IndieGoes to the Movies: Our Train Trip to See “Hoppers”

Saturday felt like a big milestone for us: Indie and I took our usual train into Peterborough, not for a park or shopping this time, but for a cinema trip to see the new Pixar film, Hoppers, on the IMAX screen at the Odeon. For a three‑year‑old who already loves trains and bright colours, the whole day felt like an adventure before the film even started.The journey: Indie’s favourite part. As usual, the excitement started the moment we mentioned the train.

Indie loves everything about it: collecting her ticket (the collection receipt), watching the doors slide open, and choosing which seats we’ll sit in (by the window, obviously). On the way into Peterborough she spent most of the journey spotting “her” landmarks out of the window and asking how many more stops until “cinema”.The train is still my favourite way to get into the city with her. No parking stress, no traffic, and she feels like the journey is part of the treat, not just a way to get somewhere.

Big screens and little legs at the Odeon

We headed straight from the station to the Odeon for the IMAX showing. The size of the screen made Indie stop in her tracks when we walked in – she just stared and whispered, “It’s HUGE.” We did the usual toddler cinema prep: toilet stop, a quick snack check (popcorn of course), and making sure she could see comfortably without disappearing into the seat. Luckily, Odeon provide booster cushions. I always forget how small she looks in those big cinema chairs. We folded the seat back, tucked her in with snacks, and waited for the lights to go down.

Indies reaction to Hoppers (spoiler‑light)

Indie absolutely loved Hoppers. The bright colours, the bouncy music, and all the funny little details had her glued to the screen. She laughed in all the right places, gasped when characters were in jeopardy, and kept pointing out her favourites to me, even if she was whispering just a bit louder than she thought.There was one moment that made her a bit unsure though: the scary insect that appears later in the film (spoiler alert!). For a three‑year‑old, that scene definitely pushed the “a bit spooky” button. She tucked herself a little closer to me and asked if it was “really real”. A quick cuddle, a reminder that it was just a story, and she settled back in – but it’s worth knowing if you have a sensitive little one.After the film, when I asked what she thought of the “scary bug”, she said, “I didn’t like it… but I liked when they were brave.” So it clearly landed, just with a few extra cuddles required.

Was IMAX too much for a three‑year‑old?

I did wonder if the IMAX screen might be a bit overwhelming for her. The screen is huge, the sound is bigger, and everything feels more intense. For Indie, it was mostly a good thing – she was absolutely mesmerised – but if your toddler is sensitive to loud noises or big visuals, it might be worth:Sitting a bit further back rather than right at the front.Bringing something familiar (a comfort toy or blanket) for them to hold.Letting them know beforehand that it might be loud, but you’re right there with them.For us, IMAX was fine, but I’d probably save it for “special” films rather than every cinema trip at this age.

Our post‑film debrief (and snacks, obviously)

After the film, we took our time leaving the cinema so Indie could talk through everything she’d seen. She wanted to replay her favourite scenes, ask why certain characters did certain things, and reassure herself that the scary insect really was gone.We grabbed a small snack and drink, walked slowly back towards the station, and let her process the day. I’ve found that talking about the “scary bits” on the way home really helps her – and it turns the whole experience into a story we share, not just something that happened to her on a huge screen.

Heading home, happy and tired

The train home was a different mood entirely: Indie was quieter, clearly tired but still buzzing. She watched the world roll past the window and told me how she wants to “dance like them” next time we go to the park.By the time we reached our stop, she’d decided that Hoppers is “a good film but that bug should go away”. I’m calling that a win.

IndieGoes verdict

For other parents thinking of taking their little ones to see Hoppers on an IMAX screen:The story and colours are great for toddlers and young kids.The big screen and sound might be a lot for some three‑year‑olds.There is at least one “scary insect” moment that could worry sensitive children – but with a cuddle and reassurance, Indie managed it.For us, the day was everything IndieGoes is about: a simple train trip turned into a big adventure, a new experience, a few wobbles, and a lot of memories.