Drive-ins are one of the best family entertainment values out there. Kids love it because it feels like an adventure. Parents love it because it’s cheap, flexible, and you don’t have to worry about your toddler bothering strangers in a quiet theater.
What It Costs
Most drive-ins let kids in for free or nearly free:
- Free for kids under 5 or 6 at most theaters
- Free for kids under 12 at some
- $1 to $5 for older kids at others
Many drive-ins also offer carload pricing ($20 to $30 per vehicle), which is a steal for families. You get a double feature included in the price. Compare that to $50+ for a family of four at an indoor theater for one movie.
Check the pricing for your specific theater on our directory page.
What to Bring
Everything you’d normally bring for a family outing, plus a few extras:
- Blankets and pillows for the back seat. Kids will get comfortable and might fall asleep during the second movie. That’s fine.
- Pajamas. Seriously. Let them change into PJs before the movie starts. If they fall asleep, you just carry them to bed when you get home.
- Snacks. Check if the theater allows outside food. Either way, buy something from the concession stand too.
- Bug spray. Drive-ins are outside. Mosquitoes exist.
- A portable FM radio if you want to sit outside with them. Otherwise the car radio works fine.
- Games or coloring books for the wait before the movie starts. Gates open about an hour before showtime.
Setting Up the Car
The back seat or cargo area of an SUV is your best friend. Fold seats down, lay out blankets, and let the kids spread out. It’s basically a living room with a massive screen.
A few car setup tips:
- Park with a clear view of the screen
- Use your car’s FM radio tuned to the posted frequency
- Put the car in accessory mode (not running) to save gas and avoid exhaust
- Turn off all interior lights and the dashboard display if possible
Bedtime and the Double Feature
Most drive-ins show a double feature. The first movie starts at dusk (roughly 8:30 to 9 PM in summer) and the second movie starts around 10:30 to 11 PM. That’s late for young kids.
The strategy most families use: plan to watch the first movie and leave before the second one. Nobody will judge you for leaving between films. If the kids are still awake and having fun, stay for the second. If they’re asleep, even better.
Some families let the kids stay up for the first movie and sleep through the second while the adults watch from the front seat. Win-win.
Picking the Right Night
Weeknights are less crowded and you won’t have to arrive as early. Friday and Saturday nights at popular drive-ins can fill up, especially in peak summer. If your kids are young and you want a low-stress experience, try a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Check what’s playing before you go. Multi-screen drive-ins pair movies on each screen, so pick the screen showing the most kid-friendly film first.
Playground and Pre-Show
Many drive-ins have a playground or open area near the screen. Get there early and let the kids run around before the movie. This burns off energy and makes them more likely to sit still (or fall asleep) once the show starts. Gates usually open about an hour before the first movie.
The Bottom Line
Drive-ins are made for families. Low cost, relaxed atmosphere, and your car is your private theater. If a kid cries, nobody hears it. If they fall asleep, you just drive home. It doesn’t get easier than that.
Find a family-friendly drive-in in our complete directory.
