Drive-In Movie Theaters Worth the Road Trip

Whether looking for a pit stop on your next family road trip or eager for a fun and affordable night out, check out this list of top drive–in movie theaters. Enjoy a movie under the stars with the family — some even including the family dog — and relish in the nostalgia of an open-air venue, large projection screen, snack shack and feature film lineup.

Blue Fox Drive-In: Oak Harbor, Wash.

Bring the family to Oak Harbor, Wash., for a throwback night of movies, go-karts and cheeseburgers. From 4 p.m. to dusk, riders at least 56 inches tall hop in a go-kart, whipping around the quarter-mile racetrack. Prices range from $6.50–16 for 5–15 minutes. After a few turns around the track, stick around for a movie beginning around 7 p.m. Children under 5 years old watch for free; the cost is $1.50 for kids up to 11 years old and $6-7 for everyone else. Enjoy one of two (or both) feature films with a snack. Check out the site for weekly specials, current films and features coming soon.

Photo: James Kirkikis | Dreamstime

West Wind Glendale Drive-in Movie Theater: Glendale, Ariz.

Come rain or shine year-round to see a movie at the West Wind Glendale Drive-In, in Glendale, Ariz. With locations in California, Nevada and Arizona, West Wind Drive-In has a variety of feature films for movie buffs headed West. Bring the family on a Tuesday for family-fun night with $5.50 admission.

99W Drive-In: Newberg, Ore.

Established in 1953, the 99W Drive-in and Cameo Theater welcomes movie fans of all ages for old-fashioned fun. Enjoy double features every weekend night in the summer at the drive-in for $5–13 a ticket. Stick around for the double feature and watch the classic snack bar reel play during intermission. The historic Cameo Theater shows films nightly, but be sure to check its schedule online for updates and events.

Parma Motor Vu: Parma, Indiana

Also opened in 1953, Parma Motor Vu in Indiana, welcomes families, dogs and movie watchers of all ages for $3–8 a ticket. Head to Parma, Oct. 13–14, for a weekend of movies, candy, popcorn and Parma Motor merchandise.

Hi-Way Drive-In: Santa Maria, California

Open every night at 6:30 p.m., moviegoers head to Hi-Way Drive-In movie theater in Santa Maria, Calif. The venue shows films at 7 p.m. for $4–9 with a long list of available films. Check out the theater’s homepage for more information, show times and special events.