Kids first trip to the movies? Peter Rabbit is the perfect choice

From personal experience, I found the perfect age to take your child to the movies for the first time is 3.5 to 4-years-old. But even more important than age is choosing the perfect movie — and Peter Rabbit is it!

More from Movies

• The story of a French emperor: Here’s where Napoleon will stream after theaters
• The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes honors its origins and far surpasses them
• Thanksgiving movie death toll: Why [SPOILER] is still alive
• No, Thanksgiving is not streaming yet (But here’s where it’ll land)
• Trolls Band Together soundtrack guide: Which songs play in the movie?

Sure, you can take your kid to the movies before they reach three years, but they may not enjoy it and throw a tantrum, demanding to leave and repeatedly asking if the movie is over yet (and/or ask for more candy). The purpose of going to the movies is the amazing experience! A dark room, giant screen, smell of popcorn, and enjoying a great film together.

We tried going for the first time when my son was three and he only had patience for the first 40 minutes of the movie, which was better than what I expected, but I didn’t try again for a few months. The Boss Baby and Cars 3 were a success, though he was still restless towards the end for both, we got through them from beginning to end. I figured that was normal.

Then, last week, we were invited to the advanced screening for Peter Rabbit — bingo! My son, who recently turned four, didn’t ask any questions (that weren’t about what was happening in the movie) and sat still the entire time, captivated with interest. He worried about what would happen to Peter Rabbit and the other characters, laughed at the silly scenes, and commented how much he loved the movie as we walked out.

I don’t regret our unsuccessful trips to the movies before this one. The Peter Rabbit screening may not have been a hit had it been his first time going to a theater. But he is used to the place and knows our routine, which helped. However, it’s important to know what your child will like. It didn’t occur to me that he’d enjoy a live-action movie more than an animated feature, for example, when at home what he enjoys the most on TV is live-action (Sesame Street, Ryan’s Toy Review, Blippi).

As for the criticism that Peter Rabbit is not at all like the books, it’s still a heart-warming tale with a lot of charm and many laughs. There’s really something for everybody. Peter Rabbit didn’t forget the parents, featuring many jokes that’ll go through our kid’s heads, but we’ll catch them.

If you have been thinking about taking your kid to the movie theater for the first time, give Peter Rabbit a go! If you’ve been to the movies with your child before, even better!

Next: TV characters who hate Valentine's Day as much as you do

Other helpful first-time movie tips: 

• Popcorn is always better than candy, lasts longer, too.
• Don’t arrive too early! The previews are long and will bore them before the movie even begins.
• Never go right before or during their usual nap time hours.
• Keep them engaged with questions about the movie and commentary.

Peter Rabbit is in theaters tomorrow, Friday, February 9. The movie stars James Corden, Rose Byrne, Margot Robbie, Daisy Ridley and others.