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Drive-In Movie Theaters Near DC, Plus More Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids

You'll love the retro feel of the Family Drive-in Theatre. Photo courtesy of the theatre on Facebook
You'll love the retro feel of the Family Drive-in Theatre. Photo courtesy of the theatre on Facebook
5/13/22 - By Drew Kristofik

Watching a movie is a fun family activity no matter where and when you do it. But watching a movie outdoors on a warm summer evening? That's downright magical.

While drive-in movie theaters were all the rage in the past (and made a temporary resurgence in the first two years of the pandemic), few remain in the DC area. The ones that do are worth a visit. We've listed four drive-in movie theaters near DC below, along with some of our top picks for outdoor movies under the stars. Pack a picnic, load up the car, and get ready to cozy up for a drive-in or outdoor movie night with the kids.

For more fun al fresco this spring and summer, check out our spring fun guide and our summer activities guide for DC kids. And of course, we are constantly adding more fun things to do to our DC events calendar!

Bengies Drive-in Theatre features the biggest movie-theater screen in the US. Photo courtesy of the theatre, Facebook
Bengies Drive-in Theatre features the biggest movie-theater screen in the US. Photo courtesy of the theatre, Facebook

Drive-in Movie Theaters Near DC

Union Market Drive-in

Washington, DC - every 2nd Friday, from May - October
The drive-in at Union Market screens a different movie on the second Friday of each month from May to September and the first Friday of October. Picnicking is allowed, and food from local vendors is available for purchase. READ MORE

Starlight Cinema at Sully Historic Site

Centreville, VA - Saturdays in August
Families can enjoy free drive-in movies and a children's show every Saturday night in August as part of Fairfax County's Summer Entertainment Series. READ MORE

Bengies Drive-in Theatre

Middle River, MD - Daily
Bengies is mixing things up this summer, showing some older films and taking audience requests. There's something to see nightly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and double features are always on.  READ MORE

Family Drive-in Theatre

Stephens City, VA - Wednesdays - Sundays
The Family Drive-in is a bit of a hike, but if you're longing for an old-school drive-in experience, it does not disappoint! Films are screened every day except Monday and Tuesday, and double-feature tix are just a dollar extra. READ MORE
Catch a family-friendly flick along the Potomac River at Movies on the Potomac. Photo courtesy of National Harbor DC on Facebook
Catch a family-friendly flick along the Potomac River at Movies on the Potomac. Photo courtesy of National Harbor DC on Facebook

Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids Near DC

Sunday Family Movies on the Potomac

National Harbor, MD - Sundays from May - September
Enjoy a free family-friendly movie every Sunday all spring and summer at National Harbor. Visitors should bring their own blanket or chairs and watch on the big screen at the plaza starting at 6pm. READ MORE

Movies Under the Moon

Fairfax, VA - every 2nd Friday from June - September
On the second Friday of each month this summer, enjoy a family-friendly movie at Van Dyck Park. Bring a blanket and wind down under a big screen. READ MORE

Movies Around the City

Bowie, MD - Fridays, May 13 and June 17; Saturday, May 21
On three dates in May and June, the city of Bowie shows a free, family-friendly movie outdoors at dusk. Bring your own food and chairs or blankets.  READ MORE

Films in the Park

Fairfax, VA - Thursdays from June - August
Mosaic District hosts Films in the Park every Thursday evening at 7pm on the lawn of Strawberry Park. Most of these movies are kid-friendly! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Drew Kristofik
Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.
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