Family-Friendly Outdoor Movie Watching in Houston
By: The Kid’s Directory Family Resource Guide – Houston
June 2023. Last Updated March 2025 on www.kids-houston.com
Family-friendly outdoor movie watching was one of my favorite childhood memories was going to the drive-in movie theater with my family. When I was young, there was only one drive-in theater left, about a 40-minute drive each way. The driving time was almost as long as the movie we went to see, but it didn’t matter to us kids. It didn’t seem to matter much to our parents either. Even after numerous warnings that they were going to turn the car around and go back home if we didn’t stop the arguing in the backseat.
Our parents always watched the movies in the car because the seats were more comfortable, but we kids had a blanket on the hood of the car.
The memories.
Although the traditional drive-in movie theater has slightly changed to outdoor movie theaters with lawn seating, the fun of watching a movie outside is the same. Houston has several family-friendly outdoor movie nights throughout the year. Now, one of my favorite things to do as a child is one of my favorite things to do as an adult with my children.
What is the only thing that has changed? I’m the parent watching the movie sitting in a comfortable lawn chair and my kids have the blanket on the grass.
Here are just a few places you and the kids can go for family-friendly outdoor movie watching:
1. Miller Outdoor Theatre:
Located in Hermann Park, Miller Outdoor Theatre offers a variety of performances, including occasional family-friendly outdoor movie watching. They have a covered seating area, but you can also bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating. Admission is usually free, but tickets may be required for certain events.
2. Strand Summer Series:
Galveston Historical Foundation invites you to enjoy historic downtown Galveston for the Strand Summer Series! These free outdoor movie watching nights are located in Hendley Park and feature free-to-the-public movies from April through September.
3. Levy Park:
This park in Upper Kirby area often hosts family-friendly events, including family-friendly outdoor movie watching. They provide lawn seating, and you can bring your blankets and chairs.
4. The Woodlands Township:
The Woodlands Township hosts various outdoor movie watching events at different locations within The Woodlands area. These screenings often take place in parks and are free to attend.
5. Discovery Green – Screen On The Green:
Located in downtown Houston, Discovery Green frequently hosts free movie nights. They have a large lawn where you can bring your blankets and chairs to enjoy family-friendly outdoor movie watching under the stars.
6. Texas Medical Center Helix Park:
Movie Night in Helix Hall. Grab your blanket, popcorn, candy, and a drink! Free family friendly movies every month from April to December. They even provide validated parking!
7. Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown:
The ultimate open-air cinema experience! Arrive early to take in the views and play games with the city as your backdrop. Select your seats, grab a drink and snack on classic cinema concessions. When the film begins, you’ll be able to live completely in those movie moments with personal headphones and an amazing view of the big screen.
8. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston:
The series “Moonlight Movies” brings you classic films under the stars from your seat on the sloping roof of the Glassell School of Art. Each guest receives a complimentary bag of popcorn & a headset is provided to each guest for premium sound quality for the ultimate outdoor movie watching.
9. George Bush Presidential Library & Museum:
Summer Film Series in College Station. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs as we enjoy free films under the stars. Games and free refreshments while supplies last.
10. Stevenson Park Pool:
Movies in the Park / Dive-In Movies. Join the Parks & Rec Department at the Friendswood City Pool this summer for our Dive-In Movie series in July & August! Enjoy a family-friendly film while lounging deck side or making waves in the water! Snacks, refreshments, and relaxation will be available for all.
*Remember to check the websites and social media pages of these family-friendly outdoor movie watching venues for the most up-to-date information on movie schedules, weather updates, and any specific guidelines or rules they may have regarding outside food, seating arrangements, etc.
Please check back often for updated Outdoor Movie Watching locations!
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