Amidst the hustle and bustle of parenting, Kansas City offers a ton of opportunities for moms and dads to hit pause, gather the family, and bask in the simple joys of outdoor movie nights across Kansas City. As the sun sets and the stars twinkle above, these venues offer a chance for families to unwind, bond, and create lasting memories under the Kansas City stars. Join us as we explore the top spots for outdoor family movie nights, where parents can kick back, relax, and delight alongside their little ones in the magic of cinema! Below you'll find each location, listed by area of the KC Metro.
Gardner | Johnson County | KCK | Downtown | NKC | SE KC
Gardner & surrounding areas
Baldwin City Rec's Concert Movie Series
Come early to hunt for diamonds, make some cool pixel art, take on a Minecraft scavenger hunt, and snap a pic at our themed photo spot! Then kick back with a blanket or some lawn chairs and enjoy a fun family night right in the heart of downtown Baldwin City. You won’t want to miss this epic Minecraft movie night on the big screen!
August 2: Minecraft @ 9pm (activities starting before the showing @ 8:30pm)
Movies in the Park
Come join the Gardner Parks and Recreation Department for our exciting Movie in the Park series! Bring along your blankets and lawn chairs and make your way to Cornerstone Park for a fun-filled evening.
May 9: The Rookie @ 8:30pm
June 13: Mufasa: The Lion King @ 9pm
July 11: Wicked @ 9pm
Flick & Float at Gardner Aquatic Center
Join us for a laid-back movie night on July 17 at 8pm (movie TBD). It's the perfect opportunity to unwind on those balmy summer evenings! Relax in one of our tubes and drift along while enjoying a movie.
Dive-In Movie at Eudora Aquatic Center
Join us for TWO special evenings at the pool! Enjoy a film (movies TBD) at 8:30pm on July 18th and August 8th, while floating under the stars!
Northland
Outdoor Movies in North Park at Zona Rosa
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and secure your spot at North Park (located south of Dillard’s) for an array of new releases and timeless summer favorites. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome to enjoy the show!
May 17: Wicked
June 21: Moana 2
July 19: Coco
Gladstone-Linden Square
Secure your spot in the square with a blanket or lawn chair. All movies are free and suitable for all ages. The movie will begin at dusk, typically between 8:00 and 9:00 pm.
July 25: Elf @ 8pm
August 9: Wicked @ 8pm
Outdoor Movies in at Macken Park
An enjoyable experience for everyone in the family! Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and relish the fresh air while watching a movie in Macken Park near the Festival Shelter. The movie will commence at dusk. Free and open to all.
June 20: The Wild Robot
July 18: Wicked
August 15: Dog Man
Screenland Armour
Bring your own chairs and join them for movies in their rear parking lot! They offer a wide range of refreshments and snacks, with full options available for takeout inside. Please note that outside food or drinks are not permitted (except for water).
June 7: The Iron Giant
June 14: Dazed and Confused (Rated R)
June 21: So I Married an Axe Murderer (Rated PG13)
June 28: Stand By Me
July 5: Clue
July 12: The Great Outdoors
July 19: Josie and the Pussycats (Rated PG13)
July 26: Galaxy Quest
August 2: Legally Blonde (Rated PG13)
August 9: Now and Then
August 16: Mars Attacks (Rated PG13)
August 23: Raiders of the Lost Ark
August 30: A League of Their Own
Check their website for September dates and more info.!
Johnson County
Movies at the Arboretum
Bring the fam, grab your friends, and get ready for a magical night under the stars. With gorgeous garden views and fun movies everyone loves, it’s the perfect way to soak up a summer evening. Gates open at 7 p.m., and the movie starts around 8:30 (once it’s dark enough!). Come early for yummy eats from Café Celeste and local food trucks, yard games, trivia, and gift shop browsing. Just don’t forget—outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, so come hungry and let the food trucks do their thing!
June 13: Wicked
June 20: 10 Things I Hate About You (Adults 18+)
July 18: A Bug’s Life
August 15: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Moo-vie Night at the Farmstead
Bring a blanket, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy a free outdoor movie night under the stars. The movie starts at dusk, but come early to explore the Farmstead and check out all the fun pre-movie activities.
August 30: Up @ 8:30pm
September 13: Finding Dory @ 8:00 pm
Bring your family, pack your lawn chairs and blankets, and join us for an evening under the stars at our Movie in the Park events. Dogs are welcome too!
May 30: The BFG
Float under the stars or hang out poolside, up to you! Either way, it’s going to be an unforgettable summer night at Lenexa’s Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center. Don’t miss the fun!
July 25: Luca
Theater in the Park Movies in the Park
Admission to the movies is $1, payable at the Box Office on site. Movies will begin between 8:30-8:45 p.m. Concessions, including beer and wine, will be available each movie night. We encourage patrons to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks to enjoy the great outdoors at the amphitheater!
June 3: Wild Robot
June 17: The Little Mermaid
July 1: The Lion King
July 15: Despicable Me 4
July 29: Wicked
Vera_Petrunina from Getty Images via Canva |
WyCo/Leavenworth Co.
Legends Outlets
Legends Outlets is thrilled to present Movie Night on The Lawn every Saturday evening at 7 p.m., weather permitting.
May 24: The Avengers (PG-13)
May 31: Wicked
June 7: The Goonies
June 14: High School Musical
June 21: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (PG-13)
June 28: The Wild Robot
July 5: Kung Fu Panda
July 12: Encanto
July 19: Surf’s Up
July 26: Despicable Me 4
August 2: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
August 9: Mufasa: The Lion King
August 16: Paddington
August 23: Matilda
August 30: Trolls Band Together
Check their website for dates in September and October!
Boulevard Drive-In – Kansas City, KS
Check their website for movies, times, and prices!
Downtown/South KC
Off the Wall Movie Series
Every summer, the Library organizes a complimentary series of downtown skyline cinema screenings on the Central Library's Rooftop Terrace.
June 20: Pretty in Pink
July 18: Fried Green Tomatoes
August 22: Deep Blue Sea
September 26: Black Panther
SE Kansas City, MO
Sand Cinema at Longview Lake Beach
Address: 11101 Raytown Road, Kansas City, MO 64134
Price: $10 per car
Show times & schedule: Gates open at 7:30pm
June 6: Moana 2 | 9pm
July 11: Mufasa: The Lion King | 8:30pm
August 1: Inside Out 2 | 8:45pm
Blue Springs Movies at Rotary Park
Address: 600 NW Vesper St, Blue Springs, MO 64014
Experience a memorable evening beneath the stars with free movies in the park! The event kicks off at dusk, so be sure to bring your own blankets/chairs and snacks (please note that alcohol is strictly prohibited).
July 11: Despicable Me4
August 8: Wicked
Movie Nights at Summit Waves
Address: 120 SW Blue Pkwy, Lee's Summit, MO 64063
"Dive-in" movie nights will be held on June 30 and July 28. Check the website for more details!