Kidtoons are all the Rave…Motion Pictures at Polaris, that is.

I love going to the movies, I love eating movie popcorn, and I love reviewing movies with my friends. My kids have seen a few movies at the theater, and just from our visits, I know I’ll have people to share my popcorn for many years to come. They have thoroughly enjoyed their movie watching experiences thus far.

Where we like going is Rave Motion Pictures near the Polaris Mall. On the weekends they offer Kidtoons, which are G-rated movies that run under an hour and half to two hours including the previews. Kidtoons work to make movies affordable fun for the whole family. The movies they show have no surprises to startle your children and are designed to help introduce children to the big screen. The Kidtoons website offers trailers and information about the monthly movie to help determine if it is age appropriate for your child. We have seen Spookley the Square Pumpkin (which happens to be out during the month of October), a Curious George Christmas special, and Super Why (a bit disappointing because it was just back to back episodes of what is on PBS). Generally, before the show are a number of previews that help you know what will be featured in the coming months, a short cartoon, and then the main show.

As I mentioned above, I love popcorn. I bring the kids’ sippies full of water or juice, and then buy a soda for myself and a medium popcorn (no, I don’t skip the butter) and ask for two spare cups. Once we get situated, I dole out popcorn in the spare cups and hand them their sippies. The soda is for me because cherry cola and movies just go together.

Halfway through my son requests a seat on my lap and more popcorn. At the same time my daughter has the same desires as her brother. All three of us end up cuddling through the last half of the movie and eating the remainder of the popcorn. In the car on the way home I ask them what they favorite parts were, who was their favorite character, and if they’d like to see it again – questions to make them think and recall information. We may not agree on our favorite parts, but we always agree we had a good time.

Rave Motion Pictures Polaris 18, Columbus
1071 Gemini Place (just west of Polaris Fashion Place)
Columbus, OH 43240
614-781-8228

Get to the box office! Here’s helpful information:

• Kids 2 and under are free. Normal matinee prices for the rest of you.
• Get a Movie Meal for $5: popcorn, child’s drink, and fruit snack.
• Lots of these kids movies are based off books – check out the library to see if there is one and read it before you go.
• Check here to see what is playing: Kidtoons
• Have your children go to the bathroom before the movie starts.
• It is normal to be fearful of how they are going to act. Seriously, expect other children to be disruptive and even loud. No big deal.
• Those of you with small babies, keep in mind the sound may be loud. I have heard of many mamas taking their babies and the babies have slept the whole time….use your own discretion.