Family friendly flicks

We headed out – armed with a box of fresh popcorn – to road test the most kid-friendly cinema in Melbourne, Vjunior.

WORDS Georgia Lejeune

Sitting still for an hour or more in a dark cinema is tough for a fully grown adult, let alone a small child notice the big slide down the side of the room and the seats that are more like beanbag chairs than regular cinema chairs. The kids can continue whizzing down the (with enough energy to slide until the movie begins, when power a train). Enter Vjunior, a movie the lights dim to an ambient level cinema that is designed especially (allowing audience members to for young children. move around safely). The volume

This family-friendly experience is levels are also lower than at a offered by Village Cinemas and the regular movie screening – to purpose-built Vjunior theatres are accommodate sound-sensitive and found at the Southland, Sunshine, younger children. Fountain Gate, Knox and Plenty A mid-movie, 15-minute Valley cinemas. On arrival, the fun intermission means additional starts in the foyer with activities – play time, a chance to run to the such as a Megablok wall, Hot Wheels bathroom (or re-stock at the candy tracks, colouring-in activities and bar) and some stretch and chat screens playing kid-friendly music time for the parents. A countdown videos – for the little ones to get out timer on the screen lets you know their pre-movie heebie-jeebies. exactly how long you have until the

And what’s a movie experience movie begins again. without a trip to the candy bar? We The cinema provided the perfect loaded up on the standard movie rainy-day activity for kids – which is fare, not forgetting to make a stop especially necessary during a wet at the all-important coffee bar for Melbourne winter. the parents. All up, the experience was great

On first look, the cinema doesn’t for the whole family and the movie seem out of the ordinary, until you was a hit. ZN

Our top five

1 Play area before the movie

Helps the kids burn off some energy before watching the movie.

2 Intermission

Perfect break to stretch the legs and nip to the bathroom.

3 The slide

The giant slide in the cinema was a hit with the kids.

4 Calm and controlled

The space was great for the kids to have fun but not go wild.

5 Great choice of movies

Excellent options for kids.

fyi

SAVE MONEY AT THE MOVIES

Don’t forget that Zoo Members receive a 20% discount off a family ticket to Vjunior. Simply visit zoo.org.au/ member-rewards for details.