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Drive-in Movie Theaters in and around Boston for Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids

Drive-in movie theaters and pop-up drive-in's are back in Boston for the summer! Mayor's Movie Night photo courtesy of Boston Parks and Recreation
Drive-in movie theaters and pop-up drive-in's are back in Boston for the summer! Mayor's Movie Night photo courtesy of Boston Parks and Recreation
5/21/23 - By Laurie Rein

Drive-in movie theaters in and around Boston have made a major comeback, offering New England families an fun activity for warm summer nights. Outdoor movie nights with kids means piling in the car and getting cozy in the backseat while munching on popcorn and enjoying a family film. Many drive-in movie theaters are running screenings all summer, while several towns are offering "pop-up" drive-in movies on certain days. 

We've rounded up the latest summer drive-in movies in Boston and nearby Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut towns for fun family outings. Check back on this post for updates: As more screenings are added and pop-up theaters open, we will add them to the list. So read on for our guide to drive-in movie theaters in and around Boston for outdoor movie nights with kids.

While you've got summer fun on the brain, take a peek at our Ultimate Summer Bucket List Ideas: 100 (Mostly) Free Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids. If you're looking to get away for a day or two, we've compiled a list of the Best Cape Cod Beaches for Families. For some daytime fun, see our guide to the Best Sprinkler Parks and Splash Pads in Boston. 

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Head to Plymouth for a drive-in movie night with the family! Photo courtesy of Moonrise Cinema
Head to Plymouth for a drive-in movie night with the family! Photo courtesy of Moonrise Cinema

Drive-In Movie Theaters in and around Boston

Mendon Twin Drive-In

Mendon, MA
Grab a spot at Mendon, use the radio to tune into the film's audio, and enjoy first-run movies from the car seven nights a week on two giant screens. The snack bar features popcorn that's freshly made onsite as well as other favorites. They also serve soft-serve ice cream and slush - and have their own beer garden! Movies are announced on their website the Tuesday before the weekend they will play. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Refer to their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information regarding health and safety. READ MORE

Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre

Wellfleet, MA
This retro-vibe theater has entertained movie-goers since 1957. The Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre has a dairy bar for ice cream, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, and more. A mini-golf course provides extra opportunities for family fun. The venue also hosts the biggest flea market on Cape Cod in the daytime. Consult their website for hours of operation. READ MORE

Rustic Tri View Drive-In

North Smithfield, RI
Spend weekend evenings at Rhode Island's Rustic Tri-View Drive-In. Opened in 1951, this theater is only minutes from the Massachusetts border. An ice cream stand onsite delivers soft-serve cones and sundaes to pair with their family-friendly movie selections.  Tickets are sold online, and parking spaces are assigned by vehicle size and type. READ MORE

Milford Drive-In

Milford, NH
Take a drive to New Hampshire, and see movies seven days a week at Milford Drive-In. The facility has two screens, and the snack bar serves burgers, dogs, candy, ice cream, and of course, popcorn. They also sell useful sundries like bug spray and hand wipes. READ MORE

Mansfield Drive-In Movie Theater

Mansfield Center, CT
Catch movies on one of Mansfield's three screens. Three generations have owned and operated this local mainstay since 1954. Its concession stand offers throwback eats reminiscent of a '50s-style diner.  READ MORE

Northfield Drive-In

Hinsdale, NH
Located just over the state line, Northfield shows movies every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night throughout the summer. Tickets are first-come, first-served up to 200 cars for each showing. There's a snack bar with corn dogs, pizza, and more. READ MORE

Moonrise Cinemas

Plymouth, MA
Moonrise Cinema in Plymouth, MA has more of a modern vibe than some of the other, more retro drive-ins in the area. Its outdoor kitchen serves chef-inspired versions of the usual snack bar fare. Also available before the feature begins: a number of family-friendly lawn games, and a beer garden for the grown-ups. READ MORE
Pop-up drive-in movie events bring the drive-in experience closer to Boston. Boston Parks & Recreation presents Mayor's Movie Nights this summer! Photo courtesy of boston.gov
Pop-up drive-in movie events bring the drive-in experience closer to Boston. Boston Parks & Recreation presents Mayor's Movie Nights this summer! Photo courtesy of boston.gov

Pop-up Drive-in Movie Events in and around Boston

Drive-in Movies at MVP

Tewksbury, MA
Merrimack Valley Pavilion in Tewksbury sponsors drive-in family features at dusk. Every Friday and Saturday night of the season, MVP shows a different feature drive-in style! See MVP website for film titles and other details. READ MORE

Boston Parks & Rec Mayor's Movie Nights

Boston, MA
The Boston Parks & Recreation Department brings their summer movie event to venues all around the city. Minions, Black Panther and Spider-Man are just a few of the films lined up for this summer. Check their schedule for locations and offerings throughout August. READ MORE

CX Movie Nights

Cambridge, MA
Cambridge Crossing brings double-feature outdoor movies to East Cambridge, just across the Charles from the West End. Films include The Secret Life of Pets, Top Gun: Maverick, and more. READ MORE

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