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Free Outdoor Movies in Los Angeles this Summer for Kids

Enjoy family movies in the moonlight. Photo courtesy of 2nd & PCH
Enjoy family movies in the moonlight. Photo courtesy of 2nd & PCH
5/21/23 - By Toby B

Summertime means outdoor movies in Los Angeles! 

And... action! 'Tis the season of free outdoor summer movie series which are popping up all over the city. At parks and beaches, by land or by boat, in the early morning and by the light of the moon, families can catch recent blockbusters and timeless classics for free. 

Searching for other ways to catch your favorite flick under the stars? We've got a comprehensive list of all the best drive-in movie theaters in and around Los Angeles—and all the movies showing at the Boat Cinema this summer, too. Plus, don't miss our Summer Activities Guide. 

Below you can find our comprehensive guide to free summer outdoor movies (plus a few movie series that aren't free, but are so fun they're worth a mention). Keep checking back, because we'll continue to post more listings as they are announced, all summer long.

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More Free Summer Fun in Los Angeles

Free Summer Festivals and Fairs in LA

Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals This Summer

Best Free Things To Do in LA This Summer with Kids

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Watch Hollywood stars under the stars. Photo courtesy of the Irvine Spectrum Center
Watch Hollywood stars under the stars. Photo courtesy of the Irvine Spectrum Center

Free Outdoor Movies in Los Angeles this Summer

La Habra Movies in the Park 2023

Various Parks in La Habra
April 28 - September 8, 2023
The city of La Habra shows free movies this summer at different parks. This season's highlights include releases from the past year such as Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Jurassic World Dominon, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever​. READ MORE

Movies at the Park (Thousand Oaks)

Thousand Oaks Community Park
May 5 - September 29, 2023
Conejo Recreation and Parks invites families to three special community events held at Thousand Oaks Community Park. Each evening features a movie screening and fun activities. READ MORE

Yorba Linda Movies in the Park

Various parks in Yorba Linda
May 20 - October 21, 2023
Yorba Linda hosts free monthly movies in the park shown on a giant inflatable screen. READ MORE

Dana Point Movies in the Park

Lantern Park, Dana Point
June 2 - 30, 2023
Dana Point offers free movies for the whole family in various parks on Fridays in June. These free movie nights bring back the nostalgic feel of a drive-in movie, but without the car.  READ MORE

Baldwin Park Summer Movies on the Green

Barnes Park, Baldwin Park
June 2 - 30, 2023
Baldwin Park screens free family-friendly movies on Friday nights in Barnes Park. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. READ MORE

Santa Ana Movies in the Park 2023

Various parks in Santa Ana
June 2 - July 14, 2023
Free popcorn and a movie, what more can you ask? The 2023 Santa Ana Movies in the Park series takes place on Fridays at various city parks throughout Santa Ana.  READ MORE

Movies on the Lawn (Irvine Spectrum)

Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine
June 4 - August 27, 2023
Irvine Spectrum hosts family-friendly movies on the Giant Wheel Lawn on Sundays this summer.   The series comes to a close this weekend with Encanto. READ MORE

CSUN Summer Movie Fest

Cal State Northridge
June 8 - August 10, 2023
Cal State Northridge hosts free outdoor screenings of (mostly) family-friendly movies on Oviatt Library lawn. Summer Movie Fest screenings include activities, food trucks and occasional giveaways. READ MORE

Sierra Madre Family Movie Fridays

Memorial Park, Sierra Madre
June 9 - August 4, 2023
On select Fridays, families can watch movies on the grass at the Bandshell in Memorial Park. Picnic meals are welcome. Moviegoers should bring seating and blankets to enjoy recent hits such as Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. READ MORE

OC Parks Sunset Cinema Movie Series 2023

Various parks in Orange County
June 9 - September 8, 2023
OC Parks screens free family-friendly movies at rotating locations on Fridays this summer. This year's selections include recent releases like Thor: Love and Thunder and Lightyear, and classics such as Clueless and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. READ MORE

Agoura Hills Movies in the Park

Reyes Adobe Park, Agoura Hills
June 10 & July 8, 2023
Families are invited to watch movies under the stars in Reyes Adobe Park.  All movies are free and start at dusk. The movies for 2023 are National Treasure and The Incredibles. READ MORE

Family Films Under the Stars (Brea)

Brea Civic and Cultural Center
June 16 - July 28, 2023
This year's family fun movies are shown at Brea Civic and Cultural Center. The selections include recent releases such as Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and The Super Mario Brothers Movie. READ MORE

Family Movies Under the Stars (Buena Park)

Boisseranc Park, Buena Park
June 16 - August 11, 2023
Families can gather in Buena Park's Boisseranc Park for free movies under the stars. READ MORE

Movies in the Park (Moorpark)

Arroyo Vista Park, Moorpark
June 16 - October 21, 2023
Moorpark's Movies in the Park are free to attend, no tickets are required. Guests can bring their own picnics or purchase refreshments from food trucks. READ MORE

