Growing up, I loved our family trips to the drive-in. We got to stay up late, eat in the car and enjoy two movies (if we could keep our eyes open). This popular pastime has made a comeback and if you haven’t been, here are a few reasons to add it to your summer bucket list:
- Two for the price of one! Drive-ins often offer new releases as a double feature for $10 a person (less for kids). That’s the price of one ticket at the theater.
- You don’t need a sitter. Whether it’s family night or date night, it’s easy to bring the kids to the drive-in. Since movies start at dusk (which is pretty late these days), your kids may just fall asleep in the backseat while you enjoy adult time up front.
- It’s fun! Stuff the car with pillows, blankets and snacks for the evening out. You can sit inside your car, pop the hatch back, or my personal favorite, sit on the car hood.
14900 Beck Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170
This three screen pop-up drive-in is a summer bucket list must. Located in the parking lot of USA Hockey Arena, arrive early to get a good spot and make new friends with the folks in the cars next to you, families toss balls and play games before the show. You can also order dinner from CJ’s Brewery Company and have it delivered to your car during the movie!
10400 Ford Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126
Ford-Wyoming has been showing movies since 1950 and it is the largest drive-in theater in the world with 5 screens. This is where I went growing up and it hasn’t changed since – they even show the dancing concession cartoon before the show! With permanent screens and designated parking it’s easy to find a spot. There is a concessions building with bathrooms for your favorite movie snacks. Ford-Wyoming is open year round! So if there’s a movie you want to see but your kids are too little for the theater – this is the place to go!
Memory Lane Drive In Theater
6501 N Monroe St, Monroe, MI 48162
The drive-in theatre Downriver is a must-visit. Easy to access off the freeway, there are multiple screens with great parking designation. Bring your snacks or stop by the concessions stop. Don’t worry about waiting for dark because there’s greenspace under the screen where kids can swing and play. They do double features too!
US 23 Drive-In Theater
5200 Fenton Rd, Flint, MI 48507
Open from April to September US 23 is a great spot to catch a movie if you’re in Genesee, Oakland or Macomb counties. Sit in your car or on the lawn in front of the screens.
Photo credit: Bengies
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