Whether it’s scorching hot out or a rainy day, the movie theater is the perfect place to sit back and relax with your family. But if you’re a parent, you already know that not all movie theaters are created equal. Need a good snack bar option? A place to stretch? A theater that caters to sensory-sensitive kids? You can find them with our round-up of the best family-friendly movie theaters in Atlanta.
Best for dinner and a movie: AMC Dine-In
Where: 3340 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA
Hungry families who want to combine dinner and a movie without parking it in front of the couch should head to AMC’s Buckhead location. Come for delicious food (think Southern-style chicken fingers, wraps, burgers, flatbreads and even adult cocktails!), and a less shh-no-talking-during-the-movie environment. Relax in comfortable chairs nestled around small tables and eat your dinner while watching all the kiddie blockbusters.
Best for sensory-friendly screenings: AMC Parkway Pointe
Where: 3101 Cobb Pkwy, Atlanta, GA
Reserve your seat on the theater’s website before stretching out in oversized recliner seating (that will make your kids feel like royalty). Located in Vinings, AMC Parkway Pointe comes equipped with a downstairs arcade room to hit up pre or post-flick. We especially love this theater for its inclusive sensory-friendly programs, though. These family-friendly films are typically shown during the second and fourth Saturday of the month or on Tuesday evenings for more mature audiences. During these special showings, the theater turns the lights up, the sound down and gives movie-goers full reign to get up, dance, walk, shout, sing or just about anything else that suits your fancy.
Adobe Stock/Tomsickova
Best for an IMAX film: Fernbank Museum Giant Screen Movies
Where: 767 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA
If a traditional movie theater outing just isn’t your kid’s thing, head to Fernbank for their Giant Screen 3D and IMAX theaters. See films exploring everything from prehistoric reptiles taking flight to the great barrier reef—these screenings typically last only about 40 minutes. Your family can pay for movie-only tickets, or pay for an upgraded movie/museum combo ticket with self-guided tours of Fernbank’s indoor and outdoor exhibits. It’s a true win-win for science-crazed kids!
Best for the Hollywood treatment: The Fox Theatre
Where: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA
Although The Fox Theatre in Midtown only offers movies occasionally (like during their special summer series) it’s an entire experience, y’all. Walk along the red carpet, head to the stairs and ascend to the balcony for a spectacular, starry-night landscape. Keep an eye out for sing-along events (past ones have included Frozen!) where the historic 3,622-pipe custom made organ—the Mighty Mo—plays as the crowd sings. The Fox Theatre also has some pretty spectacular family-friendly musicals and Broadway tours to put on your list.
Best for an old-fashioned experience: Starlight Drive-In
Where: 2000 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA
What’s not to love about a drive-in movie? Pack up the family and see not one, but two movies for the price of one. Even better, kids ages five to nine are just $1! Once you’re settled, get out of your car and head to the concession stand for snacks and food, or pack your own from home. And if sitting in the car isn’t your thing, you can bring picnic blankets, coolers and even grills to turn the experience into a party. (We like that idea best.)
