During the cooler weather, heading out can often be at the bottom of the list when it comes to planning things to do with the kids. That’s why creating fun nights in, like an at-home movie night, is a great way to still enjoy the thrill of activities without facing the winter chill!

 Mum of two, Tegan Porter (@tegan_jean) shares her top tips to creating the full movie night experience, from picking up sweet treats and cosy blankets to DIY-ing tickets, play money, and a candy bar to really make the night extra special.

 1.    Pick up your favourite movie snacks

It’s not a movie viewing without some treats! Make sure to get the fun size versions of you and your kids’ candy bar must haves. And you can’t go past having freshly made popcorn. Pop your own over the stove or pick up some microwave packets in your favourite flavours.

 2.    Make your own popcorn toppings

Don’t just stop at butter and salt for toppings! Create your own flavours by adding fun mix-ins or seasonings. Go for more savoury flavours like nuts, pretzels, cheese or even dried fruits, or go for the classic mix-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, caramel sauce and raspberry liquorice. The possibilities are endless!

 3.    Set up your own snack stand and ticket collection

To really capture the cinema experience, go the extra step and set up a snack bar. Your kids can do their own ‘shopping’ by using play money and picking out their favourite movie-watching treats. Print our your own uniquely designed tickets and have your kids hand them to get checked before heading into the ‘cinema’.

 4.    Create a cosy cinema space in your lounge or bedroom

Setting the scene makes all the difference when it comes to creating that ultimate at home movie night. Turn it into more than just another night on the couch by picking up comfy pyjamas and some thick and toasty blankets to snuggle under as well as soft cushions to really create a cosy space.

 5.    Put together some movie trays to store drinks and snacks

To replicate the movie theatre seats that have cup holders and snack trays, create your own with some fun collapsible crates so your kids can hold all their snacks and drinks without having to balance everything in their lap. They can even decorate their own to make them more personalised too.

 Create your next at-home movie night by heading in-centre to shop for everything you need.