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Free Outdoor Movies in Chicago This Summer for Kids

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
5/4/25 - By Maureen Wilkey

Free outdoor movies in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs scream summertime. Where else can you enjoy treats, green spaces, and staying up past bedtime? In Chicago, you can see a movie at a landmark destination like Millennium Park, or enjoy a night out under the stars in your favorite neighborhood or suburban park. 

Want to see a movie in your car? Check out one of our favorite drive-in destinations. Have kids that aren't big enough to stay up past dark on a long summer night? Try out this list of favorite toddler playgrounds or water parks for little ones that are just as good during the day.

Pack your blanket or chair, bag of popcorn, and beverage of choice, and head out to one of the more than 30 locations we've found to see an outdoor movie in Chicago this summer!

Why Outdoor Movies are Perfect for Chicago Families this Summer

After a full day of Ultimate Summer Bucket List activities, catching an outdoor film is a relaxed, easy way to wind down and spend time together. You can bring a picnic from home and enjoy a special night out, without spending extra cash.

Make the Most of Your Outdoor Movie Night

Outdoor movies are a great kid-friendly summer activity, but a little preparation goes a long way. Remember, all summer activities in Chicago require bug spray, and if you're getting to the movie before sundown, sunscreen might be necessary as well. And yes, these outdoor movie series are really free, but you'll need to pack any extras yourself—that means water, food, and chairs or a blanket to sit on.

Don't forget to check the movie website to find out about restrooms and start time. Some Chicago outdoor movies start earler in the evening, but many may begin too late for smaller children. 

This list is receiving its 2025 update. Most of the events below have been updated, but we are waiting for some of the events to release their 2025 summer schedules. 

 

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Enjoy movies with the family this summer! Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
Enjoy movies with the family this summer! Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way

Outdoor Movies in Chicago

Chicago Park District Movies in the Park

Citywide
Tuesdays through Saturdays, start date TBA
Hollywood comes to Chicago this summer with hundreds of movies throughout city parks! Bring your own blanket or chairs for retro favorites, kids' classics, and recent box office hits. READ MORE

Movies at Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville
Wednesdays, May 21-September 17
Visit Gallagher Way near Wrigley Field to see a variety of blockbusters on the big screen. Food trucks from local favorite restaurants like Big Star and West Town Bakery sell their goodies at the park. READ MORE

Mary Bartelme Park Movies in the Park

West Loop
June 16, June 23, July 14, July 29, and August 19
Mary Bartelme Park Advisory Council and the Chicago Park District present a series of outdoor movies for families in the West Loop Park. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair.. READ MORE

Movie in the Park at The Green at 320

Downtown
June 26, July 24, August 28, and September 25
Visit The Green for its Movies in the Park! FREE Popcorn is available. Borrow a blanket (first come, first served) or bring your bag chair(s). Drinks snacks, pizza other food, and a full bar are available for purchase from Canal Street Eatery & Afterbar. READ MORE

Water Flicks at Navy Pier

Downtown
2025 Dates TBD
Navy Pier hosts "Water Flicks"—free, outdoor screenings of favorite family movies in Polk Bros Park. August 28 will be a viewers choice week in which families vote on Instagram for which movie they would like to see. READ MORE

Millennium Park Summer Film Series

Downtown
Tuesdays, July 1-August 19
Millennium Park hosts free movies in the park throughout July and August. Films are shown on a state-of-the-art 40-foot LED screen READ MORE

Wicker Park Movies in the Park

Wicker Park
2025 dates TBD
Bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy a movie in Wicker Park on the third Thursday of June, July, and August.  READ MORE

RNRA Movies in the Park

River North
2025 dates TBD
The lineup for 2024 promises plenty of family-friendly movies to enjoy this summer. READ MORE
Kids enjoying movies. Photo courtesy of Canva
Kids enjoying movies. Photo courtesy of Canva

Movies Under the Stars in the Suburbs

Oak Park Movies in the Park

Oak Park
June 13, July 12, July 25, August 22, and September 19
Families can bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a movie in Scoville Park on select Fridays during the summer. Check the website for rainout information. READ MORE

Bensenville Movie in the Park

Bensenville
August 13
See Wild Robot on Bensenville's Village Lawn to celebrate the first week of school. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and purchase concessions to eat during the show. READ MORE

Lemont Movies in the Park

Lemont
June 24 and August 5
The Lemont Park District hosts family movie events in three of it parks over the course of the summer. Visit  Covington North Park on June 24 for Inside Out 2 or Northview Park on August 5 to see Sonic the Hedgehog 3. READ MORE

Starlight Movies in the Park

Evanston
June 27, June 28, August 2 and August 30
Evanston Park District and Lifeway Foods host themed movies with activities at Ingraham Park, Baker Park, Bent Park, and Larimer Park throughout the summer. Pick your favorite theme and enjoy a double feature!  READ MORE

Glen Ellyn Movies in the Park

Glen Ellyn
June 11, July 9, and August 6
Glen Ellyn Park District hosts a series of movies in various parks throughout the summer.   Movies begin between 8:30 and 9pm. READ MORE

