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Now that I’ve attended a couple of movies at AMC’s Summer Movie Camp, I thought I’d share a few tips on how to make it a more enjoyable experience.

1. Go early. Try to arrive at the theater at least 15-30 minutes before show time. There are usually a TON of day-cares that take advantage of this great opportunity to get the kids out and you’ll want to beat them to a good seat. Also, at our theater they start the movie right on time WITHOUT any previews. You’ll want to be in your seats ready to go AT 10am on the dot!
2. Go with someone. Either take along another adult to help out, or go with friend who also has kiddos. That way, if your daughter needs to go pee in the middle of the film, there’s someone else who can watch your other children in the theater and you don’t have to drag them ALL with you to the bathroom.
3. Take your own snacks. While I’m not sure that the movie theater appreciates this piece of advice, you’ll thank me later. My sis-in-law usually packs a baggy of popcorn or a box of raisins in the diaper bag along with the kids’ sippy cups. Although you CAN buy a ‘snack-pack’ there at the theater for pretty cheap ($3 for a drink, popcorn and a snack of your choice), the lines are usually pretty outrageous with all the day-care kids.
4. Make a day of it! My sister-in-law and I have now done this outing twice and both times we’ve taken the kids to eat lunch at Chick-Fil-A after the movie is over. It’s a great way for us to get some adult time while the kids eat (without being forced to) and then play on the playground.