There’s something truly magical about spending an evening at an outdoor movie with loved ones. The gentle breeze, twinkling stars, and the anticipation of a movie unfolding on a big screen create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and enchanting. As a parent, experiencing this delightful event with your family can be an unforgettable bonding experience. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal journey of attending outdoor movies with my young son and offer tips to make the most out of this family adventure.
1. Choosing the Right Movie:
When it comes to selecting a movie for your outdoor cinema night, consider your child’s interests and attention span. Opt for family-friendly, animated films or age-appropriate classics that can capture their imagination and keep them engaged throughout the screening.
2. Prepare for the Outdoors:
Spending an evening outdoors means being well-prepared for any weather. Pack a cozy blanket, insect repellent, and extra layers to ensure your little one stays comfortable. Don’t forget a few of your child’s favorite snacks and drinks to keep hunger at bay during the movie. It’s also a good idea to bring some toys or coloring books to entertain your child before the screening begins.
3. Timing is Key:
For young children, timing is crucial. Choose an outdoor movie that starts the show early enough so that your little one doesn’t get too tired. A movie that begins shortly after sunset is ideal, as it allows your child to enjoy the magical twilight atmosphere before they drift off to dreamland.
4. Set Up a Cozy Spot:
Arrive at the outdoor cinema a little early to secure a good spot. Find a comfortable area close to the screen, but not too close to avoid overwhelming your child with the size of the display. Setting up a cozy spot with blankets and cushions will make the experience more enjoyable for your little movie-goer.
5. Embrace the Experience:
An outdoor movie is more than just watching a show; it’s about embracing the entire experience. Encourage your children to explore the surroundings before the film starts, perhaps playing a game of tag or pointing out constellations in the sky. Engaging in these activities will add extra excitement to the night.
6. Be Prepared for the Unexpected:
Despite meticulous planning, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Your child might get fussy or lose interest during the movie. In such cases, it’s perfectly fine to take a break and explore the outdoor cinema’s surroundings again or even call it a night. Remember, it’s about creating beautiful memories, not sticking to a rigid schedule.
Attending an outdoor movie with your family is a heartwarming adventure that will create cherished memories for years to come. The joy in their eyes as they watch a movie under the stars is truly priceless. By choosing the right movie, preparing for the outdoors, and embracing the experience together, you can make this family outing an enchanting and unforgettable one. So, pack your picnic basket, snuggle up with your little one, and get ready for a magical movie night under the open sky!
District of Columbia Outdoor Movies
Movie Night in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater – 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
Time: 8:30pm
July 26 – Minions: The Rise of Guru
Sunset Cinema – 970 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC
Time: 7:30pm
July 20 – Bend It Like Beckham
August 3 – A Dog’s Purpose
August 10 – The Sandlot
August 17 – Ratatouille
August 24 – School of Rock
August 31 – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Movies on the Pitch – 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC
*Free tickets required, click link above*
Time: Gates at 6:30pm, Movie at 7:30pm
August 24 – Minions: The Rise of Gru
September 7 – Jurassic World: Dominion
September 14 – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
The Drive-In at Union Market – 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC
*Free for walk ups in front of market*
Time: July – 9:00pm August-October – 8:30pm
July 21 – Hairspray
August 11 – The Parent Trap
September 8 – E.T.
