Family friendly
flicks
We headed out – armed with a box of fresh popcorn – to road test the most kid‑friendly cinema in Melbourne, Vjunior. WORDS Georgia
S
Lejeune
itting still for an hour or more in a dark cinema is tough for a fully grown adult, let alone a small child (with enough energy to power a train). Enter Vjunior, a movie cinema that is designed especially for young children. This family-friendly experience is offered by Village Cinemas and the purpose-built Vjunior theatres are found at the Southland, Sunshine, Fountain Gate, Knox and Plenty Valley cinemas. On arrival, the fun starts in the foyer with activities – such as a Megablok wall, Hot Wheels tracks, colouring-in activities and screens playing kid-friendly music videos – for the little ones to get out their pre-movie heebie-jeebies. And what’s a movie experience without a trip to the candy bar? We loaded up on the standard movie fare, not forgetting to make a stop at the all-important coffee bar for the parents. On first look, the cinema doesn’t seem out of the ordinary, until you
Our top five 1 Play area before the movie notice the big slide down the side of the room and the seats that are more like beanbag chairs than regular cinema chairs. The kids can continue whizzing down the slide until the movie begins, when the lights dim to an ambient level (allowing audience members to move around safely). The volume levels are also lower than at a regular movie screening – to accommodate sound-sensitive and younger children. A mid-movie, 15-minute intermission means additional play time, a chance to run to the bathroom (or re-stock at the candy bar) and some stretch and chat time for the parents. A countdown timer on the screen lets you know exactly how long you have until the movie begins again. The cinema provided the perfect rainy-day activity for kids – which is especially necessary during a wet Melbourne winter. All up, the experience was great for the whole family and the movie was a hit. ZN
Helps the kids burn off some energy before watching the movie.
2 Intermission
Perfect break to stretch the legs and nip to the bathroom.
3 The slide
The giant slide in the cinema was a hit with the kids.
4 Calm and controlled
The space was great for
the kids to have fun but not go wild.
5 Great choice of movies
Excellent options for kids.
fyi SAVE MONEY AT THE MOVIES Don’t forget that Zoo Members receive a 20% discount off a family ticket to Vjunior. Simply visit zoo.org.au/ member-rewards for details.
ZOONEWS MEMBER MAGAZINE • WINTER 2021 •
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