
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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Oakbrook Center - Movies on the Lawn
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, grab some snacks, and settle in for a summer of free movies on The Lawn! Every Wednesday night, they’ll be playing a different flick, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Table at Crate will be on the lawn with snacks and refreshments to enjoy during the movie.
June 18: Moana 2
June 25: IF
July 2: The Marvels
July 9: Dog Man
July 16: Special Double Feature Night: Inside Out from 4 pm–6 pm
Inside Out 2 from 7 pm–9 pm
July 23: Wicked
July 30: Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny
August 6: Elemental
August 13: Kung Fu Panda 4
August 20: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
August 27: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Oak Brook, IL7 pm
Lemont Park District - Movies in the Park
Enjoy a movie in the park with the Lemont Park District this summer! Concessions will be sold.
June 24: Inside Out 2
August 5: Sonic 3
Lemont, ILFree activities start at 7 pm. Movie begins at dusk.
Millennium Park - Summer Film Series
This summer, DCASE is pleased to present the Millennium Park Summer Film Series. Guests may take a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or lounge on the Great Lawn as crowd-pleasing movies are presented on the state-of-the-art, 40-foot LED screen.
Lisa R said: This series takes place steps from favorite downtown attractions. Arrive early to grab a seat in the pavilion or plan to picnic on the Great Lawn.
July 12: In the Heights (PG-13)
July 19: Encanto (PG)
July 26: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (PG)
August 2: Dirty Dancing (PG-13)
August 9: Knives Out (PG-13)
August 16: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings (PG-13)
August 23: Save the Last Dance (PG-13)
August 30: Strictly Ballroom (PG)
Chicago, IL6:30 pm

Movies on the Midway
Movies on the Midway is a free outdoor summer movie series presented by the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement in partnership with the Chicago Park District. Each week features family-friendly pre-movie activities starting at 7:00 p.m., followed by a film at sunset on the Midway Plaisance.
July 9: Despicable Me 4
July 16: Moana 2
July 23: Inside Out 2
July 30: Minecraft
August 6: Wicked
uchiengagement said: Kick off UChicago's 2025 Movies on the Midway series with Despicable Me 4! Before the film, the Hyde Park Art Center will lead a hands-on gadget-making activity—perfect for mini masterminds. Movies on the Midway is a free outdoor summer movie series presented by the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement in partnership with the Chicago Park District. Each week features family-friendly pre-movie activities starting at 7:00 p.m., followed by a film at sunset on the Midway Plaisance. Weather updates will be shared on our social channels: @UChiEngagement Full lineup and details: http://bit.ly/3ZEvznM
Chicago, ILActivities at 7pm, Movie at sunset

Geneva Park District - Movies in the Park
The Geneva Park District is presenting its Movies in the Park series. Please bring blankets and lawn chairs. Concessions will be available for purchase.
June 12: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (PG)
July 10: Wonka (PG)
August 7: Little Giants (PG)
Geneva, ILDusk
Cantigny Park
Watching a favorite movie outside, under the stars, on a 40-foot screen is a fun and memorable family experience. They make it even better with pre-show activities such as crafts, interactive games, or guest appearances that connect with the movie you are about to see! Come a little early to enjoy everything that they have to offer. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and on some nights will include special movie-inspired concoctions. All movies feature lawn seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and picnics are welcome.
May 30: Inside Out 2
June 6: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
June 13: Elemental
June 27: The Mighty Ducks
July 11: The Wild Robot
July 18: Descendants
July 25: Kung Fu Panda 4
August 1: Moana 2
August 8: Despicable Me 4
August 15: Wicked
August 22: Sonic the Hedgehog 3
August 29: Mufasa: The Lion King
Wheaton, IL8:30 pm
Elmhurst Park District - Movies in the Park
Grab a picnic blanket and join the Elmhurst Park District at Wilder Park for a movie under the stars.
June 13: Wreck-It Ralph
July 11: Moana 2
August 8: Wicked
Elmhurst, ILDusk

Pottawattomie Park - Movies in the Park
The best family-friendly box office hits from the big screen are coming to St. Charles. Bring blankets to sit on as the amphitheatre is on a grassy slope and may not be suitable for lawn chairs. Concessions available for purchase.
June 13: Dog Man
July 11: Wild Robot
St Charles, ILDusk
Churchill Field Park - Movies in the Parks
This Logan Square park is just off the 606, making it the perfect endpoint for a family-friendly bike ride. The 606 is a protected elevated bike and pedestrian trail that connects Wicker Park with Logan Square. The trail is an easy ride for kids and dotted with art installations, landscaping, and educational signs about the trail's history.
June 21: Inside Out 2
July 12: The Sandlot
August 18: Wicked
Chicago, IL
Park District of Oak Park - Movies in the Park
The Park District of Oak Park invites you to pack a picnic dinner and a blanket and bring your family over to Scoville Park for an outdoor movie under the stars!
Jun 13: Moana II
Jul 12: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
Jul 25: Santa Claus the Movie (It’s Christmas in July! Santa will be stopping by in beach attire before the movie.)
Aug 22: Community Choice
Sep 19: Wicked
Oak Park, ILDusk

Mary Bartelme Park - Movies in the Parks
This West Loop park uses creative architectural features to create several distinct areas in a compact space. The park includes a misting fountain, children's play area, dog park, and hilly seating areas that kids love to climb during outdoor performances.
June 16: Raiders of the Lost Ark
June 23: Homeward Bound
July 14: Mean Girls
July 29: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
August 19: Top Gun
Chicago, ILDusk
Ward Park - Movies in the Parks
This summer, families can catch four fantastic movies set against photo-worthy views of the Chicago skyline at Ward Park.
June 24: Twisters
July 15: How to be a Good Wife
July 31: Wicked
August 12: Moana 2
Chicago, ILDusk

Mayfair Park - Movies in the Parks
This sweet little park in a friendly neighborhood setting is a great place to go for an outdoor movie with your family this summer!
June 24: Twisters
July 15: How to be a Good Wife (In French, with English Subtitles)
July 31: Wicked
August 12: Moana 2
Chicago, ILDusk
Skokie Park District - Movies in the Park
Pack up the kids, blankets, and lawn chairs for an evening of free family fun. The movie begins at sunset.
June 18: Despicable Me 4
July 30: Sonic 3
Skokie, ILDusk

Jonquil Park - Movies in the Parks
The large grass field at this Lincoln Park play lot is perfect for playing ball, gathering for family picnics, and watching movies under the stars.
June 14: Moana 2
July 19: Patch Adams
August 16: The Fugitive
September 6: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Dusk
Primary photo: Aurora Downtown
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