It’s summer, and while it’s great to get outside and enjoy the weather, sometimes it’s just too hot or too rainy to do anything but stay inside in the air conditioning. When the weather isn’t ideal, movie theaters around North Jersey are a great option to keep the kids entertained and have a fun family outing at the same time. Plus, we have some really unique theaters hre in NJ — like dine-in theaters and IMAX theaters. Whether you’re looking for a movie that’s just for kids or one that the whole family can enjoy, we’ve got you covered. Read on for some of the top places to see family-friendly movies in North Jersey when the temperature rises (or it gets stormy).
AMC Dine-In Essex Green 9 I 495 Prospect Avenue, West Orange
Located in the Essex Green Mall, this theater offers nine auditoriums for maximum viewing pleasure. With food delivered right to you in the theater, reclining chairs, reserved seating, and formats like Real 3-D, it’s a moviegoing experience that feels anything but ordinary. There are always family-friendly films to choose from, with Thor: Love and Thunder (Pg-13) appealing to comic-book-loving teens. DC League of Super Pets (PG) is also currently playing for the dog-loving kids.
AMC Dine-In Menlo Park 12 I 55 Parsonage Rd, Edison
This theater — another dine-in experience to turn dinner into an entertaining event — is tucked inside the Menlo Park two-story super mall. It offers reserved seating, dine-in delivery to seats, and Discount Tuesdays, where you can catch movies all day for $5 each. After watching a kid-approved film like DC League of Super Pets (PG) or Minions: The Rise of Gru (PG), there’s the Slime Factory available where you can make your own goo or have some interactive fun at the Disney Junior Play Zone.
AMC Jersey Gardens 20 I 651 Kapowski Road, Elizabeth
The 1920s marquee at the entrance to this theater belies the modern conveniences offered inside. It has a whopping 20 screens, guaranteeing you can find something for everyone. Before the movie, kids can occupy themselves in the game room while you enjoy a cool beverage in the café. It’s the perfect place to take bored teenagers and catch a screening of Jurassic World Dominion (PG13) — or to bring the kids to Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank (PG).
The Clairidge I 486 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
The Clairidge has been a staple on Church Street since 1922. While it has recently been renovated, it still has a nostalgic feel due to its smaller size and reasonably priced concessions. You can always find a kid-approved film on at least one of its six screens, like Marcel The Shell with Shoes On (PG), and the cinema also hosts events — such as a special screening of the perennial family favorite, Back to the Future on August 20th. Bonus: The Delorean Time Machine will be on display.
Clifton Commons 16 I 405 NJ-3, Clifton
This theater gets high marks for its selection of movies, sound quality, and spacious parking lot. Keep an eye out for the fan faves film offerings — seats are just $5+tax. Currently on screen is the animated film Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank (PG), and since it is a fan fave, parents can take the kids to see it for 30% off the evening ticket price. Afterward, there’s an Applebee’s in the complex for an affordable family-friendly meal.
Read More: Movie Theaters in the Essex County Area for Your Next Date Night
Garden State Plaza 16 + IMAX I 4000 Garden State Plaza Boulevard 4 & 17, Paramus
If you haven’t seen an IMAX film, you are in for a total sensory experience. IMAX films are shown on giant screens and offer steep stadium seating, so no one is blocking the little one’s view. The 40th-anniversary release of the Academy-Award-winning film E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial (PG) is slated to be shown on the big screens. Suitable for the entire family, this classic teaches children the power of friendship.
IPIC Fort Lee I 2023 Hudson Street, Fort Lee
If you are celebrating a special event, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious movie-going experience. Premium Plus seating is built to seat two guests with a shared table. Unexpected menu delights include mini ice cream sandwiches, and of course, popcorn is available as well. Plan a family outing to see the 1978 Superman The Movie (PG).
See More: Popular Movies With Scenes Filmed in Jersey City
Liberty Science Center Joseph D. Williams 3D Science Theater I 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
If your child is captivated by all things related to science and technology, a trip to the Liberty Science Center is the perfect place to spend a sweltering afternoon. Don’t forget to reserve your seats for the onsite theater, which is currently showing Oceans: Our Blue Planet and Dinosaurs of Antarctica. You can watch the trailers on the LSC website.
Teaneck Cinemas I 503 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
This neighborhood theater will have you reminiscing about your childhood with its comfortable leather seats and an old-timey organ in the lobby. This four-screen theater may not have all the bells and whistles of the mega-movie houses, but it offers first-run films, and all shows before 4PM are priced at just $6. Its current family-focused offering is DC League of Super Pets (PG).
