Some of our favorite date nights happen outdoors thanks to Florida’s perfect weather – albeit summer's oppressive heat may be an exception. There’s something particularly intimate about laying under the night sky with your loved one. We’ve compiled a list of the best spots for movies outside in Orlando so you and your date can enjoy the natural beauty of Florida throughout the entire year.
And if you need to make it a family night, then there are plenty of places to see kid-friendly movies in Orlando.
Updated June 2024 by Meghan Roth
Movies Outside in Orlando
There are quite a few options for watching outdoor movies in Orlando. We'll start off with where you can watch movies outside in Orlando itself, then read on for outdoor movies that are worth a short drive beyond Orlando.
Summer Movie Series at À La Cart SoDo
Frequency: Monthly – third Monday
Cost: FREE
This summer, À La Cart SoDo is hosting a free movie outdoor movie night on the third Monday of the month. Movies vary from classics to romantic comedies and the Harry Potter series. Most showings begin between 7:30 and 8:30pm. We love this event because there’s a variety of food trucks on-site and a craft beer/wine bar inside. Plus, Á La Cart’s Monday Movies are always free to attend. Just remember to bring blankets or chairs because seating is limited.
See all upcoming movies at À La Cart SoDo.
Leu Gardens Movies Outside
Frequency: Monthly
Cost: $8 or free for members
Once a month, Leu Gardens keeps its gates open late to host a movie screening under the stars. It only costs $8 per person, and attendees are welcome to bring picnic baskets. Alcohol is permitted, too, so pack your favorite local craft beer or a bottle of wine. We recommend picking up provisions from nearby East End Market before the show. Curbie’s Sidewalk Café also sells snacks during screenings. Most movies are PG-13, so this event tends to be more adult-oriented.
FYI: Members have access to the parking lot, but non-members are required to park on the street, so arrive early to find a spot.
See upcoming Leu Gardens movies.
Popcorn Flicks in the Park
Frequency: Monthly
Cost: FREE
Enzian Theater hosts a free movie series, Popcorn Flicks in the Park, each month. They are typically held on the second Thursday of each month in Winter Park’s Central Park. Upcoming features include The Nutty Professor, Frozen, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers, so there’s something for every couple. Picnic baskets, snacks, blankets, and chairs are welcomed and encouraged.
Alternatively, grab dinner at one of Park Avenue's restaurants before the show.
See all upcoming Popcorn Flicks in the Park movies.
Movieola at Lake Eola Park
Frequency: Typically April-September and again in December
Cost: FREE
Movieola is typically held in the spring and summer months and again during the holidays at Lake Eola Park. In addition to the free movie, each event has a special theme with activities to enjoy before the show. Food vendors are also on site. This is one of our favorite movies outside in Orlando events. You're welcome to bring your own blanket, chairs and snacks. Movies are family-friendly, so bring the whole gang!
See all upcoming movies at Movieola.
Avalon Park Movie Under the Stars
Frequency: monthly
Cost: Free
Settle in for a family-friendly movie under the stars in downtown Avalon Park. Bring your own blankets and chairs, and enjoy great feature films to satisfy the entire family. This is a great spot to catch animated features, especially if you have young kids. Movies begin at sunset.
Please Note: Movie Under the Stars takes a break in June for the rainy summer months, but returns in September for another season of fun flicks.
Picnic & Play at The Acre
Frequency: Select weekends each month
Cost: FREE
Picnic & Play events at The Acre are pop-up events happening and select weekends each month. They include live music, market bites & drinks, and outdoor movies.
OVIEDO MOVIE NIGHT IN THE PARK
Frequency: Select Fridays, September – December
Cost: FREE
Movie Night in The Park takes place at The Oviedo Amphitheatre in Center Lake Park. Bring your blankets and chairs and grab the perfect spot before the movie starts at dusk. FREE POPCORN will be provided by Bosely Group, but NO Food and concessions will be available for purchase at the movie so please prepare.
See all upcoming Movie Night in the Park movies.
KISSIMMEE MOVIE IN THE PARK
Frequency: Select Fridays, October – March
Cost: Free
Movie in the Park takes place on select Fridays, October – March, at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The event features free admission, free popcorn, free inflatables, free crafts, a free photo booth, and prize giveaways. Activities begin at 5:30 pm and the movie at 7 p.m. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs! The movie series is a partnership between KUA and the City of Kissimmee.
Outdoor Movies near Orlando
Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre
Frequency: Nightly
Cost: $8/adult, $3 per child
Open since 1948, The Silver Moon Drive-In in Lakeland is one of the last authentic drive-in movie theaters in Florida. It's also the only remaining drive-in in Polk County. Silver Moon has two separate screens, each showing two films each night—typically first-run movies. On a nice night, roll down the windows or open up your back hatch and make a cozy pillow and blanket fort.
A few tips:
- Make sure to arrive about 45 minutes early so you can reserve a good spot.
- Pack blankets on a cold night…it can get chilly!
- Hit the snack bar before the showing. They've got beer, popcorn, corn dogs, ice cream and more for very reasonable prices.
- The staff has a jump starter on site if you drain your battery, so not to worry.
- Don't want to watch both movies? No problem. Arrive early for the first movie, or 15 minutes before the second movie begins, depending on which you want to watch.
Check out what's playing at Silver Moon Drive-In.
PS: Silver Moon also owns Joy-Lan Drive-In in Dade City. Silver Moon is about an hour from Orlando, and Joy-Lan about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Movies Under the Stars
Frequency: Monthly during March, April, and May – plus the holiday season
Cost: FREE
Sadly these outdoor movies in Clermont are only offered in the spring – then again with the summer heat, we can't blame them. Movies are also shown outside during the festive holiday season. The Clermont Parks and Recreation Department hosts these movies outside rain or shine event at Waterfront Park.
Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema
Frequency: Select Saturdays
Cost: FREE
Occurring on select Saturdays, Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema is a free outdoor movie event held in Altamonte Springs. Bring along blankets and chairs for the whole family. Movies are screened on the lawn in front of the Plaza tower.
See all upcoming Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema movies.
Dive-In Movies at Live! Lagoon Wave Pool – Island H2O Water Park
Frequency: Every Friday between May 31 – July 26 at 6 pm
Cost: Included with Admission
Catch the coolest flicks under the stars at Central Florida's largest outdoor digital wave pool screen. Enjoy dive-in movies, where you can splash and watch your favorite family films at the wave pool. And here's the cherry on top – Season Passholders receive free popcorn at every dive-in movie. It's the ultimate cinematic experience with a splash of excitement.
Feature image credit: Leu Gardens
