Kids can get to know the brass instruments during the Philharmonic Families program Saturday. Photo courtesy of the Kaufman Music Center
Mommy Poppins Winter Fest, Puzzle Day, Pac-Man, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Galactic snow tubing at Camelback offers an LED light show come nightfall.
Best Snow Tubing near NYC for Families
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Pillow Fort photo by Seamus McCauley via Flickr 2 .0
Snow Day Activities: 55 Fun Things To Do on a Snow Day Indoors
Central Park has some great hills for a fast ride. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Sledding Hills in NYC
Museo del Barrio's The Three Kings Day Parade takes over the streets of East Harlem Photo by Mommy Poppins
Top Things To Do with Kids in NYC in January 2026, from MP Editors
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 47 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Winter fun for kids in New York City: Building a snowman is just the start of fun things to do with kids in NYC during winter
GUIDE
NYC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Best Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Kids can see the masterpieces and get hands-on with art during a free visit to MoMA on Friday evenings. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums) in NYC
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Drive-In Movie Theaters Near DC, Plus More Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids

You'll love the retro feel of the Family Drive-in Theatre. Photo courtesy of the theatre on Facebook
You'll love the retro feel of the Family Drive-in Theatre. Photo courtesy of the theatre on Facebook
5/13/22 - By Drew Kristofik

Watching a movie is a fun family activity no matter where and when you do it. But watching a movie outdoors on a warm summer evening? That's downright magical.

While drive-in movie theaters were all the rage in the past (and made a temporary resurgence in the first two years of the pandemic), few remain in the DC area. The ones that do are worth a visit. We've listed four drive-in movie theaters near DC below, along with some of our top picks for outdoor movies under the stars. Pack a picnic, load up the car, and get ready to cozy up for a drive-in or outdoor movie night with the kids.

For more fun al fresco this spring and summer, check out our spring fun guide and our summer activities guide for DC kids. And of course, we are constantly adding more fun things to do to our DC events calendar!

Bengies Drive-in Theatre features the biggest movie-theater screen in the US. Photo courtesy of the theatre, Facebook
Bengies Drive-in Theatre features the biggest movie-theater screen in the US. Photo courtesy of the theatre, Facebook

Drive-in Movie Theaters Near DC

Union Market Drive-in

Washington, DC - every 2nd Friday, from May - October
The drive-in at Union Market screens a different movie on the second Friday of each month from May to September and the first Friday of October. Picnicking is allowed, and food from local vendors is available for purchase. READ MORE

Starlight Cinema at Sully Historic Site

Centreville, VA - Saturdays in August
Families can enjoy free drive-in movies and a children's show every Saturday night in August as part of Fairfax County's Summer Entertainment Series. READ MORE

Bengies Drive-in Theatre

Middle River, MD - Daily
Bengies is mixing things up this summer, showing some older films and taking audience requests. There's something to see nightly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and double features are always on.  READ MORE

Family Drive-in Theatre

Stephens City, VA - Wednesdays - Sundays
The Family Drive-in is a bit of a hike, but if you're longing for an old-school drive-in experience, it does not disappoint! Films are screened every day except Monday and Tuesday, and double-feature tix are just a dollar extra. READ MORE
Catch a family-friendly flick along the Potomac River at Movies on the Potomac. Photo courtesy of National Harbor DC on Facebook
Catch a family-friendly flick along the Potomac River at Movies on the Potomac. Photo courtesy of National Harbor DC on Facebook

Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids Near DC

Sunday Family Movies on the Potomac

National Harbor, MD - Sundays from May - September
Enjoy a free family-friendly movie every Sunday all spring and summer at National Harbor. Visitors should bring their own blanket or chairs and watch on the big screen at the plaza starting at 6pm. READ MORE

Movies Under the Moon (at Van Dyck Park)

Fairfax, VA - every 2nd Friday from June - September
On the second Friday of each month this summer, enjoy a family-friendly movie at Van Dyck Park. Bring a blanket and wind down under a big screen. READ MORE

Movies Around the City

Bowie, MD - Fridays, May 13 and June 17; Saturday, May 21
On three dates in May and June, the city of Bowie shows a free, family-friendly movie outdoors at dusk. Bring your own food and chairs or blankets.  READ MORE

Films in the Park (at Mosaic District)

Fairfax, VA - Thursdays from June - August
Mosaic District hosts Films in the Park on Thursday evenings at 7pm on the lawn of Strawberry Park. All of these movies are kid-friendly! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Drew Kristofik
Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.
Recent Articles By Drew Kristofik:
Read more articles by Drew Kristofik.