Cinemalibu

Malibu Bluffs Park, Malibu
June 17 - August 19, 2023
Wax on, wax off, Malibu.  The Karate Kid screens at Malibu Bluffs Park. READ MORE

Long Beach Movies in the Park

Long Beach
June 21 - August 25, 2023
Long Beach shows movies throughout the summer at a variety of parks.   Each week has a theme such as sing-a-long, trivia, or dress up, complementing the title shown that week.  The season takes flight with the opening film Top Gun: Maverick; break out your Ray-Bans for the dress-up theme. READ MORE

Summer Movies in the Park (Monterey Park)

Barnes Park, Monterey Park
June 22 - July 20, 2023
Monterey Park's free movie nights are held at Barnes Park Field this year.  Films include recent release Lightyear, and not-so-recent release Back to the Future. READ MORE

Arcadia Summer Concerts and Movies in the Park

City Hall West Lawn, Arcadia
June 22 - August 3, 2023
Arcadia's summer movie and concert series are held together. Concerts begin at 6:30pm, followed by the movies at dusk.  All of this year's movies are rated PG. READ MORE

Movies in the Park (Simi Valley)

Simi Valley, Oak Park
June 23 - August 4, 2023
Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District  shows films under the stars in two locations this summer: the opening night at Oak Canyon Community Park and the remaining evenings at  Rancho Madera Community Park. The movies are paired with themed pre-show activities, such as youth friendly archery for Puss in Boots and visits with community heroes for DC League of Super-Pets. READ MORE

Movies on the Lawn

Orange County Great Park, Irvine
June 24 - July 15, 2023
Families can enjoy an outdoor movie experience under the stars at the Orange County Great Park. Bring your own low-back beach chair, blanket, and snacks. Food and light refreshments are available for purchase. READ MORE

City of Inglewood‎ Movies in the Park

Various Parks in Inglewood
June 24 - August 12, 2023
The City of Inglewood hosts free family-friendly movies in a variety of outdoor locations. Guests should bring blankets and lawn chairs. Food trucks offer food for purchase. READ MORE

Torrance Movies in the Park 2023

Various parks in Torrance
June 24 - August 19, 2023
Movies begin at dusk (around 8pm) for these free movie screenings at parks in Torrance. Bring warm clothes, lawn chairs, and picnics.  READ MORE

Camarillo Movies in the Park

Camarillo
June 30 - August 11, 2023
Movies are shown on select Friday evenings on the large outdoor stage at Camarillo's Community Park; admission is free. READ MORE

Alhambra Movies in the Park 2023

Alhambra Park Bandshell, Alhambra
July 1 - 29, 2023
The family-friendly screenings at the Alhambra Park Bandshell come with a little something extra: guests might be treated to a pre-movie magic show,  a live animal show, or a snow party with favorite princesses. READ MORE

Carson Movies in the Park

Mills Park, Carson
July 7 - 28, 2023
Carson City Classic Cinema Club screens a summer mix of modern and classic films. Selections for summer 2023 include The Greatest Showman and Up! READ MORE

Tustin Summer Movies in the Park 2023

Various parks in Tustin
July 7 - August 4, 2023
Tustin celebrates summer with free movies on Friday nights, held in a different park each week. Movies shown include Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Space Jam: A New Legacy. READ MORE

Movies at the Steps

The Culver Steps, Culver City
July 7 - October 20, 2023
Outdoor movies for the whole family are showing the first three Fridays of July, August, and October at The Culver Steps. Movies begin at sunset, and are cancelled if weather hinders an outdoor gathering. Bring a blanket to sit on. Complimentary popcorn and water are available while supplies last.  READ MORE

Movies Under the Stars (One Colorado)

One Colorado, Pasadena
July 8 - 22, 2023
On select Saturdays in July, One Colorado screens free films in the courtyard. The films this year are all from the 90's. READ MORE

Parks Make Life Better! with Movies in the Park

Various parks in Culver City
July 8 - 29, 2023
Culver City Parks, Recreation and Community Services is celebrating summer with movies at various parks throughout the area. Gates open at 7pm for each outdoor movie. Bring your own blankets, camping chairs, and snacks for these free events.  READ MORE

Marina Del Rey Free Movie Nights 2023

Burton Chace Park, Marina Del Rey
July 9 - September 30, 2023
Free outdoor movie nights return to Marina Del Rey's Burton Chace Park. The waterfront park makes a lovely setting for a picnic to watch films under the stars. READ MORE

Rancho Palos Verdes Movies in the Park

Rancho Palos Verdes Civic Center, Rancho Palos Verdes
July 15 - August 26, 2023
Rancho Palos Verdes' free Movie in the Park screenings are held at the Ken Dyda Civic Center. Moviegoers should bring a blanket and/or low slung beach chairs.  READ MORE

San Fernando Movies in the Park

Various parks in San Fernando
July 21 - August 4, 2023
The City of San Fernando invites families for an evening of popcorn and films. READ MORE

