Summer nights are long and hot, and in many families, bedtimes are a little more flexible.
If you are willing to bend the rules a bit, a movie under the stars is a great way to spend time as a family on a balmy evening. So pop some corn, grab a few blankets and head to one of these fun locations this season! BONUS: Some are FREE!
The classic drive-in is an iconic American experience.
Connecticut still has three open-air movie theaters – Southington Drive-In, Pleasant Valley Drive-In (Barkhamsted), and Mansfield Drive-In. Some places offer two movies for the price of admission but the second movie usually ends well after midnight. You don’t have to stay for both, but the late night is part of the fun!
Some Connecticut beaches offer outdoor movies throughout the summer.
Ocean Beach Park in New London has movies on Tuesday nights. Watch the show from the comfort of your beach blanket! The movie is free, but standard parking rates apply.
Many towns also screen outdoor movies.
The town of Old Saybrook hosts theirs in various locations throughout town, such as the Town Green and Harvey Beach. Other towns hold their events at the town pool, where you can enjoy the show floating on a raft! Middletown’s Flick & Float Movie Night will be held on August 17th.
Live in the Hartford area?
Come to Riverfront Recapture, where there will be three free screenings this summer. Guests can roll out their blankets and chairs along the Connecticut River and watch a film under the stars.
The Shoppes at Farmington Valley also join in on the fun with movies on select Saturday evenings. Come early for food, drinks, and entertainment before the movie starts.
Remember to download the PDF to make your own Summer Bucket List!