October 6 – Selena
Extraordinary Cinema – 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC
The REACH video wall at the Kennedy Center
Time: 8-8:30pm (Check specific time in link)
July 21 – Fantastic Mr. Fox
July 28 – The Princess Bride
August 4 – Moana
Films at the Stone – 1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC
Time: 8:00 pm
July 21 – Avatar: The Way of the Water
Virginia Outdoor Movies
Columbia Pike Movie Nights – Friday: 909 S. Dinwiddie St, Arlington, VA Saturday: 2501 9th Rd S Arlington, VA
Time: 8:00pm
July 21 – Dog
July 22 – Back to the Future
July 28 – Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank
August 4 – Lady and the Tramp
August 5 – Till
August 11 – Raiders of the Lost Ark
August 18 – Lightyear
August 19 – The Woman King
August 25 – The Goonies
August 26 – Jurassic World: Dominion
Movies @ Met – 1321 S Elm St, Arlington, VA
Time: 7:00pm
August 4 – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Sunset Cinema – 312 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA
Time: TBD
September 29 – Movie TBD
October 6 – Movie TBD
October 13 – Movie TBD
Family Movie Nights – The Plaza @ Tysons Corner Center
Time: 7:00pm
July 28 – Boss Baby: The Family Business
August 18 – Matilda
Starr Hill Movie Nights – Starr Hill Tysons Biergarten 1805 Capital One Dr S Suite 1100, Tysons, VA
Time: 6:00pm
July 23 – Back to the Future
July 30 – Shrek
Movies Under the Stars – Reston Station Metro Plaza
Time: 6:30pm-9:30pm
July 22 – Open Season
July 29 – The Lion King
August 5 – Fievel Goes West & The Rescuers
August 12 – The Jungle Book
August 19 – Zookeeper
August 26 – Moana
September 2 – Dora and the Lost City of Gold
Films in the Park – Strawberry Park, Fairfax, VA
Time: 7:00pm
July 20 – Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
August 3 – Space Jam: A New Legacy
August 10 – Moana
August 17 – E.T.
Starrlight Cinema – 5860 Trinity Pkwy, Centreville, VA
Time: Pre-show @ 7:00pm, Movie @ Dusk
August 5 – Minions: The Rise of Gru
August 12 – Lightyear
August 19 – The Bad Guys
August 26 – DC League of Super Pets
Crescent Cinema – 8010 Crescent Park Dr, Gainesville, VA
Time: Dusk
July 28 – Vivo
Movie Night – Alternating between 43050 Center St & SRC Stage, South Riding, VA
Time: Sunset
July 25 – The Bad Guys
August 8 – Tangled
Lovettsville’s Summer on the Green – 11 Spring Farm Dr, Lovettsville, VA
Time: Dusk
July 29 – National Treasure: Book of Secrets
Maryland Outdoor Movies
Movies on the Potomac – 165 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD
Time: Thursdays at 7:00pm & Sundays at 6:00pm
July 20 – She’s the Man
July 23 – Her Best Move
July 27 – Gracie
July 30 – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
August 3 – Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
August 6 – Incredibles
August 13 – Incredibles 2
August 20 – Air Bud: World Pup
August 27 – Space Jam a New Legacy
August 31 – Cruella
September 3 – Shrek
September 10 – Shrek 2
September 17 – Coco
September 24 – Encanto
Movies in the Parks – Various Parks in Rockville, MD
Time: Dusk (~8:00pm)
August 2 – The Boss Baby (Potomac Woods Park)
August 9 – The Secret Life of Pets (Woodley Gardens Park)
August 16 – Cool Runnings (Montrose Park)
August 23 – Raya and the Last Dragon (Maryvale Park)
Movies Under the Stars – 11325 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD
Time: 7:30pm or 8:00pm
August 4 – Toy Story
September 1 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
October 6 – Encanto
Night at the Movies – 9100 Rhode Island Ave, College Park, MD
Time: 8:00pm
July 29 – Minions: The Rise of Gru
August 26 – The Super Mario Brothers Movie
Summer Movie Nights – 8390 Main St, Ellicott City, MD
Time: Between 7:00pm-9:00pm (Check showtime in link)
August 5 – Men in Black
August 12 – Narnia
August 26 – The Princess Bride
September 23 – Black Panter: Wakanda Forever
October 7 – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Lakefront Movie Night – 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD
Time: Dusk (Between 8:00pm-8:30pm)
July 24 – Wall-E
July 28 – Strange World
July 31 – The Mitchells vs. The Machines
August 7 – Toy Story 4
August 14 – Super Pets
August 21 – Turning Red
September 1 – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
September 8 – Shazam! Fury of the Gods
September 22 – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Movies on the Beach – North Beach, MD
Time: Dusk
August 19 – Turning Red
September 16 – Thor: Love and Thunder
Bonus: Movies on the Beach – Behind Carousel Resort Ocean City, MD
Time: Dusk
July 26 – Turning Red
August 2 – Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
August 9 – Minions: The Rise of Gru
August 16 – Sonic the Hedgehog 2
*All Movies Listed Are Free*