Party down at the Noon Year's Eve celebration at the Children's Museum Houston. Photo courtesy of the museum
New Year's Eve Weekend 2024 in Houston: Noon Year's Eve, Family Celebrations, and More
Head to the Houston Zoo for a fun outing this Christmas break. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Christmas Vacation in Houston: 16 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Take a road trip to play in the snow. Photo courtesy of Canva
Snow Near Houston? 6 Places in Texas Where You Can See Snow This Holiday Season
Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
19 Best Things to Do in Houston December 2024 with Kids
Go Rio Riverboat at Hilton Palacio del Rio San Antonio during Christmas. Photo by Nan Palermo via Flickr 2.0
The Best Family Christmas Getaways in Texas
Christmas trains near Houston 2024. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston
Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Outdoor Activities Guide for Houston Kids
There are so many ways to see The Nutcracker in Houston this season. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Houston
Beautiful neighborhood Christmas lights are all around Houston. Photo courtesy of the Franck's Christmas Light Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Houston
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
Family-Friendly Houston Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too
Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
Little girl playing at an indoor play space in Houston. Photo courtesy of Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales
Top Indoor Playgrounds & Play Spaces in Houston
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Ice at the Galleria provides year-round ice skating in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Best Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Houston for Kids and Families
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
10 State Parks Near Houston With Lakes, Beaches, and Hiking
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up
Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
Kid-Friendly Salons and Spas Near Houston
Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Houston
Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
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Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
Mom's Night Out in Houston: 5 Fun Itineraries for a Kid-Free Evening
Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
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San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
Best Things to Do in Memorial, West Houston with Kids
Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy
Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Houston for Kids
Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
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Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
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Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
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The Houston Zoo is a great stop for kids, and near other things to do in Houston, too. Photo by Jessica A., courtesy of the zoo
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Families enjoying a night out. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Brewing in Tomball
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Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
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Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
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Playgrounds Without Limits photo courtesy of Memorial Park, Facebook
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Take a look at one of these popular toddler dance classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet preschool program.
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Baby music classes are a great way to bond and learn. Photo courtesy of Musik Garden
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Photo courtesy of Texas Health Resources
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Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
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Birthday party places near Houston include arcades, escape rooms, climbing gyms, and more. Photo courtesy of The Main Event
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There are a variety of fishing lakes near Houston to fish with your kids. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
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San Antonio is full of amusement parks, good food, and lots of other things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Riverwalk
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Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook
Fun Things to Do in Lake Livingston State Park with Kids
Kids eat Free at Dickey's on Sundays with each adult purchase of $10 or more. Photo courtesy of Dickey's
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The St. Regis in Uptown is one of Houston's best family-friendly resorts.
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Photo courtesy of Lake Conroe KOA Campground, Facebook
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Hiking at Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
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Fresh air is one of the best antidotes to a grumpy toddler or baby. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
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Come for the queso, stay for the ice cream at these Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston.
Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Houston with FREE Ice Cream
Explore the 21 miles of trails around the park, of varying lengths and difficulty to suit your family’s needs.
20 Things to Do in Huntsville State Park with Kids
Kids can learn about Robotics at the Houston Space Center. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ortiz.
Top Attractions in Houston for Kids and Families: Museums, Theme Parks, & More
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
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Samuel Sykes, owner of Trill Taco, photo courtesy of Samuel Sykes
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Calling all space lovers! NASA’s Space Center Houston, photo by Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
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Toddlers can enjoy playing with the foam block structures at Exploration Park. Photo courtesy of Exploration Park
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The Menil Collection is a free art museum in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Menil Collection
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​Galveston's Schlitterbahn is an indoor waterpark near Houston. Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn in Galveston Island
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Free Outdoor Summer Movies for San Francisco Families

A San Francisco summer means outdoor movies. Photo courtesy of Do the Bay & the San Francisco Parks Alliance
A San Francisco summer means outdoor movies. Photo courtesy of Do the Bay & the San Francisco Parks Alliance
6/23/24 - By Sandra Lee

Outdoor movies are a great way to spend a San Francisco summer evening. Kids love seeing a big blockbuster on a big screen next to the ocean waves, in parks, and under the stars. In this case, screen time is not only allowed but highly encouraged. 

