Eco Exploring at Beaches in Connecticut: Find Sea Glass, Tide Pools, and More

Walking the beaches in Connecticut can feel like a treasure hunt.

My very favorite memories of summer fun include walking the beaches in Connecticut and gathering up every glittering shard of beach glass and shell while exploring the coast. I could spend hours mining through rocks and sand, collecting all of the little treasures left behind by the tides. Fortunately, we can enjoy the unique ecosystem of the Long Island Sound on many of our Connecticut Beaches. Each of the beaches on this list offers the perfect setting for your budding marine life expert. Make sure you check out the tide charts before you hit the road. 

For more ways to teach kids how to protect and connect with our natural environment, check out our Earth Kids Guide. For more stories like this sent straight to your inbox, sign up for newsletters.

Drive-In Movie Theaters in and Around NYC for Outdoor Movie Nights With Kids

Enjoy a magical night at the Skyline Drive-In in Brooklyn's Greenpoint waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Skyline Drive-In

Drive-in movie theaters made a comeback during the pandemic, and we're hoping that this retro form of family movie night is here to stay. While there is one drive-in movie theater in New York City, there are plenty more old-fashioned drive-in movie theaters in the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, and Connecticut where local families can enjoy a night out.  

While Brooklyn's Skyline Drive-In is still going strong, we're still on the hunt for the pop-up drive-in movies that have been popular the past couple of summers. Bookmark this post; we'll keep updating it and our Family Activity Calendar as we find more pop-up drive-in movies near NYC. Find more seasonal fun in our Guide to Summer Fun for NYC Families.

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

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.

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

Enjoy a flick at Southington Drive-In. Photo courtesy of visitct.com

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.

Drive-In Movie Theaters in and Around Long Island for Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids

Enjoy a drive-in movie on Long Island this summer.

Go back in time and enjoy a drive-in movie theater on Long Island this summer. Put on your PJs, grab a cozy blanket, pack some snacks, and pull up to a big-screen flick under the stars. This old-school activity continues to have new life. 

We've curated a list for Long Island families looking for an evening of summer fun that will also suit anyone who is still focused on social distancing. While you're out, you might want to check out our guide to outdoor restaurants on Long Island or our roundups of great places to grab a pint of ice cream or decadant desserts to enjoy along with the flick. 

Best Drive-in Movie Theaters in Georgia and Tips to Throw Your Own Outdoor Movie Night Party

Enjoy a wholesome drive-in movie at Trenton's Wilderness Theater in northwest Georgia. Photo courtesy of the theater

Drive-in movie theaters are a blast from the past; a nostalgic reminder of days gone by. All of the drive-in movie theaters in Georgia are historical and have been around since the 1960s, some even as far back as the '40s! But don't let the age fool you —these drive-in theaters are well maintained, have modern movie screens, and show first-run movies. Bonus? The drive-in movie theater offers yummy concessions, often more elaborate than your run-of-the-mill, modern indoor movie theaters. We've gathered the drive-in movie theaters in Georgia for your next family adventure.

Can't make it to one of these drive-in theaters? Check out our tips below for throwing your own outdoor movie party! Creating a neighborhood or backyard outdoor movie night is a great way to enjoy the thrill of outdoor movie watching with the comfort of home!

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

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.

Family-Friendly Campsites Near NYC (With Extras for Kids!)

The Newburgh KOA campsite offers tons of family-friendly perks, including mini golf and two swimming pools. Photo by Jeff Dow courtesy of KOA.

My favorite part of camping is the s’mores, but my daughter loves the entire experience, no matter how muddy or muggy or cold it gets. If your kids are more like meitching to get out of the city, but perhaps not prepared to truly rough itthere are lots of great campsites near NYC with family-friendly features to check out. These campgrounds all boast extra entertainment options for kids, like movie nights, petting zoos, or a nearby river for tubing. 

For more ideas on where to pitch a tent with the family, be sure to check out our rundown on where to go glamping with your family, and read our long list of camping games to play with kids.

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