Dad and son having fun at the auto show. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Auto Show
Presidents Day 2025: 19 Things To Do In Chicago With Kids
Chicago Park District offers financial assistance for their Summer camps. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Affordable and Free Summer Camps in Chicago
Have your indoor birthday party at one of these fun Chicago venues. Photo courtesy of ©LEGOLAND Discovery Centers US LLC
Best Indoor Birthday Party Places in Chicago
Love Bug Dance this February. Photo courtesy of the Dupage Childrens Museum
Valentine's Day, Lunar New Year, and More Things To Do in Chicago February 2025
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Skokie Exploritorium is only $5 for residents. ©Skokie Park District
Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago
A costumed entertainer is fun for indoor birthday parties at home. Photo courtesy of Princess Fairy Tale Parties & Events
Best Winter Birthday Party Ideas for Kids in Chicago
Snow tubing is a favorite winter activity in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Canva
33 Things To Do in Chicago This Winter with Kids
IHOP Pancakes photo by Wendi Gratz via Flickr 2 0
Family-Friendly Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in Chicago
Visit the Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
Explore artistic classics at the Chicago Art Institute. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
100 FREE Things to Do In Chicago with Kids
Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
25 Free Things To Do Indoors in Chicago: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Enjoy a kid-friendly tube fest at Sunburst Ski Hill. Photo courtesy of Sunburst Ski Hill
Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids
The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals

Drive-In Movie Theaters In and Around Chicago for Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids

ChiTown Movies is a drive-in movie theater in Chicago. Photo courtesy of ChiTown Futbol, Facebook
ChiTown Movies is a drive-in movie theater in Chicago. Photo courtesy of ChiTown Futbol, Facebook
5/13/22 - By Maureen Wilkey

Drive-in movies made a comeback during the pandemic, and some of them are here to stay! While you still have to drive quite a ways to get to some of the traditional drive-ins, the new ChiTown Movies in Pilsen lets you take in a movie from the near south side with the backdrop of the Chicago skyline. And Davis Theater is partnering with Lincoln Yards to continue to offer movies on its lawn. Movies range from family classics to '80s throwbacks to recent blockbusters, so there's something for everyone!

But outdoor movies can't start until night falls, and you'll need some daytime activities, too. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy this summer in Chicago, from zoos to outdoor dining to visits to a local farm. Be sure to check out our event calendar to find something new and exciting to do every single day.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Movies on the Lawn at Lincoln Yards, photo courtesy of the Davis Theatre
Movies on the Lawn at Lincoln Yards, photo courtesy of the Davis Theatre

Drive-in Theaters (and a Lawn Venue)near Chicago

ChiTown Movies

Pilsen
Enjoy more than just soccer at this drive-in movie event in Pilsen. Movies include kids' classics like Finding Nemo and The Lion King. Servers can bring popcorn, tacos, wings, frozen mangoes and more to parked cars. READ MORE

Golden Age Cinemas

McHenry
This nostalgic drive-in movie theater aims to recreate the classic fun of a 1950s movie-going experience. Kids in pajamas are encouraged, and families can enjoy two movies for the price of one if they want to stay for the late feature. The concession stand features popcorn, burgers, brats, pizza, soda, and more. READ MORE

Route 34 Drive-in Theater

Earlville (West of Oswego)
Cartoons and previews still play before the features at this classic drive-in theater southwest of Chicago. The concession stand serves fried chicken and fried shrimp dinners and uses real butter on its popcorn. Route 34 Drive-in Theater has an extra-long season, showing movies from April through September. READ MORE

49'er Drive-in Theatre

Northwest Indiana
This northwest Indiana drive-in theater has been around for decades. It features a full concession stand and plays two movies per night on weekends. The theater is cash only, so make sure you have a Hamilton for each adult! READ MORE

Melody Drive-In

Northwest Indiana
This drive-in theater shows first-run movies and concerts on weekends all summer long. The concessions are part of the fun, with pork tenderloin or Italian beef sandwiches, wings, pizza, popcorn, snow cones, caramel apple slices, and breadsticks available. READ MORE

Movies on the Lawn at Lincoln Yards

Lincoln Park
The Davis Theater presents weekly movies, including kids' favorites, for viewing from the lawn at Lincoln Yards. Concessions are available for purchase on-site. Families can also book the lawn for a private movie showing. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: