A social story for going to the movies

At a movie theater, we watch a movie on a giant screen with other people. It gets dark, the sound is loud, and we stay in our seats and use quiet voices until the movie ends.

The movie theater story

Carol Gray's 10.2 criteria describe Social Stories as sharing accurate, meaningful information about a situation in a patient, reassuring way (Social Stories 10.2 Criteria, accessed November 13, 2026). Read this a few times before the trip, and change the details to match your theater.

A Movie on the Big Screen

Today I am going to the movies.

We show our tickets at the front. Someone may scan them.

We might buy a snack. Then we find our theater and our seats.

The seats may fold down. I sit in my own seat next to my grown-up.

Before the movie, the lights go down and it gets dark. That is okay. The dark helps everyone see the screen.

First there are short movies called previews. They can be loud.

I can cover my ears or wear my headphones if the sound is too big.

During the movie, I stay in my seat and use a whisper voice.

If I need the bathroom or a break, I tell my grown-up and we go out together.

When the movie ends, the lights come back on, and we walk out.

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Before the first trip

• Watch the trailer at home so the characters and music feel familiar.
• Pick a short movie at a quiet time, like a weekday morning.
• Choose an aisle seat near the exit for easy breaks.
• Ask whether your theater runs sensory-friendly showings, often with lights up and the sound lower.

Loud and dark

The previews are often the loudest part. Bring ear defenders or headphones, and arrive a little late to skip some of them if your child is sound-sensitive. Practice "lights off" at home with a short show in a dark room.

Breaks are part of the plan

Tell your child where the exit is and that taking a break is allowed. Walking to the lobby for a few minutes and coming back is a win, not a failure. A couple of printed break cards let a child ask without talking in the dark.

Snacks and seats

Agree on one snack ahead of time. Booster cushions help small kids see over the seat in front.

More stories for outings like this come by email from the Social Stories list.

FAQ

What age is good for a first movie?

Readiness matters more than age: sitting for a long show at home and coping with loud sounds.

What if my child wants to leave halfway?

Leave calmly and praise what went well. Try again another day.

Are sensory-friendly showings worth it?

Many families find them a gentle first step, with brighter lights and softer sound.