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5 Tips for A Perfect Family Summer OutDoor Movie Night

Filed Under: BLOG, Summertime Tagged With: , , ,

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This week marks the actual beginning of summer vacation for my girls.  We have already had some summertime adventures here and there. But plan on having quite a few more.  So what better way to celebrate than enjoying a summer outdoor movie night with family and friends.  Find out how to accomplish this successfully for yourself below now…

The average price of a movie ticket in the United States is $8. If you have a large family or just want to get some popcorn to enjoy with your movie, then going to the theater can quickly become an expensive night on the town. Save money, avoid long lines, and spend some quality time with your family. You can do this all while recreating the magic of a summer outdoor movie night–with better sight lines! The snacks, the seating, and the movie will all be a big hit. Why? Because you designed it specifically with your family in mind. 

Pull up a cushion or a pool float (we’re not picky). Then, read on to discover tips for creating your ideal summer outdoor movie night with the family. 

Here are 5 simple tips to the perfect family summer outdoor movie night…

Summer Outdoor Movie Night Tips

1.  Assemble Your Theater Components 

To watch a summer outdoor movie, you’ll need a screen, a DVD player, a projector, and a sound system. There are several innovative ways to create your own movie screen. Check out this tutorial from Parents.com. This tutorial walks you through creating a secure screen using white blackout fabric and simple supplies. You can pick up all these supplies at any hardware store. 

If you don’t want to build your own screen, you can also buy an inflatable screen online. CNET also has a really helpful blog with suggestions on which products are worth investing in. They also have instructions on how to put the whole system together. 

2.  Make Sure You Have Plenty of Comfortable Seating 

A day or two before your summer outdoor movie night, make sure that your lawn is freshly mowed. Also, that pet waste is cleared. Plus, you will want to make sure that you’ve attended to ant-hills or any other potential pest problems. Once you’ve done that all you need is comfortable seating. You can place blankets on a table for your family and friends to claim. You can even set up picnic style or offer cushions from outdoor furniture. If you have an air mattress that don’t get much use, this is a fun opportunity to put them to work. You may also want to have some low-backed chairs available for anyone that might need a little extra back support. Also, you could set up a tent and could utilize a tent rental if you don’t own your own tent.

3.  Serve Delicious and Healthy Movie Snacks 

Part of the fun of going to the movies is definitely the snacks. For your summer outdoor movie experience, serve your own (healthier) popcorn in small brown paper bags. These individualized bags allow you to experiment with some fun, unexpected toppings like cinnamon sugar, garlic and basil, or my favorite chunky monkey! 

Keep healthy, refreshing drinks like fruit-infused water on tap. These will keep your kids cool and well hydrated. Plus, these drinks are so tasty. Because of this your kids won’t even miss the 42oz movie theater soda. Also, you won’t have to worry about all the extra caffeine and sugar late in the evening. 

If it’s not too hot, consider setting up the fire pit for some delicious backyard s’mores. 

4.  Create Soft Lighting that Keeps Bugs at Bay 

You’ll want to avoid setting up your summer outdoor movie theater near bright streetlights. But you’ll still need some light to hit the pause button. This will allow your family to safely navigate the yard during bathroom breaks and trips to refill snacks. Tiki torches can create a fun, festive environment, as well as white string lights. You can also make beautiful lanterns out of mason jar. Just fill them with citronella oil to ward off pests while they light up your outdoor space. But be careful to anchor them firmly to reduce the risk of fire. 

5.  Make Movie Ticket Inspired Invitations

Make your summer outdoor movie night extra fun for your children. How? By allowing them to invite their friends over. Consider also inviting your neighbors. This is a nice thing to do, but it may stave off noise complaints! You can even go the extra mile. How? By creating your own old-school movie ticket inspired invitations. 

If you are new to the area and looking to meet your neighbors, then consider putting a simple chalkboard sign out front. This sign can reads something like, 7:30pm Showing of “Night at the Museum.” Neighbors Welcome! Bring Blankets and Chairs! Chances are your neighbors are looking for something different to do with their kids over summer break. Therefore, they will appreciate the opportunity to join in the fun. 

Celebrate #summer with an old fashioned drive-in movie right in your own backyard.

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*This was a guest contributing article written by: Danielle Hegedus.  For more ideas and inspiration, head to Modernize.com.

About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    We go to the actual drive-in because we have two really close to us, so no need for a backyard movie -but these are awesome tips 🙂

    • Janine says

      I wish Robin, but they turned ours into a multiplex so I am excited to do this with my girls now this summer though.

    • Janine says

      Meredith, we did one with my in-laws in early June (the kids were truly excited) and now we are doing another with friends on our own block and once again just can’t get enough of this fun, summertime evening outdoors past-time. So, seriously excited to share here 😉

  5. Chris Carter says

    OH how FUN is that??!!! We have been talking about doing this for YEARS, as so many of our friends do it at their house…

    This just pushed me to GO for it!! Thanks for the inspiration!!

