Drive-in movie theaters made a huge comeback over the past couple of years and it looks like they are here to stay for a while. Lots of outdoor movies are kid-friendly, and at some, you don’t even need to have a car! Pack up some popcorn, bundle up in blankets and get ready for a night under the stars!
Queens Drive-In From Rooftop Films at MoMI & NYSCI
Rooftop Films, in cooperation with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, The Museum of the Moving Image and the New York Hall of Science, will again host a drive-in in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. In addition to movies, the park will host non-drive-in events for the community. The lineup is a mix of family fare, foreign films and cutting-edge flicks, sometimes with Q & As with creators. (Sign up for the series' newsletter to get the latest info on upcoming screenings and events.) Order food from Dilena's Dolcini and CBao on site.
New York Hall of Science
47-01 111th St.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Corona
Online: rooftopfilms.com
Rooftop Films in Brooklyn
Rooftop Films is also producing a drive-in on the pier of The Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park, as well as other outdoor movies in Downtown Brooklyn, in Fort Greene Park and even Greenwood Cemetery. The films skew indie and more mature here, so your six-year-old may not be so into it, but if you've got a baby who sleeps, this could be an evening out.
80 58th St.
The Brooklyn Army Terminal
Sunset Park
Online: rooftopfilms.com
Skyline Drive-in
The Skyline Drive-in in Greenpoint allows patrons to catch a movie and take in stunning views of Manhattan and the East River. In addition to space for cars, the Brooklyn drive-in will have pedestrian seating, and you can even bring your own food and drink. The Skyline Drive-in is open Friday and Saturday nights.
1 Oak St.
Greenpoint
Online: skylinedriveinnyc.com
Movie Nights at the Queens Botanical Garden
You don't even need a car for this one! Movie Nights are coming to the Queens Botanical Garden, and everyone's favorite Zootopia is on deck. Visitors are invited to experience big screen magic with seasonal, movie-themed food and refreshments and a hands-on craft activity or a live performance (varies based on the evening's film). You are encouraged to bring your own blankets and chairs, but no outside food or drink is permitted.
Each ticket comes with after-hours admission to the Garden, a $5 food voucher, and a complimentary craft or performance. $10 parking rate in effect.
43-50 Main St.
Flushing
Online: queensbotanical.org
HiWay Drive-In
The Hi-Way Drive-In in the Catskills near Hudson, NY, offers a whopping four screens, which it uses to show a good time mix of action, thriller, comedy and family movies. The ticket booth opens 90 minutes before showtime and it is recommended you get there early to ensure a spot, as capacity is limited.
10699 State Route 9W
Coxsackie, NY
Online: hiwaydrivein.com
Four Brothers Drive-In
Be forewarned: One look at Four Brother’s Drive-In in Amenia, New York, and you’ll want to hop in the car and go there. Right about now, it’s hard to imagine a more idyllic scene. Four Brothers has been doing this drive-in thing for a while, so they are ready for you.
In addition to movies, Four Brothers has live music, mini golf, shopping at the Grand Bazaar—you can even camp there or stay in an Airstream Trailer! Not only is the atmosphere enchanting at Four Brothers, the food options are great, too. Choose from an extensive menu of burgers, sandwiches, pizza and sides, as well as hard and soft ice cream with tons of toppings, shakes and lemonade and sweet desserts and coffees. They even have a treat for canine friends.
4957 Route 22
Amenia, NY
Online: playeatdrink.com
Greenville Drive-In
This northern Catskills drive-in was founded in 1959 and updated by new owners in 2015. This Catskills drive-in offers "cinema with a twist." Expect a feel-good mix of fun adult-skewed classics like Stripes and Ghostbusters, with edgier fare. Food and drink from local vendors is for sale, and you can even have a homemade chocolate chip cookie delivered to your car mid-way through the show. There's also a biergarten on-site.
10700 New York 32
Greenville, NY
Online: drivein32.com
Warwick Drive-in Theater
This family-friendly drive-in theater in the Hudson Valley shows movies on three big screens. Open nightly, it’s about a hour-and-a-half from NYC and features a park-like, grassy setting on 11 acres of farmland. Movies screening this summer include Peter Rabbit 2, Cruella, In the Heights and A Quiet Place Part II.
There are a limited number of tickets sold online in advance, with online ticketing opening Wednesdays at Noon; tickets are available at the box office, which opens at 7 p.m. (Arrive early for best parking.)
The Warwick Drive-in has introduced an app to make ordering food even easier. Concessions are extra classic here: hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, fries, candy, popcorn, ice cream etc. The ads before the movies are old-school as well!
5 Warwick Tpke.
Warwick, NY
Online: warwickdrivein.com
Overlook Drive-In Theater
This Poughkeepsie-area drive-in has been family-owned since 1955 and is known for having the biggest outdoor screen in the tri-state area. (It’s six stories high!) The drive-in is currently playing films like Paws of Fury and Jurrasic Park. The drive-in was converted to digital a few years ago and is dog-friendly. There's a full-service concession stand on site.
126 Degarmo Rd. (Between Routes 44 & 55)
Poughkeepsie, NY
Online: overlookdrivein.com
Delsea Drive-in
The Delsea Drive-in is the only game in town (i.e., the state) in New Jersey, and it's got two screens showing movies. All tickets must be purchased in advance, and you can buy tickets online here. This drive-in wins the prize for most extensive and accommodating menu, with healthy options, gluten-free and Atkins-friendly- items, as well as kid-friendly choices like PB & J, baby carrots and much more; order food online here.
2203 South Delsea Dr.
Vineland, NJ
Online: delseadrive-in.com
Mansfield Drive-in
The Mansfield Drive-in in Mansfield Center, Connecticut has been screening since 1954. It also happens to host the largest flea market in the eastern part of the state. Ticketing is exclusively online, and you'll find the latest blockbusters and releases here. The snack bar is basic, but solid, and dogs are allowed at the drive-in but not the flea market.
228 Stafford Rd.
Mansfield Center, CT
Online: mansfielddrivein.com
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