Free Outdoor Movies in DC in Summer 2025 for Kids

It doesn't get much better than enjoying free outdoor movies on a warm summer evening. This summer, the DC area is brimming with outdoor movies for families in parks, plazas, wineries, and even a cemetery.
Here are 20 family-friendly outdoor movie series DC has to offer. Grab your lawn chairs or blankets, pack a picnic, and find out why outdoor movies are some of the best free summer activities DC has.
Our Outdoor Activities Guide for DC Kids has even more ideas for fresh-air fun, like free concerts and outdoor music festivals. And, be sure to keep checking our DC events calendar as more outdoor movies are announced.
Why Outdoor Movies Are Perfect for DC Families this Summer
Who doesn't love watching movies under the stars? And when they're free, they're even better! Add in a picnic dinner, snacks, and some refreshing drinks and you've got one of the best free summer activities DC has to offer.
Make the Most of Your Outdoor Movie Night
Make sure you check the outdoor movie series' websites to find out the following:
- Do you need to register in advance, even if the movie is free? Most of the time you don't, but a few of these outdoor movie series do require reserving a spot.
- What time can you arrive to set up a spot? What time does the movie start?
- Are there bathrooms? If so, where are they located?
- Are pets allowed? Several of these outdoor movie series do allow pets!
- Will any snacks/beverages be sold at the show, or should you bring your own?
- Is the movie location Metro-accessible or is parking nearby and plentiful?
- Are there any rain dates listed?
And most importantly, don't forget to enjoy the show!
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Places featured in this article:
Alethia Tanner Park
Congressional Cemetery
United States Navy Memorial
Transit Pier at The Wharf
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Library of Congress
Cabin John Village
National Harbor Plaza
Gateway Park
Vienna Town Green
Mount Vernon Recreation Center
Reston Station
Van Dyck Park
Various Locations
Penrose Square