Just like my post about IKEA, this is another one that’s a bit further afield but still well worth a trip.
Pre-baby I was a Showcase regular, despite it being a bit further afield it’s always felt worth it for the extra comfy recliner seats that come as standard in all screens, without having to pay extra for premium seats. I was thrilled when I found out my regular trips didn’t have to stop when baby arrived, as showcase (like most cinemas now) offer baby friendly screenings.
Baby screenings are every Monday and Thursday, usually at 11:30am. These screenings are baby-friendly with soft lighting so it never gets fully dark, lower volume, dedicated pram parking at the front and free movement around the room. I’ve found it’s not often very busy at all, most of the time we end up with a whole row to ourselves.
There is baby changing in both accessible toilets, though this can get busy on baby-cinema days so I’d suggest arriving early so you have plenty of time for changing baby and getting settled in.
There’s no dedicated parent parking at Showcase, however the baby cinema screenings are usually held at quiet times so you shouldn’t have any issues finding a good spot with plenty of space for car seat wrangling.
For pram friendly access to the cinema you’ll need to head to the walkway around the side of the building – if you’re standing looking out the door of Nando’s, walk straight ahead until you reach the showcase building then turn left and follow the building round until you get to the front entrance, that brings you round to the front entrance without having to go up the steps.
The baby cinema screenings don’t have many adverts before the film unlike most other films, so don’t rely on the advert buffer if you’re running late as you might miss the start of the film like I did on my first visit.
As your little one gets older you can also try the ‘Totally Tots’ screenings, which much like the baby screenings have softer lighting, lower volume, shorter trailers and free movement around the auditorium.
Baby cinema has been one of my favourite activities since becoming a mum. If you’ve been putting off your first baby cinema trip, Showcase is a great place to start. Check the website for screening times and to book your tickets.
For more baby-friendly days out, check out the Day Out Directory and follow us on Instagram.