Movies in Lilacia Park

Lombard
June 5, June 26, and July 10
Families can get ready to enjoy movies in the garden in Lilacia Park. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic snack. Fun family activities will take place in the hour before the movie starts, including build-your-own emoji, tie-dyeing, and sand art. READ MORE

Movies Under the Moon in Woodridge

Woodridge
June 6, July 11, and August 1
West Suburban families can explore local parks and enjoy a movie under the moon at three different Woodridge locations throughout the summer. READ MORE

Elmhurst Movies in the Park

Elmhurst
June 13, July 11, and August 8
Enjoy new and classic kids' movies every month in Elmhurst's Wilder Park.Food trucks will sell concessions at the park. READ MORE

Movies in Cantigny Park

Wheaton
Fridays, June 6- August 29 (Excluding June 19 and July 4)
Cantigny Park hosts weekly movies at its bandshell every Friday at sunset throughout the summer. Seating is first come, first served and visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and bug spray. Concessions can be purchased at Mamie's Toffee and Treats. READ MORE

Frankfort Movies on the Green

Frankfort
June 10, July 8, and August 12
Grab a blanket or chair and head out to Breidert Green for a FREE family movie night with FREE popcorn under the stars. Movies on the Green will feature movies for the entire family to enjoy. Movies begin @ dusk or approximately 8:15 PM. READ MORE

Veterans Park District Movies in the Park

Melrose Park
June 11, June 25, July 9, and August 6
Veterans Park District presents movies in parks this summer. Kids can see Surf's Up 2: Wave Mania in Gouin Park in Franklin Park on June 11, Space Jam: A New Legacy in Bulger Park in Melrose Park on June 25, and If in Grant Park on July 9, or Free Willy in Trumbull Park on August 6. Free popcorn is available while supplies last. READ MORE

Westmont Movies Under the Stars

Westmont
June 6, July 11, August 1, and August 22
Join the Westmont Park District for movies under the stars! Arrive early to order food from the food trucks on site, and bring your own blankets and chairs. READ MORE

Movies Under the Stars at Wheaton Public Library

Wheaton
June 14, and July 12, and August 2
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Wheaton Public Library to see The Super Mario Brothers Movie on June 14, Trolls Band Together on July 12, or Migration on August 2.  READ MORE

Orland Park Outdoor Movie Series

Orland Park
June 16, July 21, and August 11
Orland Park Recreation invites families to see three outdoor movies this summer at Crescent Park. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket to spread out to watch films on a big screen under the stars. READ MORE

Warrenville Summer Movies in the Park

Warrenville
June 19, July 17, and August 8
Families can watch movies the lawn at these Warrenville Park District events in Cerny Park. Arrive at 8 p.m. for the best seats. Concessions are sold at the park. READ MORE

Darien Summer Movies in the Park

Darien
May 23, June 19 and July 17
Bring your picnic blanket or low-rise lawn chair to one of Darien's parks for a family-friendly movie this summer. Concessions will be available for purchase at the movies in three different parks. READ MORE

Thursdays in the Park Concert and Movie Series Tinley Park

Tinley Park
Thursdays, July 10 and 24
Enjoy a concert or a movie every Thursday night this summer at the Band Shell on the east side of Bettehausen Recreation Center in Tinley Park. A concession stand will sell light refreshments. READ MORE

Skokie Summer Movies in the Park

Skokie
July 13 and July 17
Bring the family, make a picnic, and grab the blankets or chairs so you can enjoy dinner and a movie together. Films include Wicked at Sports Park East and Sonic 3 at Lorel Park. READ MORE

Buffalo Grove Movies Under the Stars

Buffalo Grove
June 20, July 12, and August 1
Enjoy a movie on a 40-foot screen with surround sound in Willow Stream Park. Concessions will be sold and a rain date is available for each movie. READ MORE

Arlington Heights Movie in the Pool/Park

Arlington Heights
July 22 and August 15
See Wild Robot under the stars in Arlington Heights' Pioneer Park on July 22 or Wicked at Frontier Park on August 15. READ MORE

Naperville's A Night at the Movies

Naperville
July 25, August 8, August 15, August 29, September 12
Families can enjoy Friday night outdoor movies at alternating locations between Rotary Hill and 95th Street Community Plaza throughout the summer. When the movies are at Rotary Hill, the Riverwalk concession stand offers special movie snacks such as popcorn, hot dogs, pretzel bites, nachos, candy, and soda. READ MORE

Lincolnwood Movies in the Park

Lincolnwood
August 22 and September 12
Visit Proesel Park to see movies under the stars to kick off a new school year. Moana 2 plays on Friday, August 22 and Wicked will show on September 15. READ MORE

Oakbrook Terrace Movie in the Park

Oakbrook Terrace
June 19
Visit Oakbrook Terrace's Dorthy Drennon Park on June 19 to see If. Bring your own blanket or chairs. Concessions will be available for purchase. Registration is required.  READ MORE

Burr Ridge Midweek Movies

Burr Ridge
July 2, 9,16,23, and 30
Burr Ridge Village Center is retooling its drive-in movies for summer by switching to movies on the village green. Guests can bring a picnic and enjoy a movie on Wednesdays in July. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Multiple parks citywide
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion & Great Lawn
Darien Parks
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
Oakton Community Center