Sheer Brilliance: Mommy & Me Movie Days

Nia and I recently started attending Mommy & Me Movie Days at the Regal Potomac Yard Theater in Alexandria.  They take place every other Tuesday for the first showing of the day (usually around 1 PM).  There is one designated Mommy & Me movie on that day and the movie selection is voted on in advance via an email distribution list (contact Lorien Benson at the theater to get put on it).

I couldn’t believe I’d never heard of this concept before, since it’s pure genius.  It’s a well know fact that theaters have a hard time filling their weekday matinee shows.  It’s also common knowledge that stay-at-home Moms are always looking for activities to take their babies to that help break up the day.  Put that together and you have a win/win for both parties.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect for our first visit to the movies.  I walk into the theater and immediately notice the ‘stroller parking’ directly below the screen. I turn to look up at the stadium seating and am floored to see 50 Mom & Baby pairs spread out across the rows (carriers and all)!  It was quite a sight to behold.  Some were nursing, others standing or bouncing a fussy baby on their knee.

Here’s what makes these showtimes special:

1. The sound is lowered
2. The lights are kept up more than usual
3. Your child can make as much noise as they want and no one will bat an eyelash
4. You are free to walk around the theater, nurse or stand up and bounce your babe
5. And best of all, this is no Disney flick you’re watching – it’s an ADULT movie (and most likely a chick flick).  So far we’ve seen The Vow and This Means War

I feel so fortunate that I stumbled upon this and I feel like it’s my public duty to make other Moms aware of it.  This is too good to keep secret – and besides – The Hunger Games is one of our March movies!