There is something special about seeing a movie in a historic theater. From the vintage marquees and ornate auditoriums to small-town single-screen theaters, these movie houses offer families a chance to make a regular movie outing feel a little more special. Fortunately, several historic and independent theaters in the Philadelphia suburbs still show current films while also offering classic movies, family matinees, and affordable special event screenings.
Bucks County
County Theater, Doylestown, PA
A historic downtown theater with one of the area’s best family movie deals.
The County Theater has been a Doylestown landmark since 1938 and today operates as a nonprofit community arthouse theater. Its programming includes current independent films, classic movies, special screenings, and a popular monthly Family Matinee series.
Family Matinees: The monthly $5 Family Matinee Series is a standout for families. See website for Upcoming September 2026 programming includes The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking on September 5 at 10 a.m.
Tickets: General admission is $13.50, with $11.50 tickets for seniors and young people. Regular matinees are $11.50, while Family Matinees are just $5 and free for members and their children.
Why You and Your Family Will Love It: The combination of historic charm, downtown Doylestown, and an inexpensive family matinee makes this an easy choice for a family day out.
Location: 20 E. State Street, Doylestown
Newtown Theatre, Newtown, PA
One of the country’s oldest movie theaters offers classic films and family programming.
The Newtown Theatre has a fascinating history dating back to 1831 and is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating movie theaters in the United States. Today, the restored 260-seat theater presents movies, concerts, comedy, and other community events.
Family Matinees: Family movies are scheduled throughout the year, including Saturday afternoon screenings. The theater also offers special family movie experiences.
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the movie or event, so check the individual listing before visiting.
Why Families Will Love It: The historic setting makes going to the movies feel like an experience rather than simply another trip to a multiplex.
Location: 120 N. State Street, Newtown
Chester County
Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA
A spectacular historic movie palace with a connection to movie history.
The Colonial Theatre is one of the Philadelphia area’s most recognizable historic movie theaters. Originally opened in 1902, the restored theater features an ornate auditorium, balcony, and stage. Today, the nonprofit venue combines movies with live performances and special events. The Colonial Theatre
Family Matinees: Family-friendly films and special screenings are offered throughout the year; check the current calendar for upcoming daytime options.
Tickets: Prices vary by movie and event.
Why Families Will Love It: The theater’s beautiful historic interior and Phoenixville’s movie history make this more than just a trip to see a film. Movie fans will also enjoy the theater’s connection to The Blob and the annual Blobfest.
Location: 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville
Montgomery County
Ambler Theater, Ambler, PA
A beautifully restored 1928 theater with $5 family movies.
The Ambler Theater opened on December 31, 1928, in the Spanish Colonial style and originally seated more than 1,200 people. After closing as a mainstream movie theater decades later, the building was restored and reopened in 2007 as a nonprofit community arthouse theater. Its restored marquee and ornate auditorium give it plenty of vintage movie-house appeal.
Family Matinees: The theater’s monthly $5 Family Matinee Series features family-centered films. September’s selection is The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking, screening September 19 at 10 a.m.
Tickets: Regular admission is $13.50, with $11.50 tickets for seniors and young people. Regular matinees are $11.50, while Family Matinees are $5 and free for members and their children.
Why Families Will Love It: The theater’s vintage marquee, historic architecture, and affordable family series make it one of the best places in the suburbs for an old-fashioned movie outing.
Location: 108 E. Butler Avenue, Ambler
Bryn Mawr Film Institute, Bryn Mawr, PA
An independent Main Line cinema with a historic neighborhood-theater feel.
The Bryn Mawr Film Institute is a nonprofit cinema and film-education center located in the heart of Bryn Mawr. While most of its programming leans toward independent, international, documentary, and specialty films, it also presents family-friendly movies and special programs.
Family Matinees: Family-friendly films and special programs are offered throughout the year, with daytime screenings providing an easy option for families.
Tickets: Prices vary by film and screening, so check the current listing before visiting.
Why Families Will Love It: BMFI offers a more intimate alternative to a multiplex and is a great choice for families who enjoy discovering movies they might not see at a traditional chain theater.
Location: 824 Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA
Hiway Theater — Jenkintown, PA
A cozy neighborhood theater with current movies, classics, and $5 family screenings.
The Hiway Theater is a nonprofit community arthouse theater in Jenkintown with the feel of a traditional neighborhood cinema. Its programming includes current films, classic movies, special series, and family programming.
Family Matinees: The theater’s $5 Family Matinee Series continues in 2026. September’s family screening is How to Train Your Dragon on September 12 at 10 a.m.
Tickets: General admission is $13.50, while regular matinees are $11.50. Family Matinees are $5 and free for members and their children.
Why Families Will Love It: It’s a smaller, relaxed alternative to the big multiplexes, especially when the $5 Family Matinee is on the schedule.
Location: 212 Old York Road, Jenkintown
Grand Theater — East Greenville, PA
A 1924 single-screen theater that still feels like an old-fashioned movie house.
The Grand Theater opened in 1924 and has been restored as a single-screen community movie theater. The historic building retains its vintage character, including an organ used for special events, while modern projection and sound equipment allow it to show today’s movies.
Family Matinees: Daytime and early screenings provide an affordable way for families to catch a movie, although family-specific programming varies.
Tickets: The theater is known for its budget-friendly admission and concessions. Check the theater’s website for current pricing before visiting.
Why Families Will Love It: If your family loves the idea of stepping into an old-fashioned movie house, the Grand Theater is one of the most charming options on this list.
Location: 252 Main Street, East Greenville
Broad Theater, Souderton, PA
A restored small-town theater combining historic character with current movies.
The Broad Theater is a restored independent movie theater in downtown Souderton. Originally opened in the 1920s, the building was renovated and reopened as a three-screen cinema, combining its historic setting with modern movie-going amenities.
Family Matinees: Daytime showings and youth pricing make the Broad Theater a good option for families looking for an affordable movie outing.
Tickets: Matinees before 2 p.m. are currently $8, general admission is $10, and youth tickets are $9. The theater also offers $5 Tightwad Tuesdays.
Why Families Will Love It: It’s a good middle ground for families who want the charm of an independent local theater without giving up the convenience of current movies.
Location: 24 W. Broad Street, Souderton
Make Movie Day a Little More Special
Sure there are times when an Imax or large screen is amazing, but going to the movies doesn’t always have to mean heading to a large multiplex. These historic and independent theaters offer local families a chance to enjoy current movies, classic films, affordable family matinees, and a little movie nostalgia all in one outing. Whether you choose a $5 Family Matinee at the County, Ambler, or Hiway Theater, see a classic at the Newtown Theatre, or experience the grandeur of Phoenixville’s Colonial Theatre, these local movie houses are worth a visit.