Kid-Friendly Movies Hitting Movie Theaters This Year

Kid-Friendly Movies Hitting Movie Theaters This Year
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Kid-Friendly Movies Hitting Movie Theaters This Year

During the pandemic, we got a bit spoiled when movies started streaming to allow us to experience new movies while we were on lockdown. While it was first a bit weird but amazing at the same time, many of us, especially families, loved that we were able to enjoy a blockbuster movie right from our couch.

But seeing a movie at an actual theater while munching on some popcorn is a pastime and fun to experience as a family, and movies are back in a big way. 

Luckily, many great family-friendly films are coming out this year. Read further to see some tremendous stand-alone movies and sequels worth getting out of that cozy theatre chair. 

Psst… Celebrate a Year with Children at the Guggenheim! See A Year with Children 2024 now through June 9

Go out to see a movie as a family this year
Photo by Pixabay, Pexel

IF

Coming to theaters May 17

As kids grow up, they grow out of their childlike behaviors, like having imaginary friends. Bea (played by Cailey Fleming) begins to see all of the imaginary friends that have been left behind as kids her age begin to grow up. IF stars Ryan Reynolds, Steve Carrell, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski. This movie is a comedy, and with this lineup of actors, it’s sure to be hilarious.

The Garfield Movie

Coming to theaters May 24

Your favorite orange cat is now starring in his own movie! Watch Garfield (and Odie) join his long lost father, a raggedy alley cat Vic, on an epic heist. This beloved cartoon character is now one that you can share with your kids. 

Inside Out 2

Coming to theaters June 14

As Riley grows up, her emotions change with her. Follow Riley as she learns how to navigate her teenage years. Past just being a fun Disney movie to watch with your kids, this movie teaches what it’s like to grow up, and how important managing your emotions is. It’s entertaining and educational all in one. 

Despicable Me 4

Coming to theaters July 3

A new addition to the Despicable Me series is hitting theaters this year! Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith and Agnes welcome the newest addition to the family, Gru Jr., who seems to love tormenting his dad. Follow Gru on yet another exciting adventure, as he is forced to fight his new nemesis Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, and the family has to help him!

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Coming to theaters Aug. 2

Harold and the Purple Crayon, the classic 1955 children’s picture book written and illustrated by Crockett Johnson, is now coming to the big screen for you and your kids to enjoy. Join Harold as an adult in the real world after he draws himself off the pages of his picture book, and watch him learn about real life!

Movie theartes are back to being a fun family thing to do
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko, Pexel

The Wild Robot

Coming to theaters Sept. 27

The Wild Robot children’s novel by Peter Brown is now being adapted into a film. Follow Roz after she finds herself stranded in the wild on an island, and watch as she learns to survive and befriend the animals. The book is a beautiful story of friendship and acceptance, and I hope the film is nothing short!

Paddington in Peru

Coming to theaters Nov. 8

A mystery sends Paddington the bear and the Brown family into the Amazon Rainforest and the Peruvian mountains when they visit Aunt Lucy in Peru. Keep an eye out for a trailer soon. 

Moana 2

Coming to theaters Nov. 27

Follow your favorite island princess in yet another thrilling adventure! Moana must travel to the far seas of Oceania through dangerous, long-lost waters after receiving a call from her wayfinding ancestors. 

Relevant Directory Listings

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Elf the Musical

<p>They'll sing loud for all to hear. You can bring the Christmas cheer.</p> <p>Start decking the halls, people – <em><strong>it's Elf The Musical</strong></em>!</p> <p>After a decade away, the beloved holiday classic is back on Broadway for a strictly limited run. Whether you’re searching for the perfect stocking stuffer or a festive outing for the whole family, this family-friendly show is packed with joy, laughter, and snow-covered magic.</p> <p>A musical comedy adaptation of the hit 2003 film, <em><strong>Elf The Musical</strong></em> follows Buddy the orphan who, after being raised by elves at the North Pole, embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and help the people he meets rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Academy Award® nominee Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings") is Santa Claus alongside Tony Award® nominee Grey Henson as Buddy, Drama Desk Award nominee Ashley Brown as Emily, and rising star Kayla Davion as Jovie. Plus, keep an eye out for social media celebrity Kalen Allen – known for his appearances on "The Ellen Show" – as the hilarious store manager.</p> <p>Called “a slickly irresistible and fizzily enjoyable confection of a show” (<em>Time Out</em>), this holly-jolly hit is one you won't want to miss. Through January 4 only!</p>

Asphalt Green

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Asphalt Green’s high-quality sports programs start at 4 months old. Two beautiful facilities in vibrant Manhattan neighborhoods provide the optimal space for children to learn the fundamentals, play for leisure, or compete at the highest level.<br />As the leading sports and fitness facility in Manhattan, Asphalt Green’s never-before- seen training methods focus on improving your mental and physical game. Whether participating in swim, soccer, flag football, martial arts, basketball, baseball, tennis, or volleyball, coaches instill values that set athletes up for success in life and bring out their full potential in sports.</span></p>

New York Society of Play Summer Camp and Classes

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Summer Game Camp</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">There are many who do not feel safe sending their children back out into the world with summer camp, this year. To serve those parents and keep the children connected and stimulated during this challenging time, we are offering NYSP Digital Summer Camp. The name of the game with NYSP Summer Camp is community. We have made a large effort to make our camp feel like a living space, with features including –</p> <p dir="ltr">- Role-Playing games familiar and new, led by our master storytellers!</p> <p dir="ltr">- Enriching electives such as Chess, World Building, Character Acting, Crafts, Drawing, and more!</p> <p dir="ltr">- Discussion and media screening rooms during lunch!</p> <p dir="ltr">- A digital campus!</p> <p dir="ltr">- Moderated chat hours!</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Join us for a summer of games, friends, and more!</p> <p dir="ltr">Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Roleplay Expeditions: Dungeons & Dragons</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">No experience is required to join one of our Dungeons & Dragons games. Our game masters have pre-made character sheets, so you'll be able to start playing the game right away! We adapt the rules of traditional Dungeons & Dragons to make them more approachable to children of various ages. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons & Dragons workshop! </p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Public games meet once per week, with different groups every time. Private games meet 1 to 2 times per week with the same group of kids. Since the players and the storyteller in the group are consistent, this enables us to tell epic tales of adventure together!</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Dungeons & Dragons Junior</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">No experience is required to join one of our drop-in Dungeons & Dragons games. Our Dungeons & Dragons Jr. game provides a D&D storytelling experience without character sheets. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons & Dragons workshop! A great way to introduce young children to D&D so they can eventually move onto the main game.</p>