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Drive-In Movie Theaters near Orlando for Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids

Beep, beep! It's movie night at Ocala Drive-In. Photo courtesy of the theater
Beep, beep! It's movie night at Ocala Drive-In. Photo courtesy of the theater
5/13/22 - By Charlotte B

Want the nostalgia of taking your family to a drive-in movie? Drive-in movie theaters allow for an affordable and fun family night out. We've highlighted the three nearest drive-in movie theaters in Central Florida , so you can load up the car with the kiddos, some blankets, and snacks (if permitted at the drive-in movie), and enjoy an outdoor movie night from the comfort of your own vehicle.

Some tips for visiting the drive-in movie theater:

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot and allow for time to visit the concession stand.
  • Similar to indoor movie theaters, these drive-in movie theaters largely rely on concession sales. Support the theater by visiting the snack bar...often.
  • While each of the theaters listed below offer two showtimes for one price, you are not required to stay for both movies.
  • Bring bug spray.
  • Be courteous of other moviegoers—don't flash headlights, talk loudly, and encroach on space.

You can also visit the Orlando event calendar to find pop-up movie events and outdoor movie screenings happening around town!

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Enjoy two showings per night at the Joy-Lan Drive-In. Photo courtesy of the theater/Facebook
Enjoy two showings per night at the Joy-Lan Drive-In. Photo courtesy of the theater/Facebook

Drive-In Movie Theaters for Families Near Orlando

Joy-Lan Drive-in Theatre

Dade City
Joy-Lan Drive-In has entertained moviegoers since 1950. The drive-in movie theater is open Wednesday-Sunday, with two showtimes each night. Gates open 30 minutes before showtime, so arrive early to get a good spot. Tickets are $7 for ages 10 and up, $3 for ages 4-9, and free for under 4. Outside food is permitted. A snack bar is also available on site with items such as pizza, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream, and more. READ MORE

Ocala Drive-In Theatre

Ocala
Open seven nights per week, the Ocala Drive-In Theatre offers two movies nightly for one price, rain or shine. Gates open one hour before the movie starts. Tickets are not sold online; only at the gate upon arrival. Adult admission is $6, admission for children ages 6-12 is $3, and children 5 and younger are free. No outside food or beverages are allowed. Guests can order concessions online in advance or onsite, with selections such as pizza, wings, candy, popcorn, nachos, and more. There's a kids menu for the little ones. READ MORE

Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre

Lakeland
The Silver Moon Drive-In offers two screens with double features seven nights per week. Admission is $7 for ages 10 and up, $3 for ages 4-9, and free for kids under 4. Gates open 1.5 hours early on Fridays and Saturdays, and 45 minutes to 1 hour early on Sundays through Thursdays. Outside food is permitted, and snacks and treats are available at the on-site snack bar as well. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Charlotte Blanton
Charlotte Blanton, a Central Florida native and mom of three, holds a business degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). After a career in corporate finance, she pivoted to stay home with her kids and found her passion for writing through Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring local theme parks and discovering fun activities for families in Central Florida.
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