Movies on the Green (Warner Center)

Warner Center Park, Woodland Hills
August 5 - 26, 2023
Free outdoor movies return to Warner Center Park this August. Films are presented on a 30-foot theatrical screen with digital projection, surround sound, and high-resolution digital picture.  Selections this year include Top Gun: Maverick, Coco and Jurassic World Dominion. READ MORE

PCH Movies and Moonlight

2nd & PCH, Long Beach
Ongoing monthly
2nd & PCH's outdoor movie screenings return with free screenings for the community.  Films are shown along Seaport Way and begin just after sunset. September's film is Cinderella (starring Camila Cabello) READ MORE

Free Movies on the Lawn (Jamaica Bay Inn)

Jamaica Bay Inn, Marina del Rey
Ongoing throughout the year
Marina del Rey's Jamaica Bay Inn hosts a free outdoor movie series on its beachfront lawn. Warm drinks, snacks, and treats are available for purchase.  READ MORE
Catch a movie as the stars twinkle and the city lights shine. Photo courtesy of Cinespia
Catch a movie as the stars twinkle and the city lights shine. Photo courtesy of Cinespia

Outdoor Movies in Los Angeles that Aren't Free (But are Pretty Great!)

Boat Cinema

Castaic
May 6 - September 9, 2023
Boat Cinema is LA’s first movie experience where guests watch the movie from their own personal mini boat. Moviegoers can reserve a mini electric boat  or opt for beach seating (bring your own chairs/towels).  READ MORE

Street Food Cinema 2023

Various locations
May 20 - August 26, 2023
Gotta catch 'em all!  On Labor Day weekend, Pokemon: The First Movie screens under the stars at the Autry Museum. READ MORE

Cinespia at Los Angeles State Historic Park

Los Angeles Historic State Park, DTLA
Starts May 26, 2023
Cinespia offers an additional location for viewing classic films under the stars: Los Angeles State Historic Park. Films screening Memorial Day weekend are Mrs. Doubtfire and 10 Things I Hate About You. READ MORE

Rooftop Cinema Club El Segundo

El Segundo
Starts June 1, 2023
Pull up a beanbag: Rooftop Cinema hosts daytime kid-friendly screenings in El Segundo. Moviegoers can choose from a variety of seating options (lounge, Adirondack, or loveseat). READ MORE

Cinespia at the Greek Theatre

Greek Theatre, Griffith Park
Starts June 3, 2023
Get thee to the Greek! Cinespia heads on over to the Greek Theatre for movies shown with lawn-style seating. READ MORE

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - In Concert

Hollywood Bowl
June 24, 2023
Also:
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi: September 1 -2, 2023
Sound of Music Sing-a-Long: September 16, 2023
Do we love seeing Harry Potter at the Hollywood Bowl?  Always... The Los Angeles Philharmonic plays live to film as part two of the epic finale Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows screens at Hollywood Bowl. The audience can witness the finale of the gripping tale of the boy who lived, as the battle between good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war READ MORE

Rooftop Cinema Club Arts District

DTLA
Screenings are ongoing
Pull up a lounge chair: Rooftop Cinema hosts daytime kid-friendly screenings in DTLA's Arts District Moviegoers can choose between two different types of lounge chairs. READ MORE

Cinespia at Hollywood Forever

Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hollywood
2023 dates have not yet been announced
Hollywood Forever Cemetery offers a unique location to see outdoor movies, as Cinespia presents classic films on select days throughout the summer. The films are projected onto the walls of a mausoleum, which houses the earthly remains of departed Hollywood luminaries. READ MORE
Beat the summer heat with an indoor movie. Photo courtesy of Timo Miroshnichenko via Pexels
Beat the summer heat with an indoor movie. Photo courtesy of Timo Miroshnichenko via Pexels

Bonus: Low-Price Indoor Kids Summer Movie Series at Theaters

Harkins Summer Movie Fun

Participating locations
June 5 - July 28, 2023
Harkins Theatres presents its Summer Movie Fun program.  Moviegoers can buy a "season ticket" package, and see the whole 8- week series for $1 per film.  READ MORE

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

Participating locations
June 19 - August 10, 2023
Cinemark's Summer Movie Clubhouse features family-friendly films for $1.50.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Various Locations in La Habra, including Portola Park
Various Parks, including Hurless Barton Park
Various Parks in Santa Ana
Cal State University Northridge
Various OC Parks, such as Craig Park
Brea Civic & Cultural Center Plaza
Various locations in Inglewood, including North Park
Various Parks, including Wilson Park
Various parks in Tustin
Various Parks in San Fernando, including Las Palmas Park
Rotating locations, including the Autry Museum
Los Angeles State Historic Park
Rooftop Cinema Club El Segundo
Rooftop Cinema Club Arts District
Participating Harkins Theatres including Cerritos 16
Cinemark Theatres: Participating Locations. (Different Days and Start/ End Dates for Each Theatre)