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

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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    cityofevanston.org

    City of Evanston - Starlight Movies in the Park

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    Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks. Restaurants and/or food trucks will be available on select nights.

    June 27: Wicked

    June 28: Dennis the Menace & Uncle Buck

    August 2: Toy Story & Inside Out 2

    August 30: Wild Robot & Asteroid City

    Chicago, IL
    From Naperville Park District

    Naperville Park District - A Night at the Movies

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    Join the Naperville Park District outdoors for a fun and free Friday night kick-off to the weekend featuring a family-friendly movie at A Night at the Movies! Bring your own folding chairs or a blanket. Please be aware of the varying start times of each movie.

    July 25: Elf

    August 8: Freaky Friday

    August 15: Inside Out 2

    August 29: Sonic the Hedgehog 3

    September 12: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

    Naperville, IL
    goldenagecinemas.com

    McHenry Outdoor Theater

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    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
    chitowndrivein.com

    ChiTown Drive-In

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    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
    49erdrivein.com

    49'er Drive-In Theatre

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    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

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