Families holding popcorn bags in front of an outdoor movie screen at a summer event in Chicago.

2025 Chicago Outdoor Movies to Park Your Family At

Updated March 27, 2025

This roundup of Chicago outdoor movies will have you seeing stars - literally! Movies in the park under the night sky (or even a trip to the drive-in) is a family summer bucket list experience you'll want to repeat every year. Some venues even go the extra mile with pre-movie activities, food trucks and themed events, turning a simple summer movie night into a full-fledged family outing.

Note that some locations show a mix of movies with different ratings, some more kid-friendly than others, so be sure to check the schedule and movie descriptions to avoid surprises.

Have you attended any of these outdoor movies around Chicago and the suburbs with your kids? Please leave a review to share your experience and tips with other parents!

Our list of the best summer family movies has plenty of inspiration if you want to host an outdoor movie night in your own backyard, too.

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49erdrivein.com

49'er Drive-In Theatre

Family-friendly 49'er Drive-In Theatre in Northwest Indiana is open seasonally beginning around May. Admission is per person, but gives you access to both movies in each night's double feature. A wide variety of concessions are offered.

Valparaiso, IN

chitowndrivein.com

ChiTown Drive-In

ChiTown Drive-In is a seasonal outdoor movie theater with a large screen and sound delivered via your car's radio (or bring a handheld one). Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but a full menu is available online from their ChiTown Grille to be delivered straight to your car.

Chicago, IL

goldenagecinemas.com

McHenry Outdoor Theater

This kid-friendly drive in movie theater near Chicago hosts a variety of special events and promotions, with a double feature every night and lots of new releases. Listen to the movie over your car radio, bring your own portable radio or rent one onsite.

McHenry, IL