Movie in the Park Events for Families in Chicagoland

Grab some snacks and enjoy these fun family flicks at a park in the city and suburbs.

While we take in those amazing summer nights, why not enjoy the great weather with a concert or a movie outdoors? The Chicago area offers many free and inexpensive outdoor movie programs and we made it easier for you by rounding up kid-friendly movies to see all summer long.

Whether you want to watch new animated movies like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and DC League of Super-Pets or classics like Grease or Back to the Future, there are plenty of movies for the whole family to enjoy. A quick head’s up — we did select a few PG-13 movies for parents with tweens and teens, so please take a look at each movie’s rating to decide if it’s appropriate for your kiddos.

Keep scrolling to find the best outdoor movies near you. Don’t forget to grab a few blankets and delicious snacks before heading down to these screenings!

Note: Free screenings can change at the last minute, so ALWAYS check the location first before heading out. 

Looking for more kid-friendly activities? Check out our summer fun family guide!

City

Movies at Gallagher Way

May 17, 31; June 7; July 5, 12, 26; Aug. 23, 30; Sept. 13, 27, 2023

Music Box Theatre will screen free movies at Gallagher Way. In May, see Ferris Bueller and E.T. The Extra Terrestrial. In June, see Mitchells vs. The Machines. In July, see Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Clueless and Top Gun: Maverick. In August, see Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and The Dark Knight. In September, see Back to the Future and The Blues Brothers. Reservations required. 

Silent Movie Series at Indian Boundary Park

June 2, Sept. 1, Dec. 1, 2023

This series will be accompanied by a live piano performance. The Apple Tree Girl is on June 2. A Buster Keaton Short Film Festival is on Sept. 1. Son of the Skeik, starring Rudolph Valentino is on Dec. 1. For ages 10 and up.

Chicago Park District: Movies in the Parks

June 13-Sept. 9, 2023 (various dates)

  • Address: Chicago Park locations
  • Cost: Free 

All movie screenings begin at dusk. Movies include Spider-Man: No Way Home, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Mitchells vs The Machines and many more. See the full list of movies.  

Millennium Park Summer Film Series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion

July 11-Aug. 29, 2023 (Tuesdays) 

Families can head to Millennium Park for a summer film series. Sit in the pavilion or on the lawn.

North/Northwest Suburbs

Movie in the Park: Encanto at Recreation Park

July 14, 2023

Enjoy watching the movie, Encanto with your family at Recreation Park. Bring your own chairs, blankets and movie snacks.

Movies Under the Stars at Willow Stream Park

June 23; July 14, 21, 2023

Bring blankets, chairs and snacks for an outdoor movie screening this summer at Willow Stream Park. Concessions will be available for purchase. See Sonic the Hedgehog on June 23, DC League of Super-Pets on July 14 and Puss In Boots: The Last Wish on July 21. 

Movie in the Park: Minions the Rise of Gru at Recreation Park

Aug, 18, 2023

Enjoy watching Minions the Rise of Gru with your family at Recreation Park. Bring your own chairs, blankets and movie snacks.

South Suburbs 

Movie Nights on Village Commons Lawn

June 7-Aug. 9, 2023 (Wednesdays)

Families can enjoy a movie night at Village Commons on the lawn. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. For all ages. 

Movie in the Park: Grease Sing-a-Long at Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center Band Shell

June 22, 2023

Families can see the classic film, Grease Sing-a-Long, at Tinley Park District’s Thursdays in the Park summer series. Bring your own blanket and chairs. A small concession stand will be available.

Movie in the Park: DC League of Superpets at Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center Band Shell

July 6, 2023

Families can see DC League of Superpets at Tinley Park District’s Thursdays in the Park summer series. Bring your own blanket and chairs. A small concession stand will be available.

Movie in the Park: Frozen II at Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center Band Shell

July 20, 2023

Families can see Frozen II at Tinley Park District’s Thursdays in the Park summer series. Bring your own blanket and chairs. A small concession stand will be available.

Movie in the Park: Spider-Man No Way Home at Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center Band Shell

Aug. 3, 2023

Families can see Spider-Man No Way Home at Tinley Park District’s Thursdays in the Park summer series. Bring your own blanket and chairs. A small concession stand will be available.

Western Suburbs

Moonlit Movies in the Park at Parade Field in Cantigny Park

June 2-Aug. 25, 2023

Bring the family and watch a movie on their 40-foot inflatable screen. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks. There will be popcorn from Mamie’s Toffee and Treats and Tamales+ available to purchase along with a beverage cart with soft drinks, beer and wine.

Movies & Food Trucks on the Center Green at Geneva Commons

June 2-Aug. 25, 2023

Families can enjoy a movie and food trucks at Geneva Commons this summer. Bring a blanket or chair and some snacks.

Summer Movies in the Park at Cerny Park

June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, 2023

Families can enjoy a movie night at Cerny Park. Movies begin at dusk. There will be concessions available for purchase. See Minions: Rise of Gru on June 15, Top Gun Maverick on July 20 and Luca on Aug. 17. 

Movie in the Park at Wilder Park

June 16, 2023

Grab a picnic blanket and join the fun at Wilder Park for a showing of Sing 2. Movie begins at dusk. The food truck will be Serna’s Grill.

Minions: The Rise of Gru at Venue 1012

June 22, 2023

Join the Village of Oswego for a free showing of Minions: The Rise of Gru. Bring a chair or blanket, buy a snack and enjoy lawn games. 

Movie in the Park at Wilder Park

July 14, 2023

Grab a picnic blanket and join Elmhurst Park District at Wilder Park for a showing of Lightyear. Movie begins at dusk. The food trucks will be Serna’s Grill and Spoon Burger.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 at Venue 1012

July 20, 2023

Join the Village of Oswego for a free showing of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Bring a chair or blanket, buy a snack and enjoy lawn games. 

Movie in the Park at Wilder Park

Aug. 4, 2023

Grab a picnic blanket and join Elmhurst Park District at Wilder Park for a showing of Sonic the Hedgehog. Movie begins at dusk. The food trucks will be Serna’s Grill and Spoon Burger.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish at Venue 1012

Aug. 10, 2023

Join the Village of Oswego for a free showing of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Bring a chair or blanket, buy a snack and enjoy lawn games.

This post is updated annually.


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