If you are a stay at home dad/parent, your answer on what to do in NYC on a cloudy Wednesday is go to the Crybaby Matinee. These Upper East Side matinees serve parents in search of the latest blockbuster or just a way to kill 2 hours with your kid. Movies start at 11:00am every Wednesday. You would think the theater would post a schedule of the movies playing, but they don’t – I had to ask the salesperson at the window. Today, Wednesday, April 22nd the theater is showing, Observe & Report. Next Wednesday, April 29th, Adventureland will be the feature film. The theater advertises a “stroller valet” service and available changing tables, in addition to lowered volume levels and raised theater lighting. I have not attended the crybaby matinee before, but some of my friends attend often, and say it’s a great way to catch up on your movies while your child is napping. I have also heard some negative reviews on the available amenities at the theater including, “the sound was at full volume” or “there was no stroller valet.”
Cry Baby Matinee at City Cinema East 86th Street Theater, 210 E 86th St between Second and Third Aves (212-734-4427). Wed 11am. $12, kids $8.50, under 3 free.
As an alternative to the cry baby matinee, I am sure a stay at home dad/parent could duck into their local theater for a matinee in the middle of the week, and have the whole place to yourself!
I am interested to hear some feedback from parents who have been to the Cry Baby Matinee?
I went to the cry baby matinee a few weeks ago. I expected a bit more light; I needed to use my cell phone to see what what happening in my stroller. Volume was also not adjusted from a regular movie. If you needed to walk out, you did need to be careful of all the strollers in the aisle. There was a changing table, but I couldn’t see to use it. I would try it again, however.