Movie Theater Fun for ALL Ages at The New Parkway

If you’ve been to The New Parkway Theater in Uptown Oakland, you know it’s more than a movie theater with comfy chairs and couches. It’s a community space that serves quality food and drinks, plays new releases and throwbacks, hosts free activities every weeknight, and runs programs supporting local nonprofits.

the new parkway theater screening room interior with chairs couches and room to roam — The New Parkway Theater screening room interior with chairs couches and room to roam | Photo: Natalie Nicolson

The New Parkway is a completely unique destination in Oakland

I loved this place long before having kids. Get cozy. Instead of theater seats, you will find well-loved couches, vintage armchairs, diner booths, and bean bag chairs. The walls are covered in murals and graffiti, and the lobby ceiling is draped with film strips. There’s a full kitchen menu with great options they will bring out to your table while you watch. They also serve housemade soda, cocktails, beer, candy, and, of course, popcorn.

Judgment-free movie watching

Lucky for me, unlike other theaters, the New Parkway is welcoming of all ages and wandering is okay. I once made the (possibly) rash decision to take my active toddler to a Wes Anderson movie, and while he didn’t sit still (not even close), the informal vibe and open layout of the theater made it so we weren’t a big distraction.

dining area at the new parkway theatre. hidden dog — The New Parkway has all the food and drink options you could ask for at a movie theater — plus a resident dog (can you spot her?) | Photo: Natalie Nicolson

Family-friendly showings and events

Of course, there is special programming for families with young kids so you don’t have to be like me.

Baby Brigade is the day’s first showing every Thursday at 4 pm, intended for parents to bring their babies along. The volume is set lower than a normal screening. You know your baby best–some will get completely wiped out by a noisy action scene while others will scream along. For little babies, I like to pack along a plain sheet for draping but I’m weird that way. Enjoy an evening out with no cooking, dishes, or babysitter. Score!

Every Saturday morning is a trip down memory lane with Cereal Cinema, almost two hours of classic cartoons and all-you-can-eat cereal. The TV shows are usually quirky selections from decades past, like Mr. T., Schoolhouse Rock!, and Thundercats, probably best suited for upper elementary school kids. The cereal bar includes lots of milk and cereal options. If your kid is a wanderer, you’re welcome to explore the other theater and they have crayons, LEGO, and games on the mezzanine, where they also host a Super Smash Bros Melee for free on Saturdays at 2 pm.

Cereal Cinema programming runs from 10:30 am-12:15 pm. It’s not the cheapest outing as a family, but I recommend trying it at least once!

child in new parkway movie theatre with couches and big chairs. — Saturday morning features a cereal bar in front of the screen and reruns of old school cartoons. | Photo: Natalie Nicolson

The first and third of every month is Drag Queen Storytime. They require one ticket per adult and child over the age of one for a nominal fee ($2).

Plan your visit to the New Parkway

Location: 474 24th St, Oakland

Getting there: Parking in Uptown Oakland can be tough. It’s worth baking in additional time to look for street parking. We usually have the most luck near Low Bar and Lovely’s (23rd-24th St. and Webster St.). The 19th St. BART station is a 15-minute walk away.

Admission:
Baby Brigade is $14 for an adult ticket (three and under are free).
Cereal Cinema is $16 for adults, $12 for kids 4-10, and $14 for 11-18-year-olds. Less than 3, still free.
Regular movie tickets are $14 for general admission, $10 for ages 4-10, $12 for youth/student, and $10 for seniors (65+). Prices for special events vary.

Schedule and rates are subject to change. Check the event calendar on their website before you go. You can also sign up for their email list to get the latest.

Website >

If you’re looking for another spot to grab lunch or dinner before a movie, Drake’s Dealership is only a two-minute walk away and has some of the most extensive outdoor seating of any restaurant or brewery in Oakland. It’s a favorite of ours for that reason alone!