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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.   

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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

About the Author

Sandra Lee
Sandra Lee is the community publisher and social media manager for Mommy Poppins Bay Area. With nearly a decade of writing in the parenting space, she’s passionate about helping parents create unforgettable memories with their kids. Her work has appeared in Tiny Beans, Zulily, and more. When she's not exploring or creating content, you’ll find her baking or practicing her hip-hop moves.
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