    • Janine says

      You are so welcome and we are planning on doing our second one with friends now in the next few weeks. So definitely was so excited to share 😉

  6. Seana Turner says

    There is definitely something fun about a giant screen in the backyard. We used to set up in the garage (because we always seem to plan events on days when it rains) It was just as much fun, though, and my girls have great memories:)

    • Janine says

      Aw, you are so welcome and seriously this is truly one of my favorite summertime evening fun times to share here 😉

  10. Diane Roark says

    Janine,

    I am impressed with all your ideas. My kids have been wanting us to purchase a large blow up screen. All the mosquitoes we have in the south make me hesitate. It looks like a lot of fun and I am sure I will give in soon.
    I grew up across the street from a drive in theater but have never seen one since. I hear not very many are still in existence and I am pretty sure none are in Arkansas.
    Thanks for all these great tips. It looks like wonderful family fun that will help make lasting family memories.
    Blessings,
    Diane

    • Janine says

      Diane, I hear you about the mosquitos though and usually am the first to get bit, but I try my best to spray myself and the kids, too before doing anything like this. Hope you try soon and thank you so much for sharing again for me!! 😉

  13. Bill says

    Nice guest post, Janine. Nice thing about it just being Bev and me…still not too expensive to go to the movie theater. Have a great week. We are going to hit 100 on Thursday. Believe me when I tell you that happens once every ten years here. Way too hot for this old man.

    • Janine says

      Aw, hope you have a great movie date the two of you soon. And please send some of that 100 degree weather here, as I love the heat and sadly been cooler with rain (finally breaking today for some sunshine) this whole weekend. Happy Monday once again, Bill!! 😉

  15. Joy @ Yesterfood says

    Wouldn’t this be fun?? It would be one of those “memories for a lifetime” things that kids would talk about for the rest of their lives. “Remember when mom and dad showed movies in the back yard that one summer?” ♥ Great guest post, Janine- thanks!

  16. Carrie Groneman says

    Great post! We do this in the window for Halloween and for summer fun also. We had have done this for years with our teens with group activities also. It’s a terrific way to get the neighbors and friends together. Thanks for sharing. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow

  18. Allie says

    Oh I LOVE this and I also love that I have a friend who does it at her house 🙂 Drive-In movies are just so great. I’m looking forward to brining the body to their first one this summer!

    • Janine says

      I love that your friend does this, too and so excited that you and the boys are getting to experience this, as well!! 🙂

  28. Alexa says

    I really, really love this idea! I have a projector on my wish list… and this is what we’ll be doing once we get it! xo

    • Janine says

      I love that you are going to be getting a projector and think this would be the perfect first use for it totally 😉

  29. Tamara says

    I’ve always wanted to do this! Our local library does free movies on the lawn, but they are showing Jaws next. Not family friendly! Not!
    I’d love to create our own because we have a huge yard.

  30. Eli@CoachDaddy says

    My kids would want to project shark week on the big backyard screen! Great idea though. I’d smuggle in Coke Zero and M&Ms in my cargo pants pockets.

  31. Rosey says

    I like the idea of having your own popcorn or healthy snacks. My kids have never seen an outdoor drive-in and I haven’t been for years. I think it would be cool.

    • Janine says

      Rosey, up until this I hadn’t been to an outdoor drive-in in years myself, but seriously such an awesome idea and so much fun, too!! 🙂

  32. Jen says

    We love backyard movie nights and this is a perfect roundup for tips to make it successful! Best wishes for a great start to summer for you and a wonderful 4th of July!

  33. Carlee says

    I have been telling my husband we should do this for a while now, we just have never figured out the best way to work the logistics. I need to get serious about it now!

  34. Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says

    I love this and I totally want to do this for my kids. I think they would get a kick out of it!

    Great tips and suggestions – two thumbs up for fabulous, healthy snacks (because that totally MAKES the movie experience)!

    Thanks for sharing!

    Wishing you a lovely evening.
    xoxo

  36. Sinea says

    What fun! My hubby isn’t great for outdoor stuff but if I baited him with a bonfire and smores, after, I think he would come LOL

    • Janine says

      Sinea, if you build it, he will come! Couldn’t resist, but still totally think you and your husband would have so much fun if you got to do this now 😉

  38. Kenya G. Johnson says

    I wish drive-ins still existed. Those were so fun. My brother and I would sit outside the car in front of it and my parents would stay in the car. We brought out own pizza and it’s such a wonderful memory. But we have had that outdoor movie experience at a family bed & breakfast we went to. I can’t remember what they played because I was the only one who had to come back in. I had mosquito repellent everywhere but on my face and that’s where they started biting me.

    • Janine says

      Next month when we go to Disney the resort we are staying at there is supposed to have an outdoor movie every night down by the beach. Thank you for reminding me though about mosquitos, because I got to admit I totally would have blanked on this and then been scrambling to get bug repellent down there with my forgetful mind! 😉

  40. Leslie says

    I’ve wanted to do host an outdoor movie party since I first saw the idea. We even used to have a projector. Too bad we gave it away. 🙁 Love the idea of fruit-infused water!

    • Janine says

      Aw, sorry you gave the projector away, but I know the fruit infused water is so awesome and love doing, too!! 🙂

  42. Tianna says

    such an awesome idea! I think someone’s bringing a projector to our house this year – we plan to set it up near our pool so we can swim + watch movies! have a wonderful 4th!

  43. Rea says

    I have always wanted to do this. I’m not sure if our lawn is appropriate for it. LOL But I’d definitely wanna try. Not this season though because it’s already rainy in my country. 😀

  45. Leah says

    What an awesome idea!!

    Happy Summer and anniversary and birthdays, and DISNEY!!! Enjoy a little break in the summer!xo

  47. Aspen Jay says

    Hi Janine,

    This is definitely on my list of parties to throw! Thanks for sharing your tips especially that of serving healthy treats. Homemade popcorn is so much better than the junk filled kind!
    Hope you are having a great summer!
    AJ

  48. Rhonda Gales says

    I would love to have this set-up in my backyard for my family. Off to see if we can find everything needed. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best. Looking forward to seeing more of your ideas.

  49. Echo says

    I love this idea so much! It sounds like so much fun! Thank you, Janine, for sharing it at the #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup!

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