A family trip to the movies can be a bonding experience, a milestone event, and a way to celebrate something special. But for a variety of reasons, not all parents feel comfortable bringing their children to an everyday showing. Whether you or your child are in the neurodivergent community, sensory sensitive, on the younger side, or even afraid of the dark, your average movie going experience may not be the most accessible. If you have been nervous about taking your child to the movies, the sensory friendly screenings at Bedford Playhouse might make all the difference. Screenings of new and classic family friendly titles occur monthly as a result of a unique partnership with the Inclusive Initiative.
We recently went to Despicable Me 4 with our three youngest children and the warm and welcoming environment was everything you would want. The seats at Bedford Playhouse are so comfortable and there is ample stroller parking too, especially in the last row of the orchestra level. During this showing, there were quite a few babies in tow with older siblings. Both the space and considerations made it possible for the whole family to venture out together.
During a Sensory Friendly Screening the lights are dimmed, and the volume is decreased to make the movie going experience more pleasant for many. These simple moves have several benefits - and not just for children, many adults also prefer this type of setting. I myself find the boom of surround sound to be overwhelming. Couple that with a sensory sensitive kiddo, a toddler and a baby, and well, we don't often go to the movies. This was the first time for my almost three year old and it was her big brother's second show. Both left the theater with huge smiles and lots of chat about those silly minions.
Another benefit of the sensory friendly screening is that guests are free to move about as needed in a no judgment atmosphere.
Overall, the majority of moviegoers enjoyed the show while seated and voices were kept to a theater level but knowing that it would have been okay to let the wiggles out or express oneself in a louder voice made everyone feel comfortable to show up as themselves.
What else is good to know?
Tickets: $15 for adults, $12 for children and seniors, $24 for premium recliners
Address: 633 Old Post Road, Bedford, NY 10506
Free parking behind the theater.
Concessions are available outside the theater and in the café.
We regularly feature Bedford Playhouse events on our calendar and look forward to sharing more for the fall season. For now, mark your calendars for the next Sensory Friendly Screening of The SpongeBob Movie on September 21st.
