From the Big to the Budget-Friendly: Here’s Where to Take the Kids to See Movies in Ottawa

If you are a cinephile or have a child who loves going to the movies, you’ll be happy to know there are many locations across Ottawa where you can catch the latest family-friendly flick, or even a retro one the entire family will love. You’ll find theatres with comfortable seats showing the latest blockbusters, as well as smaller theatres offering lower-cost admission that won’t break the bank. We’ve also got some useful tips to help you reduce your movie-going budget. So, grab the popcorn and read on!

Landmark Cinemas

With theatres in Orleans and Kanata, Landmark Cinemas has upped the movie-going experience thanks to their guaranteed reserve seating and new reclining seats in most theatres. We love the comfort of these theatres and with so many screens available, there always seems to be a kid-friendly show to take in. Tuesday nights are Real Deal Tuesdays where you can enjoy a reduced cost, and on Sundays they offer a kids deal with your ticket and popcorn combo at a significantly reduced rate.

Cineplex Theatres

Located across Ottawa, Cineplex Theatres has reserved seating in some theatres, and plenty of movie options. We love that every week at 11 am on Saturdays they show older-ish family movies at a very low cost ($2.99 per ticket!) Their Family Favourites are listed on the website (if they are available near you) so you can choose in advance which show most appeals to your kids. For new parents, you won’t need to miss popular movies thanks to Stars and Strollers. The volume is lowered, the lights are less dim, and current movies (2 offered each week) are available. There’s stroller parking and change tables too! There are also sensory friendly movie showings at two Ottawa area locations.

Imagine Cinemas

Located at the St. Laurent Centre, Imagine Cinemas offers lower-cost entry to second-run movies everyone will love. These are movies that have been out for a bit or are getting ready to leave bigger theatres, but offer your family the chance to see it on the big screen at a reduced rate; tickets will cost $6 or less. That means more money for popcorn (they also have special savings for combos too!)

Mayfair Theatre

The Mayfair Theatre on Bank Street has historic roots in Ottawa (it’s a historic building) and continues to share films—not only blockbuster films, but independent films that may be new to many people. They don’t always have family-friendly movies playing, but it’s worth checking to see about special events during holidays with kid-friendly flicks or events like their Saturday Morning Retro Cartoon party that includes a bottomless bowl of cereal. We know the kids would love that!

Ottawa Family Theatre

The Ottawa Family Theatre (on Broadview Avenue) is a non-profit theatre featuring family-friendly movies, free parking, low cost tickets and a welcoming movie theatre experience the entire family will love. Proceeds are donated back into the community. A membership will reduce ticket admission costs throughout the year, or you can pay as you go. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows but also special events that they host throughout the year (including sing-a-longs and holiday events).

Cinestarz Orleans

Cinestarz in Orleans offers multiple showtimes throughout each day of the week and every ticket is $5 or $6 (depending on the day and time you go). Movies that end up at Cinestarz have often just left larger theatres so you’ll be able to catch up on the recent blockbuster or award winning movies at a low cost. We love that there are early showtimes (many shows begin at 11 am) for younger audiences. There is a concession stand for snacking as well with popcorn (of course), hot dogs and more.

Capital Pop Up Cinemas

Ottawa’s only travelling cinema, Capital Pop Up Cinemas offers free admission and low-cost beverages and snacks for families to enjoy family favourite movies. The movies for younger and older kids will be a blast from the past for many parents, or first-time movie watchers. With titles like Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Hook, and The Princess Bride, experience older movies with your kids. Visit the Capital Pop Up Cinemas website to determine where the next pop up location is!