The Summer Adventures series focuses on affordable summer fun for families in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley. It’s all about exploring our own backyard and is the perfect resource for planning a killer staycation or finding something awesome to do this weekend. Interested in more local love? Head here.
I’ve been trying to focus on outdoor adventures so far, to keep my kids active and out in the sunshine without electronic devices glued to their palms. But some weeks, it’s just too damn hot and sticky to adventure outside without the fear of heat stroke. So last week, we took our adventure inside to Alamo Drafthouse in Yonkers, where we could enjoy lunch and a movie.
If you’ve never been, Alamo Drafthouse is not your typical movie theater. It’s also not just for adults. The theater features comfy chairs with movable armrests (perfect for snuggling kids during scary parts without contorting your body into impossible positions) and a small counter in front of each row. Waiters make their way through the rows with the stealth of ninjas to take orders (written on a piece of paper and left for them so you don’t disrupt the movie) and deliver food. My girls thought this was just about the coolest place ever.
With a new kids menu featuring healthy options and kids’ favorites, even the pickiest kids (cough, mine!) will find something to get excited about. The new menu lets them choose a main dish, a side, and a sweet. There was much excitement over the fact that the cookies arrived fresh from the oven.
My girls also loved the pre-show, which features hilarious, ridiculous shorts that are somehow related to the movie. We saw The Secret Life of Pets, so there were a lot animals in silly situations cracking my kids (and me!) up. Not once did they complain they were bored or ask when the movie would start. That right there is straight up magic.
In addition to new releases, Alamo Drafthouse has a Kids Camp series running throughout the summer, Monday through Friday at 11 am. It features older movies (from The Karate Kid to The LEGO Movie) that screen for a $1-3 donation. 100% of those ticket sales are donated to Hudson Valley Writers’ Center and SPCA of Westchester. And on Tuesdays they offer Baby Day matinees, which gives new parents a chance to get out and enjoy a movie with baby in tow.
We had a great time and totally recommend checking them out for a different kind of movie experience!
Hi! I'm Jen, a freelance writer and girl mom who loves reading the newest children’s books as much as I love a good psychological thriller. I believe fiercely in the power of kindness, empathy, and really good quality chocolate. When I'm not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find me sprawled out on my couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on my face. The struggle is real. 
