A first cinema trip

What was the first film that you saw at the cinema? I've probably seen hundreds there over the years, but that first trip always sticks with you.

I have absolutely no idea at all when people normally take their kids to the cinema for the first time. I remember going to the old Odeon in Rotherham with my Mum to see the Jungle Book and being strangely scared by the toilets there, but I can't remember how old I was at the time. I do remember the trip though and can still cast my mind back to the amazement I felt at how big the screen was compared to our little telly at home.

Photo taken by Daniel Lewis on behalf of Vue

Little Miss C has been watching films at home now for a while (either from DVD or online) and she's definitely got the concentration span at three and a half to sit through a whole film without needing to run around the room. It was therefore perfect timing when I received an email asking if we'd like to go along to the Vue cinema in London's Piccadilly to see a special screening on Barbie and the Pearl Princess. LMC has seen some of the other Barbie films and really enjoyed them and I just knew that the idea of a mummy and daughter day out that involved a train ride would also be very popular.

Local friends here in St Albans have always spoken highly of the children's screenings at the Vue cinema in Watford and this was an ideal taster for us as to how well the sessions would work with a three year old.

Photo taken by Daniel Lewis on behalf of Vue

The day was a complete success. LMC loved the train, the underground and the whole cinema experience. She also really enjoyed Barbie and the Pearl Princess and has been talking about the film and the whole day out ever since. It even featured as one of her half term highlights that she told her class about in circle time when she went back to school. I may have to explain to her that going to the cinema doesn't always involve having her face painted and wearing a princess tiara, but even without these extras I'm pretty sure we'll be going back to the cinema again with her soon.

It was quite amusing one she sad down and got herself comfortable and then started looking around before turning to me and saying in a very small, slightly puzzled voice "But Mummy, where is the film? I can't see it." She'd no idea that the screen was so large and was looking round for something smaller. Bless.

A trip to the cinema can be a perfect wet weather day out for little kids, and with Vue Kids AM it needn't be an expensive trip at all. Kids Vue AM normally runs on Saturday and Sunday mornings at selected Vue cinemas across the country. For just £1.75 per person for a (normal) 2D film or £3 for a 3D film you can easily afford to take a whole family out for less than a tenner. They've also extended the scheme so that in many areas it also runs on weekdays in the school holidays – perfect! Just check their website to see what's on at your local Vue.

Disclaimer: We were invited guests at the Vue Kids AM screening of Barbie and the Pearl Princess and LMC also received a goodie bag and had her face painted whilst there.