To most, drive-in movie theaters are a relic from ancient history, but enjoying summer nights under the stars while movies play on the projector doesn’t have to be a thing of the past. Today may be national Drive-In Movie Theater Day, but any summer night can be one to experience this phenomenon with the family.
According to Smithsonian Magazine, the first drive-in theaters opened in the early 1930s and, to this day, several hundred of the apparently forgotten theaters still exist, showing family-friendly movies.
According to the National Association of Theater Owners, 321 drive-in sites existed in 2018 — there was once a total of 5,803 across the United States.
With this many drive-ins, it is likely there is one within proximity, no matter where you are.
Drive-in Movie Theater. Photo: Joe Sohm | Dreamstime.com
On the East Coast, near Philadelphia in particular, families can see an evening of movies at Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre
. This is the oldest and longest continually operated drive-in in the United States. It opened in 1934 and continues to offer adult tickets for $10. Typically, this includes admission and two movies.
To find the closest drive-in for your next family outing, visit driveinmovie.com. Even if you reside in one of the few states where drive-ins are totally extinct, you can probably cross state lines to find an accessible theater.
Before heading to the theater, there are a few details you should know.
Most theaters stick to a specific itinerary for each night and are only open on weekend evenings. Check which movies are playing and, if the theater has multiple screens, it is likely each screen will offer a different selection of movies. Pre-plan which movies you want to see before heading out — avoid the last-minute confusion or debate about what to see.
Bring cash. Many drive-in movie theaters only deal in cash, so showing up with plastic as your only method of payment could go poorly.
Finally, make sure you know when the movies start. Movie theater websites will list this readily, but know these are approximate times. Films can start a bit early or later than planned.
You’ll want to arrive with enough time to settle in, get snacks and get through the box office line. Because of the nature of drive-in theaters, you need to get there early enough to get a good spot and get ready for the show.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Sep 1, 2026Family-Friendly Ways to Welcome Fall in the Finger Lakes
Some of us are still trying to stretch out the dog days of summer, but there is no denying fall will be here soon. Whether ready for it or not, it’s time to look for ways to welcome the season that will be fun for the family. Luckily, New York’s Finger Lakes region has plenty of ways to do just that.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
Sep 1, 2026This London Hotel Launches Little Londoners Family Package
Balance a city break in London with kid-friendly experiences at Sea Containers London, an upscale, riverside hotel. The property recently debuted the Little Londoners package, a thoughtfully designed offering that makes exploring London easier (and more fun) for both kids and parents.
Destinations / North America
Aug 31, 2026Dude Ranch Experience Coming to Historic Arizona Golf Resort
Later this fall, family travelers are invited to experience one of Southern Arizona’s hidden gems in a true dude ranch setting. Otero Ranch at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa opens for the season Nov. 15, presenting an experience by True Ranch Collection that will feature exclusive dude ranch adventures, such as horseback riding and hiking along the Santa Cruz River valley, playing a round of golf at the 27-hole championship course, trying 3-D archery, exploring the town of Tubac, touring historic Tumacacori Mission, and relaxing at the resort’s spa or pool.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / Europe
Aug 31, 2026Le Conquet: France’s Secret Beach Town
At the far western edge of mainland France, the active fishing port of Le Conquet stands in layers of stone buildings rising from the harbor. Houses from the 16th and 17th centuries line the seawall in a tight-packed row, the colorful shutters brightening the stone facades. For travelers, Le Conquet is more than just a picturesque Breton town; it’s a good base for a family beach holiday.
ShareThis