Sands Point Preserve kicks off a wilderness survival series Saturday where teens can learn survival basics alongside their parents. Photo courtesy of the venue
Winterfest, Slime Workshop, and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend
Watch ice carving demonstrations and celebrate all things winter along the harborfront at Port Jefferson's annual Ice Festival. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Business Improvement District
Top Free Things To Do with Kids on Long Island in January 2026, According to MP Editors
Have a ball this winter at indoor fun centers on Long Island like Nana’s Wonderland. Photo by Gina Massaro
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 34 Best Things To Do with Kids on Long Island
Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
Discover the trails at Quogue Wildlife Refuge for a day of free, outdoorsy fun. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
100 Free Things To Do on Long Island with Kids
Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove. Photo by the author
20 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Suffolk County
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
GUIDE
LI Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
Xplore Family Fun Center's birthday parties include pizza, drinks, and arcade cards. Photo by the author
Top Birthday Party Places on Long Island for Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills
GUIDE
Long Island Summer Camp Guide
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit
15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro
14 Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day
Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author
Best Cute Towns on Long Island with Walkable Main Streets
A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon
Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author
Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.
17 Secret Long Island Spots Kids Love
Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Long Island Science Museums for Kids
Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the eastern seaboard. Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island
Ultimate Long Island Bucket List: 100 Things To Do on LI with Kids Before They Grow Up
Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels
Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals on Long Island
Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.
12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Museums for Kids on Long Island
Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids
Photo by Dora Somosi via Instagram
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island
Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Top Attractions in Long Island: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Drive-In Movie Theaters in Connecticut for Outdoor Movie Nights With Kids

Enjoy a flick at Southington Drive-In. Photo courtesy of visitct.com
Enjoy a flick at Southington Drive-In. Photo courtesy of visitct.com
5/13/22 - By Laurie Rein

For parents and kids in the Nutmeg State, few outings marry family fun with retro vibes better than a drive-in movie in Connecticut. Families can bring (or buy) snacks and a few pillows and enjoy this classic form of entertainment at several drive-in movies in CT,  or cross state lines and enjoy outdoor movies at New York drive-ins. Summer 2022 movies are going up at drive-ins near you with some showings beginning this month.

Be sure to keep tabs on our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide for more outdoor movies in CT and warm-weather family fun.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Park and watch a black and white film at Remarkable Theatre. Photo courtesy of Remarkable Theatre
Park and watch a black and white film at Remarkable Theatre. Photo courtesy of Remarkable Theatre

Drive-in Movies in Connecticut

Mansfield Drive-In Movie Theater

Mansfield Center
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

Drive-in Movie Nights at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center

Stamford
Catch family-friendly movies on the big screen at Stamford Museum & Nature Center. Tickets are sold online, and parking spots are first come, first serve. Moose & Monty’s Munch Boxes (with movie-sized popcorn, M&Ms, Sour Patch Kids) are available to pre-purchase online with tickets. Food trucks are on-site until show time. READ MORE

Remarkable Drive In

Westport
Westport's pop-up drive-in screens classic films and new releases. There's no concession stand, but families are welcome to bring their own snacks. Sound for the film is piped through a radio station (you can bring a transistor radio if you prefer that to your car's radio). READ MORE

Drive-In Movie Night at Riverside Reptiles

Enfield
See Jurassic Park on a giant blow-up movie screen at Riverside Reptiles! Chips, cookies and water will be available for purchase. READ MORE

Southington Drive-In

Southington
Southington Drive-In has been entertaining families for decades. It is the only community owned and operated drive-in in the state.  READ MORE
Take in a movie under the stars at Four Brothers Drive-In. Photo courtesy of Four Brothers Drive-In, Facebook
Take in a movie under the stars at Four Brothers Drive-In. Photo courtesy of Four Brothers Drive-In, Facebook

Drive-In Movies in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Warwick Drive-In Movie Theater

Warwick, New York
Dating from 1950, the Warwick Drive-In boasts three big screens and shows double features seven nights a week in season. A mix of adult-oriented and family films rotate. Admission is per person. A snack bar and restrooms are available. READ MORE

Overlook Drive-in Movies

Poughkeepsie, New York
Double features are offered on the big, outdoor screen, with new titles posted weekly. The diverse selections tailor to all ages, including family-oriented films, horror films, retro classics, and more. Concessions available, as are ticket books, which are also valid at the Hyde Park Drive-In. READ MORE

Hyde Park Drive-in Movies

Hyde Park, New York
This sister theater of the Overlook Drive-In presents movies Friday through Sunday on one big screen. Discount ticket books are available for use at either theater. Snack-bar selections include burgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, ice cream, pizza rolls, veggie rolls, popcorn, and more.  READ MORE

Fair Oaks Drive-In Movie Theater

Middletown, New York
Catch family-friendly flicks—both new releases and classics—on this theater's pair of screens. Live concerts, comedy shows, and meet-and-greet events are also on tap for the summer season. Visit the venue's website for details on its week-to-week schedule. READ MORE

Four Brothers Drive-In Movie Theater

Amenia, New York
This picturesque drive-in theater in Amenia has it all. Catch a movie and enjoy more perks like an on-site restaurant, arcade games, putt-putt golf, a playground, amenity packages—even overnight camping. Live bands are often scheduled, too. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
Recent Articles By Laurie Rein:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.