• Big Movies for Little Kids

  Cobble Hill Cinemas, 265 Court St., at Butler St., Cobble Hill; 718-854-9113

  Whereas most theaters screen kids films that rely on flashy CGI animation or lame slapstick, Cobble Hill’s series provides little ones with a gentle introduction to cinema while still allowing kids to be kids. The lineup favors classics like Babe or Shirley Temple’s Curly Top (showing on March 23) because, according to co-founder Allison Prete, “they’re not as loud and in-your-face” as most new releases. But the best part of the series—which takes place every other Monday during the school year—isn’t the film selection; it’s the atmosphere. The house lights are left halfway on, so the theater isn’t so scary. And walking around, kicking the seats, and all-around participation (say, dancing at the front of the theater during A Hard Day’s Night) is strongly encouraged.

From the 2009 Best of New York issue of New York Magazine