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
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
0 reviews
From Naperville Park District
Naperville Park District - A Night at the Movies
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
0 reviews
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
0 reviews
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
0 reviews
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
0 reviews
Primary photo: Aurora Downtown
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.
