ticket and popcorn prices, we usually end up waiting for the DVD release.
A local theater has launched a program I wish had been around when my children were much younger. From Tuesday, January 20 through Tuesday, March 24, four local Wehrenberg Theatres will feature current blockbusters specifically with parents of newborns and toddlers in mind.
During these baby-friendly features: Crying is allowed; lights are dimmed, but never turned off; volume is turned down so babies aren’t scared; stroller valet services are offered; baby changing stations are readily available; and nursing is welcomed.
Tiny Tot Tuesday performances are the first show of the day and the last show starting before 6 PM each Tuesday. Select films are available each week. Participating theatres are: Ronnies 20 Cine - 5320 S. Lindbergh in South County, St. Charles Stadium 18 Cine - 1830 1st Capitol Dr. South, Galaxy 14 Cine - 450 THF Blvd. in Chesterfield, St. Clair 10 Cine - 50 Ludwig Dr. in Fairview Heights, IL
Ticket prices for adults and children 3 & up remain the same, including matinee discounts for the first show of the day. Children 2 & under are always FREE at Tiny Tot Tuesdays.
No need for a babysitter - just bring the kids along. The other moviegoers in that theater are in the same situation, so you don’t have to stress if your child cries, talks or needs a change.
For movie titles, times or more information on TINY TOT TUESDAYS visit your local participating theatre or the website www.wehrenberg.com.
My children are a little too old for me take them to a PG or R-rated movie, but I encourage anyone with babies to revive date night — on a budget!
Aisha covered education and breaking news for nearly ten years before joining the Lifestyle staff where she writes a "Dirty Laundry" parenting column. She is the home and family editor and wastes too much time on Facebook and political blogs. 
I don’t see how this revives “date night” if it is on a Tuesday before 6 PM. It seems to me to be tailored to the SAHM/SAHD crowd–which is fine and dandy, but doesn’t really address the date night issue.
Now, if we can just get them to turn down the sound the rest of the time. Sigh.
Wow. Sounds so inviting, doesn’t it? Sound turned down to not disturb the crying babies, the smell of popcorn being over-ridden by the scent of the “readily available” changing stations, and the added entertainment value of uncontrolled children running up and down the aisles while their parents try to “enjoy” the movie between multiple trips to the bathroom. Who WOULDN’T just want to rush right out and buy tickets to this???????????
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On the other hand, when the movie theaters started BANNING children from all movies after 6pm, that’s when I actually started going back to the theaters. The whole point of a “date night” is to get time WITHOUT KIDS to reconnect with your spouse.
Sheesh.
Honestly, I think I’d still rather stay home and wait for the DVD. Heck our tv and surround sound is just about as good plus we can pause while I latch on a crying baby or help our preschooler get the toilet latch open. However, I think it’s cool to offer but also wonder how an early show works as date night but whatever.
Also, I did take my son to many a movie while on maternity leave and it was great. The theaters were usually empty, the cost was less and it was a great way to get out of the house. I also nursed during almost every screening without incident.
As for WTH’s comments, not all of use have grandparents or trusted sitters at the ready. We do what we can.
Galleria’s been doing this for a while -
Cry Baby Matinees Every Week!
Our next CRY BABY MATINEE will be on Wednesday, January 21, with the 12:50 pm showing of Bride Wars(PG)
Bring the baby, and don’t worry about the crying or fussing!
Enjoy Bride Wars at 12:50pm on January 21. Children 3 and under are free. !!