We've rounded up the best family-friendly outdoor movie screenings in the Bay Area, so grab a blanket or lawn chair, pack some snacks, and get ready for a summer family date night. 

For more summer essentials, discover the best Bay Area beaches for kids, visit the top splash pads in San Francisco, and bask in summer traditions with our Ultimate San Francisco Summer Vacation Guide.   

More Free Summer Fun in San Francisco

Free Concerts and Outdoor Music This Summer in the Bay Area

Best Free Things To Do in San Francisco This Summer with Kids 

Free Museum Days for Kids in San Francisco

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Bring a blanket and movie snacks for Movies in the Park. Photo courtesy of berkeleyca.gov
Bring a blanket and movie snacks for Movies in the Park. Photo courtesy of berkeleyca.gov

Free Outdoor Movies in San Francisco this Summer for Kids

Sundown Cinema

San Francisco
May 17 - October 18, 2024
See a movie outdoors in beautiful San Francisco at a different park each week. With 7 films in 7 different locations around the city, families can get together and enjoy company, good food, and a family-friendly movie.  READ MORE

Movies on the Square in Redwood City

Redwood City
June - August 29, 2024
Summer movies in Courthouse Square are back with double features for kids and grown-ups every Thursday. Get there early to get the best seats and pick up some takeout from one of the awesome restaurants nearby.  READ MORE

Glen Park Rec Center Movie Nights

San Francisco
June 4 - July 2, 2024
Go back in time for a classic movie with a bowl of popcorn with the family at the Glen Park Rec Center on Tuesday nights. See movies like The Red House (1947) and The Joe Louis Story (1953), among others.  READ MORE

Family Movie Night at Mitchell Park

Palo Alto
June 7 - August 19, 2024
Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and light night snacks to Mitchell Park for Summer Family Movie Nights. Enjoy family-friendly films like Wish and Migration! READ MORE

Movies on the Square in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa
June 10 - July 22, 2024
Monday nights are movie nights in downtown Santa Rosa for Summer on the Square. Every Monday in July hosts a family-friendly movie on a huge LED screen at Courthouse Square.  READ MORE

Movies Under the Stars in San Pablo

San Pablo
June 14 - August 9, 2024
San Pablo's Movies Under the Stars event is showing films such as Super Mario Bros. and Paw Patrol at the Community Center. Movies are FREE to the public, and make a wonderful family summer evening. READ MORE

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Free Movies on the Beach

Santa Cruz
June 14 - August 9, 2024
FREE movies on the beach are held every Friday night at the Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Family-friendly movies like Wonka, Trolls, and Barbie are shown on the big screen on the beach in front of the colonnade.  READ MORE

Friday Night on Main in Tiburon

Tiburon
June 14 - August 23, 2024
Enjoy food and drinks from local restaurants, including Salt & Pepper, Caviar Co., and others around downtown Tiburon. There will be music and kids' activities, including games, balloon animals, and more, with a special movie showing. READ MORE

Movies in the Park in Berkeley

Berkeley
June 14 - September 28, 2024
The Berkeley Recreation Division is hosting eight free outdoor movies on a large 20x12 inflatable movie screen on Friday nights at various parks in the Berkeley area. Blankets, sleeping bags, lawn chairs, and headlamps (for when the movie ends) are good to bring.  READ MORE

Millbrae Goes to the Movies

Millbrae
June 14 - December 13, 2024
Millbrae Goes to the Movies takes place at Central Park from June through September on the 2nd Friday of the month. Grab a blanket, lawn chair, and snacks for a family-friendly movie.  READ MORE

