Families holding popcorn bags in front of an outdoor movie screen at a summer event in Chicago.

2025 Chicago Outdoor Movies to Park Your Family At

This roundup of Chicago outdoor movies will have you seeing stars - literally! Movies in the park under the night sky (or even a trip to the drive-in) is a family summer bucket list experience you'll want to repeat every year. Some venues even go the extra mile with pre-movie activities, food trucks and themed events, turning a simple summer movie night into a full-fledged family outing.

Note that some locations show a mix of movies with different ratings, some more kid-friendly than others, so be sure to check the schedule and movie descriptions to avoid surprises.

Have you attended any of these outdoor movies around Chicago and the suburbs with your kids? Please leave a review to share your experience and tips with other parents!

Our list of the best summer family movies has plenty of inspiration if you want to host an outdoor movie night in your own backyard, too.


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    pdop.org

    Park District of Oak Park - Movies in the Park

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    The Park District of Oak Park invites you to pack a picnic dinner and a blanket and bring your family over to Scoville Park for an outdoor movie under the stars!

    Jun 13: Moana II

    Jul 12: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl

    Jul 25: Santa Claus the Movie (It’s Christmas in July! Santa will be stopping by in beach attire before the movie.)

    Aug 22: Community Choice

    Sep 19: Wicked

    Oak Park, IL

    Dusk

    49erdrivein.com

    49'er Drive-In Theatre

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    Family-friendly 49'er Drive-In Theatre in Northwest Indiana is open seasonally beginning around May. Admission is per person, but gives you access to both movies in each night's double feature. A wide variety of concessions are offered.

    Valparaiso, IN
    chitowndrivein.com

    ChiTown Drive-In

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    ChiTown Drive-In is a seasonal outdoor movie theater with a large screen and sound delivered via your car's radio (or bring a handheld one). Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but a full menu is available online from their ChiTown Grille to be delivered straight to your car.

    Chicago, IL
    goldenagecinemas.com

    McHenry Outdoor Theater

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    This kid-friendly drive in movie theater near Chicago hosts a variety of special events and promotions, with a double feature every night and lots of new releases. Listen to the movie over your car radio, bring your own portable radio or rent one onsite.

    McHenry, IL

Primary photo:   Aurora Downtown

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