Is there anything more fun than grabbing a blanket (and snacks) on a warm summer night and watching a movie under the stars? For those who love spending time in the great outdoors as much as you love family friendly movies, mark your calendars because there are loads of local outdoor screenings.
Photo: oldonliner via Flickr
Bethesda Outdoor Movies
Enjoy five nights of blockbuster hits at downtown Bethesda’s 15th annual outdoor movie series! Head to the Woodmont Triangle area of Bethesda where they will bring five days of flicks al fresco during the last week of July. Note: This series is best suited for tweens and teens with movies such as 10 Things I Hate About You and Crazy Rich Asians.
Corner of Norfolk & Auburn Aves. (Bethesda, MD)
Online: bethesda.org
Whalen Commons Summer Movie Series
Picnic blankets or chairs are recommended for comfortable viewing under the stars at this series. Admission is free and popcorn is available to purchase! Enjoy three nights of blockbuster hits, spread throughout the summer. Faves include Teen Beach Movie and Mary Poppins Returns.
19701 Fisher Ave. (Poolesville, MD)
Online: poolesvillemd.gov
Movies on the Potomac
Pack your chairs and head over to National Harbor for some serious family fun. Start by grabbing food to go from one of the harbor’s delicious dining establishments, and meeting friends and family at the Plaza screen for a free movie! Every Sunday at 6 p.m. until October you’ll find all kinds of flicks, from Instant Family to Dumbo.
165 Waterfront St. (National Harbor, MD)
Online: nationalharbor.com
Photo: Comcast
Cinema Del Rey
On the third Saturday of the month through September, head to the Mount Vernon Rec Center where they’re showing a handful of animated movies everyone can enjoy. From Small Foot, to Ralph Breaks The Internet and Incredibles 2, there’s something to please even the pickiest movie goer.
2017 Belle View Blvd. (Alexandria, VA)
Online: facebook.com/cinemadelray/
Golden Triangle Cinema
Farragut Square is where it’s at Friday nights at sundown from Jun 7-Aug 2. They have current, old school and animated movies showing on the silver screen. Fam faves from A Dog’s Way Home and Mary Poppins Returns to Crazy Rich Asians and Wonder Woman will be in rotation.
Farragut Square
Online: goldentriangledc.com
NoMa Summer Screen
This year’s Who’s Got Game?-themed NoMa Summer Screen features, appropriately enough, a variety of sports related movies. The three month film series starts on June 5 and runs weekly through August 21. The Karate Kid, Bend It Like Beckham and, of course, Rudy are amongst those that will be featured.
1150 First St., NE
Online: nomabid.org
Georgetown’s Annual Sunset Cinema Outdoor Movie Series
Tuesday nights at sunset from July 10-August 7 are about to be lit. Join the Georgetown Business Improvement District for Georgetown’s Annual Sunset Cinema series, where the 2019 theme is “Out of Office”, and will feature iconic movies about vacations and trips. Arrive early to picnic and to get the best seating. We’re looking forward to Under The Tuscan Sun and Parent Trap.
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Online: georgetowndc.com
Photo: Rosslyn Va
Canal Park Outdoor Movie Series
See your favorite stars beneath the stars at the Capitol Riverfront’s Canal Park Outdoor Movie Series. Catch films every Thursday evening at sundown from June 13 through August 22. Options range from The Goonies to The Little Mermaid.
Capitol Riverfront near the Navy Yard Metro
Online: capitolriverfront.org
Rosslyn Cinema Outdoor Movie Festival
From Paddington to Casablanca, every Friday this summer, starting June 7, head to Gateway Park. Bring a blanket and a group of friends and enjoy a night under the stars with your favorite movies. Movies start at dusk, but the fun starts at 5 p.m. with games galore. Huge bonus: four legged friends are welcome!
1300 Lee Hwy. (Arlington, VA)
Online: rosslynva.org
Columbia Pike Movie Nights on Arlington Hill
Bring your blankets and pillows to enjoy a movie on the big screen Fridays at 8:30 p.m. The 2019 summer season theme is Heroes & Sheroes. Family friendly screenings include Mulan, Moana and Hidden Figures.
909 S Dinwiddie St. (Arlington, VA)
Online: columbia-pike.org
—Guiomar Ochoa
RELATED STORIES:
27 Awesome Podcasts Your Kids Will Flip For
The Best Movies and TV Shows for Kids that Shatter Gender Stereotypes
15 Things Every New D.C. Mom Needs to Know
