I can’t remember the last time I saw an adult movie in theaters (was it Bridesmaids in 2011?). Since it’s all about the kiddie flicks these days, the experience is just as important as the film itself for us parents. My family has our go-to movie theater (ours is the revamped AMC in Northbrook Court), but branching out beyond that rewards us all with some extra bang for our movie-going buck. That’s why we rounded up seven family-friendly cinemas in and around Chicago that your family will love—think comfort food, reclining seats and, of course, all the blockbusters!
1. CMX Cinemas Market Old Orchard
Where: 4999 Old Orchard Rd, Skokie, IL
This spot features two separate theater venues—the Market for families and the CinéBistro for 21 and over, which means you won’t be the only one who has a toddler meltdown mid-movie. The food at this theater is also made-to-order and not as overpriced as you’d expect (no nuked frozen pizza here!). You can grab ready-to-go sandwiches and salads at the cafe along with buttered, caramel, cheddar or mixed popcorn and all the candy options you can imagine. Our favorite part: the convenient baskets for toting food into the theater.
Insider tip: There are cute picnic tables perfect for birthday parties. Also, Tuesdays are $5 ticket days.
Where: 4614 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
Now a century old, the beloved Davis Theater in Lincoln Square is considered the longest continually operated theater in Chicago. It has gone through several renovations, iterations and threats of closure, but in 2016 it got a much-needed overhaul and, in 2018, received an award for its rehabilitation by Landmarks Illinois. Where it used to be dim and dirty, it’s now bright, shiny and refreshed, complete with two new family restrooms, reclining seats and a new café, but the best of the past was saved as it kept the glowing marquee and Art Deco details. Go for the first-run films or, better yet, head there on Saturday and Sunday mornings when brunch is accompanied by free cartoons like He-Man, SpongeBob and Muppet Babies (check the calendar for the schedule).
Insider tip: For an extra dollar, you can select your seats online ahead of time. Also, you might want to visit with empty bellies—kids’ meals are a low, low price of $5.95.
Where: 6144 Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL
If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art, super-charged cinema-going experience, this is your spot. There are a whopping 19 theaters, all of them with spacious, stadium-arranged, reclining and reserved seating. Several boast added features: the UltraScreen auditorium is ultra-wide and ultra-tall; the SuperScreen auditorium adds “multidimensional sound;” and, the best of the bonus theaters, the 4DX. (It’s a bit pricy, but for the extra cash you get rumbling seats, fans, misters and even scents to immerse you in the movie even more.) There are also pizza and Mexican options, and a beverage machine with Icees and Slurpees.
Insider tip: On the last Wednesday of the month, an online coupon offers $6 off the 4DX price. Also, if you have a child with sensory challenges, look for showings from Reel Movies for Real Needs, which present films with lower volumes and brighter lighting.
Where: 3733 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL
This no-frills movie theatre, which opened in 1929, makes you feel like you’re back in time with its architectural charm, Italian palazzo décor, star-filled ceiling and almost-always general admission seating. This eclectic spot is the perfect setting for showings of old classics like Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Newsies! Keep an eye out on special shows and singalong events that feature a live organist, and look into a Music Box membership for discounted ticket prices, nearby restaurant discounts and more.
Insider tip: We recommend taking the El to the theatre, but if you can’t, try to snag a free street spot west of Ashland Avenue. Keep in mind that there are parking restrictions and limited availability during Cubs games!
5. Classic Cinemas-Tivoli Theatre
Where: 5021 Highland Ave, Downers Grove, IL
Where: Let’s just start with the prices—$6 for kids (ages 2 to 11) all day and for everyone before 6pm, and $8 for adults after 6pm. You can afford the popcorn now, right? Besides its budget-friendly tickets, this family-owned theater has history: there’s a live Wurlitzer Pipe Organ that’s played on Friday and Saturday nights, and its beautifully maintained original décor includes a painted ceiling and red velvet stage curtain.,
Insider tip: Bring your ticket stub from the movie to the totally retro Tivoli Bowling Center around the corner to get your first game for free.
6. Classic Cinemas-Lake Theatre
Where: 1022 Lake St, Oak Park, IL
Where: Like its sister cinema, Tivoli, this spot plays up its Art Deco past with relics and replicas of the time, like ceiling fixtures from the old Will Rogers Theatre on Belmont Avenue and carpeting copied from a fragment of the building’s original in 1936. Luckily, it stays up to date too with loung-y seats (no foot rests, though), and enhanced projection and sound.,
Insider tip: Unlike some movie rewards programs, Classic Cinema’s is free.
Where: 352 Illinois Route 59, Naperville, IL
It’s a toss-up which is more entertaining here, the movies or the over-the-top décor. We’re talking live tropical plants flown in from Miami that fill the lobby, a box office topped with a thatch and bamboo roof, and hallways chock-full of movie and movie star posters. Beyond that, each of the seven auditoriums and one VIP theater are decked out with themed movie memorabilia (like the Purple room that pays homage to animation and the Black room that celebrates The Wizard of Oz). Reserved lounge seating with individual food trays makes it easy to enjoy cleverly named menu items like Mac to the Future, Jurassic Pizza, Arnold Schwarzenburger, Rocky Balboa (a Philly cheesesteak of course) and, for kids 12 and under, the Kevin McCallister Kid Combos that come with a box of popcorn and a drink.
Insider tip: Saturdays and Sundays feature special $4 senior tickets for the first matinee. Fair warning on meals: They come out as they are ready, not all at once.
