
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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Mary Bartelme Park - Movies in the Parks
This West Loop park uses creative architectural features to create several distinct areas in a compact space. The park includes a misting fountain, children's play area, dog park, and hilly seating areas that kids love to climb during outdoor performances.
June 16: Raiders of the Lost Ark
June 23: Homeward Bound
July 14: Mean Girls
July 29: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
August 19: Top Gun
Chicago, ILDusk
Ward Park - Movies in the Parks
This summer, families can catch four fantastic movies set against photo-worthy views of the Chicago skyline at Ward Park.
June 24: Twisters
July 15: How to be a Good Wife
July 31: Wicked
August 12: Moana 2
Chicago, ILDusk

Mayfair Park - Movies in the Parks
This sweet little park in a friendly neighborhood setting is a great place to go for an outdoor movie with your family this summer!
June 24: Twisters
July 15: How to be a Good Wife (In French, with English Subtitles)
July 31: Wicked
August 12: Moana 2
Chicago, ILDusk
Millennium Park - Summer Film Series
This summer, DCASE is pleased to present the Millennium Park Summer Film Series. Guests may take a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or lounge on the Great Lawn as crowd-pleasing movies are presented on the state-of-the-art, 40-foot LED screen.
Lisa R said: This series takes place steps from favorite downtown attractions. Arrive early to grab a seat in the pavilion or plan to picnic on the Great Lawn.
July 12: In the Heights (PG-13)
July 19: Encanto (PG)
July 26: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (PG)
August 2: Dirty Dancing (PG-13)
August 9: Knives Out (PG-13)
August 16: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings (PG-13)
August 23: Save the Last Dance (PG-13)
August 30: Strictly Ballroom (PG)
Chicago, IL6:30 pm

Movies on the Midway
Movies on the Midway is a free outdoor summer movie series presented by the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement in partnership with the Chicago Park District. Each week features family-friendly pre-movie activities starting at 7:00 p.m., followed by a film at sunset on the Midway Plaisance.
July 9: Despicable Me 4
July 16: Moana 2
July 23: Inside Out 2
July 30: Minecraft
August 6: Wicked
uchiengagement said: Kick off UChicago's 2025 Movies on the Midway series with Despicable Me 4! Before the film, the Hyde Park Art Center will lead a hands-on gadget-making activity—perfect for mini masterminds. Movies on the Midway is a free outdoor summer movie series presented by the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement in partnership with the Chicago Park District. Each week features family-friendly pre-movie activities starting at 7:00 p.m., followed by a film at sunset on the Midway Plaisance. Weather updates will be shared on our social channels: @UChiEngagement Full lineup and details: http://bit.ly/3ZEvznM
Chicago, ILActivities at 7pm, Movie at sunset
Oakbrook Center - Movies on the Lawn
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, grab some snacks, and settle in for a summer of free movies on The Lawn! Every Wednesday night, they’ll be playing a different flick, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Table at Crate will be on the lawn with snacks and refreshments to enjoy during the movie.
June 18: Moana 2
June 25: IF
July 2: The Marvels
July 9: Dog Man
July 16: Special Double Feature Night: Inside Out from 4 pm–6 pm
Inside Out 2 from 7 pm–9 pm
July 23: Wicked
July 30: Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny
August 6: Elemental
August 13: Kung Fu Panda 4
August 20: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
August 27: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Oak Brook, IL7 pm
Cantigny Park
Watching a favorite movie outside, under the stars, on a 40-foot screen is a fun and memorable family experience. They make it even better with pre-show activities such as crafts, interactive games, or guest appearances that connect with the movie you are about to see! Come a little early to enjoy everything that they have to offer. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and on some nights will include special movie-inspired concoctions. All movies feature lawn seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and picnics are welcome.
May 30: Inside Out 2
June 6: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
June 13: Elemental
June 27: The Mighty Ducks
July 11: The Wild Robot
July 18: Descendants
July 25: Kung Fu Panda 4
August 1: Moana 2
August 8: Despicable Me 4
August 15: Wicked
August 22: Sonic the Hedgehog 3
August 29: Mufasa: The Lion King
Wheaton, IL8:30 pm
Skokie Park District - Movies in the Park
Pack up the kids, blankets, and lawn chairs for an evening of free family fun. The movie begins at sunset.
June 18: Despicable Me 4
July 30: Sonic 3
Skokie, ILDusk

Jonquil Park - Movies in the Parks
The large grass field at this Lincoln Park play lot is perfect for playing ball, gathering for family picnics, and watching movies under the stars.
June 14: Moana 2
July 19: Patch Adams
August 16: The Fugitive
September 6: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Dusk

Arlington Heights Park District - Movie in the Park
Enjoy an outdoor movie at Pioneer Park! In case of inclement weather, the movie will move indoors to Pioneer Community Center.
July 22: The Wild Robot
Arlington Heights, IL8:30 pm
Naperville Park District - A Night at the Movies
Join the Naperville Park District outdoors for a fun and free Friday night kick-off to the weekend featuring a family-friendly movie at A Night at the Movies! Bring your own folding chairs or a blanket. Please be aware of the varying start times of each movie.
July 25: Elf
August 8: Freaky Friday
August 15: Inside Out 2
August 29: Sonic the Hedgehog 3
September 12: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Naperville, IL
Park District of Oak Park - Movies in the Park
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, ILDusk
Alsip Park District - Movies in the Park!
Grab the kids and some snacks and join the Alsip Park District for three outdoor movies this summer.
June 27: Inside Out 2
July 25: Moana 2
August 29: Monsters Inc
Alsip, ILDusk

Oz Park - Movies in the Parks
What better place to enjoy an outdoor movie than Oz Park? Little kids can tire themselves out in Dorothy’s Playlot before strolling through the "Emerald Garden" filled with statues of characters from the movie. Check out this summer's feature films!
July 26: Mufasa: The Lion King
August 23: The Wizard of Oz
September 6: Wicked
Chicago, ILDusk

Palos Heights Parks and Recreation - Movies in the Park
Grab your blankets and lawn chairs—Movies in the Park is back! Enjoy three magical movie nights this summer:
July 31: Under the Boardwalk
August 15: Inside Out 2
September 5: Wicked
Palos Heights, ILPre-movie activities begin at 7:30 pm. Movie starts at dusk.
Primary photo: Aurora Downtown
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