Prepare to Have Your Cinema Experience Improved (?) by In-Theatre Playgrounds

Love going to the movies, but wish there were more screaming children?

Mexican theatre chain Cinépolis has heard your apparent complaints, and will next week open two theatres in Southern California that will feature slides, a merry-go-round and pogo sticks, along with bean bag seats and lounge chairs.

There’s also a thing you can climb.

So, yes, probably not the kind of cinema you'd want to watch Manchester by the Sea, but perhaps one that’ll help keep the kids entertained during, say, Beauty and the Beast. (Although, ideally, the movie would do most of the heavy-lifting in the entertainment department.)

According to Mashable, Cinépolis introduced “Cinépolis Junior” theatres in Mexico, Spain and some other Latin American countries some years ago.

For what it’s worth, kids aren’t allowed to slide or run around during the film. They’re just given 20 minutes to play before the movie begins. Then, they have to keep quiet throughout the flick.

And we’re certain every child in the cinema will adhere very closely to that ruling.

No word on whether or not they’ll be introduced elsewhere in America, or (*pause for chilling effect*) Australia.

Then again, maybe we should go easier on this idea. Hey, if it keeps the kids (and their parents) happy, who are we to complain? Maybe just spare a thought for the viewers in the adjacent cinema, trying to enjoy the quiet Moonlight and hearing 20 straight minutes of children wrestling in a ball-pit.

Photo: Instagram (ABC7)