Parents and Prams take on Dendy Premium
There was an unusual buzz in the air as Leo and I gathered at the ticket box of Canberra’s Dendy cinema. Surrounded by a sea of pink, prams, and parents, this unfamiliar sight for most put me at ease. As the queue started to move, I weaved my pram to the front. My anticipation was at an all-time high as I became increasingly excited. Behind the brightly lit desk, we were welcomed by a friendly face and tickets handed to us with a smile. Leo and I were seeing the Barbie movie and the screening would be catered to us.
I’m certain that I’m not alone when I say that heading to the movies is more difficult with a baby. Since having Leo, I haven’t been to the movies often, maybe once to be exact. It’s not that I don’t want to go, it just feels like a lot. Planning around feeds, babysitters, naps and coordinating a time that Aaron and I are both available makes what should be an enjoyable event the opposite.
As Leo has gotten a little older, I had thought about taking him to the flicks and being the optimistic person that I am, I hoped that he would last the distance. But he is now at the age where he is walking and chattering. Taking him to a session would likely be disturbing to others, least of all me.
When I heard Dendy was offering movie sessions to mums and bubs, I admit I was a little sceptical. My assumptions were quickly alleviated within minutes of walking into the Premium Lounge, I knew that this was going to be a positive experience. Staff were warm, friendly and helpful, taking us to our seats, making sure we were comfortable and offering encouragement to those that had little ones who were crying.
I brought lots of snacks for Leo and ordered myself a dirty chai on almond milk, it was a treat so why not! We were seated at the front which worked well for us as Leo had plenty of room to explore and I was able to sit on the floor with him. If you are bringing along a pram, you can leave them in the gallery section and parents can easily access them or leave the cinema throughout the movie if they need to take their little one for a quick nap because movement is key, right?
The environment is very relaxed and catered to parents, carers, and bubs. Key features of the experience include dimmed lights (each pair of seats in premium has a lamp), lowered volume and of course recliner chairs. In premium we had full access to the bar and lounge area which Leo and I did laps of towards the end.
If you are looking to get out and treat yourself, I encourage you to attend a session. From my experience, the sessions are probably more suited to kids who are a little younger than Leo and are still taking pram naps however that shouldn’t discourage you from giving it a go. I believe no situation is so bad that you can’t try it once. Kids need flexibility and exposure to new things. Also, mums need time too so it’s a win on all fronts Upcoming screenings for August screenings at Dendy Canberra include:
Barbie – August 10
Asteroid City – August 17
Blackberry - August 24
Past Lives - August 31
Sessions are at a discounted price. Standard sessions are 11 dollars, premium lounge tickets are 16 dollars and children under five years old are free!
Learn more about these screenings in Canberra here.
WHAT TO EXPECT
No dirty looks from people who don’t get the parent/carer role
A clean environment with change tables
Alcoholic beverages to sweeten the experience
WHAT I LIKED
Friendly staff
Room for Leo to explore outside the cinema
Dimmed lighting and volume
WHAT TO BRING
Lots of snacks
A pram if your little one still enjoys pram naps
A friend or grandparent, because the experience is always more fun with a friend
Comment below if you found this helpful or if there are other cinemas that you felt had an excellent mums and bubs experience.