Event Cinemas converts movie theatres into playground for kids

There’s playground equipment, daybeds, a netted climbing gym and a menu specifically designed for kids. Welcome to the future of watching movies. Event Cinemas launches Event Junior, which caters to children and parents wanting to take in a movie.

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Many parents would rather go to the dentist than take young children to the movies. But one cinema chain may have cracked the code to making the experience a whole lot more palatable.

Event Cinemas launches Event Junior on Monday, an interactive zone within a theatre that includes playground equipment, specially designed daybeds and tailor-made menus.

Kids will be able to burn off some of that excess energy before the movie starts on slides, a netted climbing gym and a virtual reality interactive projector game before taking to their own comfy seats.

Event Cinemas will be launching a brand new cinema concept — Event Junior which includes a playground with slides and a netted climbing gym.

There is also a 10-minute intermission so kids can stretch their legs or play.

Movies screened in these cinemas will also have a 10 minute intermission where the younger members of the audience can run around, stretch their legs and have a quick slide before the show starts again.

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It comes as Event Cinemas continues to expand its range of ways people watch movies.

“We don’t believe in a one size fits all cinema experience — we know that different people have different needs,” Alex Holden, Event’s general manager of customer experience, said.

“For us, Event Junior is the latest development and innovation in our commitment to delivering a range of amazing entertainment experiences under one roof.”

Kids can play while at the movies without bothering other patrons.

Event Junior is designed for children eight years and under — those most likely to be restless when forced to sit still for extended periods of time — and was put through some rigorous testing by those who will use it most.

“We’ve worked hard to test it and to get it right, to create a seamless and fun first big screen experience for our littlest cinema goers,” she said.

“From atmospheric light and sound, dedicated play time and an intermission as well as special kids only options.”

The Event Junior concept will launch at Macquarie Centre and Shellharbour on Monday before rolling out to key locations across the country.