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Drive-In Movie Theaters in and around Los Angeles for Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids

Head to a local drive-in movie theater for outdoor family movie night. Photo courtesy of Anaheim Town Square
Head to a local drive-in movie theater for outdoor family movie night. Photo courtesy of Anaheim Town Square
5/13/22 - By Roberta B

For many years, the drive-in was a nostalgic throwback treat. While there used to be just a few year-round drive-in theaters in the Los Angeles 'burbs, in the last few years we have seen pop-up drive-in events proliferate just about anywhere you can fit a movie screen. If you’re looking to see the latest summer blockbuster, but don’t want to bring the kids to a crowded theater, simply pop the kids in their PJs and pile them in the car for an old-school outdoor movie night!

Keep an eye on our calendar to see all the outdoor movie screenings in parks across town, where movies are shown outside of cars and under the stars. (Or even on boats! Have you checked out Boat Cinema yet?) We're adding all of these cool outdoor movies to the calendar every day, as they're announced, so check back often.

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Chill in the car to watch a movie! Photo courtesy of The Roadium
Chill in the car to watch a movie! Photo courtesy of The Roadium

Los Angeles Drive-In Movie Screening Series

Electric Dusk Drive-In 2024

Glendale (and other locations)
Electric Dusk Drive-In offers two options for movie viewing: in your car or sitting on a lawn chair in the Astroturf section. Movies are shown on a giant inflatable screen.   READ MORE

Drive-In Movie: Anaheim Town Square

Anaheim
Anaheim Town Square presents free drive-in movie screenings every month. In June, the film shown is Finding Nemo. READ MORE

Drive-In at the Roadium

Torrance
The Drive-In at the Roadium is back, offering moviegoers the 1950s drive-in experience for this summer. READ MORE
Drive-in movie theaters in LA for old-school family fun. Photo courtesy of Paramount Drive-In
Drive-in movie theaters in LA for old-school family fun. Photo courtesy of Paramount Drive-In

Classic Drive-In Movie Theaters in and around Los Angeles

Mission Tiki Drive-In

Montclair
With four screens and four double features every night (one screen usually PG, one PG-13), The Mission Tiki offers a classic family night out. READ MORE

Rubidoux Drive-In Theatre

Riverside
The Roubidoux is worth a drive for an old-fashioned night out! And boy, is the price right. $10 tickets for adults and $1 tickets for kids (children 5-9) is the price of admission for two movies (including first-run blockbusters) playing on the same screen. READ MORE

Van Buren Drive-In

Riverside
Van Buren offers nightly double-feature movies to enjoy in the comfort of the family car. Just like the Rubidoux, a ($10 for adults and $1 for kids) ticket allows you to stay for both films. READ MORE

Vineland Drive-In Theater

City of Industry
Vineland is open daily and has been around since 1952, showing new release double features on 4 different screens. One screen typically features PG movies. Movies begin at dusk. Tickets are $4 for kids and $10 for adults. READ MORE

Skyline Drive-In

Barstow
Barstow may be a trek from LA, but a drive-in movie on Route 66 feels so right. The theater's open every night but Tuesday with 2 screens playing and concessions open. Guests are asked to  wear masks at the concession stand and in the bathroom. READ MORE

Paramount Drive-In

Paramount
The Paramount Drive-In is in business again, with two 75-foot screens, digital projection, and a snack bar. Tickets are sold at the entrance on a first come, first served basis. Fun fact: this is the drive-in used to play the old Van Nuys Drive-in in the movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. READ MORE

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About the Author

Roberta Brown
Roberta to launched Mommy Poppins' Los Angeles in 2011. Previously she served as LA Editor for GoCityKids, National Editor for ParentsConnect, and Editor for NickMom—all of which worked out well for her son, who grew up serving as Chief Guinea Pig for all things fun in LA and beyond.
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