Waterfront Flicks at Jack London Square

Oakland
June 15 - July 26, 2024
Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and some takeout from any of your favorite Jack London Square restaurants while you watch a movie on the big screen at dusk.  READ MORE

Starlight Movies in the Park

Alameda
June 21 - September 1, 2024
Bring the family for a movie in the park. Pre-show festivities including games and crafts for kids kick the night off with the featured movie beginning between 8:15 to 8:45 pm, depending on darkness.  READ MORE

Hayward Free Outdoor Movies

Hayward
June 21 - September 13, 2024
Hayward is hosting free movies at various parks for the summer, with family-friendly films for the whole crew. Blankets, picnic dinners, flashlights, and lawn chairs are recommended.  READ MORE

Dublin Picnic Flix

Dublin
June 21 - August 2, 2024
Enjoy activities and games before the movie at Dublin's free family-friendly outdoor movie series. Films are shown at various parks including Emerald Glen Park, Don Biddle Community Park, and Dublin Heritage Park. Food and snacks are available for purchase. READ MORE

Movies in the Park in Petaluma

Petaluma
June 21 - October 25, 2024
The City of Petaluma is hosting free outdoor movie screenings at Lucchesi Park on select Fridays. Blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks are recommended as you enjoy a movie under the stars.  READ MORE

Moonlight Movies

Danville
June 28 - July 26, 2024
Enjoy summer with a fun night of movies and activities in the park. The City of Danville is hosting family-friendly movie screenings, with activities beforehand. Lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks are recommended.  READ MORE

Starlight Cinema in San Jose

San Jose
July 6 - August 17, 2024
Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and even your pet to St. James Park in San Jose and enjoy a free movie screening for the whole family.  READ MORE

Outdoor Movie Nights in Antioch

Antioch
July 11- 25, 2024
This July, free outdoor movie nights are back! Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, and bring the entire family out to enjoy popcorn, kids’ crafts, and a movie.  It will also be Food Truck Thursday, brought to you by FoodieCrewSF so families can grab dinner before the movie begins. READ MORE

Summer Movie in the Park in Ornida

Orinda
July 12 - October 4, 2024
Enjoy a family-friendly movie on Friday evenings at the Orina Community Center. Movie lineup includes Trolls, Monsters, Inc., and Wonka.  READ MORE

Piedmont Movie in the Park

Piedmont
July 19 - October 18, 2024
PRD invites your family and friends to watch a family-friendly movie under the stars. Movie lineup includes Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Super Mario Bros., Charlotte's Web, and Addams Family.  READ MORE

Yountville Movies in the Park

Yountville
July 26 - September 27, 2024
The Yountville Community Park is hosting family-friendly movies every month through September. Concessions and food trucks are available for food and beverage purchases. READ MORE

Movies in the Park in Cupertino

Cupertino
August 2- 23, 2024
Movies in the Park at Creekside Park are held on Fridays in August. Watch movies such as The Little Mermaid, Migration, and more. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the show. READ MORE

Movies in the Park in Mill Valley

Mill Valley
August 2 - October 4, 2024
Mill Valley's summer outdoor movie series is running from June until October with films shown on the big screen under the stars. Free to attend and no registration is required.  READ MORE

Movies in the Park RHA Oakland

Oakland
August 24 - October 5, 2024
Free outdoor movies at Redwood Heights Park are back with fun, family-friendly films to enjoy together. Blankets, lawn chairs, jackets, and snacks are recommended.  READ MORE

Movies at the Beach in Capitola

Capitola
August 30 - September 20, 2024
Families can pack a picnic dinner or grab some takeout and head to the beach to watch a family-friendly film on the big screen. The movies are shown on the bandstand stage in Esplanade Park. Blankets, jackets, and lawn chairs are recommended so you are comfortable and warm! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Alameda Point Multipurpose Field
Orinda Community Center Park