# How to Host Virtual Movie Nights for Kids
Hosting virtual movie nights for kids has become an increasingly popular way for families and friends to connect and share entertainment together, even when they cannot be in the same physical location. Whether you are organizing a movie night for your own children and their cousins who live far away, coordinating with friends from school, or creating a special event for a group of young people, virtual movie nights offer a fun and engaging way to bring people together around shared entertainment experiences.
## Understanding the Basics of Virtual Movie Nights
A virtual movie night is essentially a coordinated viewing experience where multiple people watch the same movie at the same time while communicating with each other through video or text. Unlike simply watching a movie alone, a virtual movie night creates a social atmosphere where participants can react to what they are seeing, laugh together, and feel connected despite being physically apart. This format has become especially valuable for maintaining relationships and creating memorable experiences during times when in-person gatherings may not be possible.
The fundamental concept involves selecting a movie that is appropriate for all participants, choosing a platform that allows for synchronized viewing and communication, and then coordinating a specific time when everyone can join together. The experience can be as simple as having everyone press play at the same time while on a video call, or it can be more elaborate with themed snacks, decorations, and interactive elements.
## Choosing the Right Movie for Your Audience
Selecting an appropriate movie is one of the most important steps in planning a successful virtual movie night for kids. You need to consider the ages of all the children who will be participating, their individual interests and preferences, and any content that might be inappropriate or frightening for younger viewers.
When thinking about age appropriateness, remember that children at different developmental stages have different tolerances for scary content, violence, and complex themes. A movie that is perfect for a ten-year-old might be too intense for a five-year-old, while a movie designed for very young children might bore older kids. It is helpful to check movie ratings from sources like the Motion Picture Association, which provides age recommendations and content descriptions. These ratings typically include information about violence, language, sexual content, and other elements that parents should know about.
Consider the interests of your group as well. Some kids love animated movies with humor and adventure, while others prefer live-action films or movies based on popular book series. If you have a mixed group with varying interests, you might want to choose a movie that appeals to a broad audience, such as a well-made animated film that has humor for both children and adults, or an adventure movie with action and heart.
The length of the movie is also an important consideration. Younger children typically have shorter attention spans, so movies in the 80 to 90 minute range work better for them, while older kids can handle movies that are two hours or longer. If you are working with a very young group, you might even consider breaking the movie into two sessions with a break in between.
Some excellent options for virtual movie nights include animated films like Happy Feet, which tells the story of a penguin who cannot sing but can dance, making it entertaining for kids ages five and up. The Goonies is a classic adventure film that works well for kids aged ten and older, featuring a group of kids on a treasure hunt. The Water Horse is a beautiful fantasy film appropriate for children seven and older that tells the story of a boy who discovers a mysterious egg. For older kids, movies like the Harry Potter series or How to Train Your Dragon offer engaging stories with adventure and humor.
## Selecting the Right Platform for Streaming
Once you have chosen your movie, you need to decide which platform or method you will use to watch it together. There are several options available, each with different features and requirements.
Streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock offer large libraries of family-friendly content. Many of these services now include features that allow for synchronized viewing with friends and family. Netflix Party, for example, is a browser extension that allows multiple people to watch the same Netflix content simultaneously while seeing a chat window where they can communicate with each other. This is one of the most popular options for virtual movie nights because it combines the viewing experience with real-time communication.
If you are using a streaming service that does not have a built-in synchronized viewing feature, you can still host a virtual movie night by having everyone start the movie at the same time while on a video call through platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime. You would simply have the movie playing on one screen and the video call on another screen, or you could use picture-in-picture mode if your device supports it. The downside of this method is that it can be harder to keep everyone synchronized, and the video call might use a lot of bandwidth, potentially causing buffering issues.
Another option is to use dedicated watch party platforms like Teleparty, which works with Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. These platforms automatically synchronize playback for all participants and include a chat feature for communication. Some platforms even allow you to add a webcam view so participants can see each other’s faces while watching.
For families with library cards, many public libraries offer access to streaming services like Kanopy Kids, which provides educational and engaging videos for children, or BookFlix, which pairs video storybooks with nonfiction eBooks. These services often have watch party features built in, and they are free to access through your library membership.
## Setting Up Your Technology
Before the movie night begins, you should test all of your technology to make sure everything works properly. This includes checking your internet connection, making sure your device is fully charged or plugged in, testing your speakers or headphones to ensure the audio is clear, and verifying that the streaming service or platform you plan to use is working correctly.
If you are using a video call platform in addition to the movie, make sure you know how to share your screen or adjust your display so that you can see both the movie and the video call at the same time. Test the audio levels to make sure that participants can hear both the movie and each other clearly. If you are using a watch party platform, familiarize yourself with its features before the event so you can help guide participants through the process.
Consider the device you will be using to watch. A larger screen like a television or computer monitor will provide a better viewing experience than a small smartphone screen, especially for younger children who may have difficulty seeing details on a tiny display. If you are watching on a television, you might need to use a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick, or you might be able to connect your computer or tablet to the TV using an HDMI cable or wireless casting.
Make sure you have adequate bandwidth for streaming. If multiple people in your household are using the internet at the same time, this could cause buffering or poor video quality. If possible, close other applications and disconnect other devices from your WiFi network during the movie night to ensure smooth streaming.
