guides

Summer Outdoor Movies Across Kansas City

By Melissa Basgall, Macaroni KID KC May 29, 2024

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

Paola Community Center's Summer Movie Series

Friday, June 14th pack out the theater for Trolls Band Together. Tickets are $5 (cash only) for anyone ages 4 or older. Concession stand takes cash only. Doors open at 6pm and the movie starts at 7pm. Follow their Facebook page for future movie announcements. 


Baldwin City Rec's Concert Movie Series

Check their website for movies, times, and prices!


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.

June 14: Onward | 9pm

July 26: TBD


Flick & Float at Gardner Aquatic Center

Join us for a laid-back movie night on July 11 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 a special evening at the pool. Enjoy "Finding Dory" at 8:30pm on July 12 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 18: Barbie

June 15: Wonka

July 20: Clueless


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 8:30 and 9:00 pm.

June 22: Grease

July 29: Kung Fu Panda 4


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 21: TMNT: Mutant Mayhem

July 19: The Last Rainforest

August 16: Frozen Empire


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 1: Wet Hot American Summer

June 8: Cry Baby

June 15: Drop Dead Gorgeous

June 22: Practical Magic

June 29: Dazed and Confused

July 6: Little Shop of Horrors

July 13: Ferris Bueler's Day Off

July 20: Dirty Dancing

July 27: Pee Wee's Big Adventure

August 3: Happy Gilmore

August 10: Goonies

Check their website for more!


Johnson County

MOO-vie Night at the Farmstead – Deanna Rose

Celebrate all things dairy at MOO-vie Night, presented by Hiland Dairy. Grab your blanket and head to the lawn for a complimentary outdoor screening. Immerse yourself in farmstead fun before the MOO-vie kicks off at dusk, approximately around 8 p.m. Don't miss out on this delightful dairy experience!

August 24: A Bug's Life


Outdoor Movie Night at the BV Rec. Sports Complex

Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and join us for a starlit movie experience on June 14th! Gates open at 8:30 PM, and the movie (TBD) will start after sunset. Feel free to bring your own snacks (please note that alcohol is prohibited). We'll also be collecting donations of non-perishable items for Ronald McDonald House. Preregistration is necessary. The event will take place at our Sports Complex (9701 W 137th St). Park in the parking lot for Fields 2-4 (closest to Antioch), and look for us by the shelters.



Bring your family, pack your lawn chairs and blankets, and join us for an evening under the stars at one of our Movie in the Park events. Dogs are welcome too!

May 31: Minions

September 20: Elemental


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 4: The Super Mario Bros

June 18: Despicable Me

July 2: The Little Mermaid

July 16: How to Train Your Dragon

July 30: Barbie 



Vera_Petrunina from Getty Images via Canva

WyCo/Leavenworth Co.

Tonganoxie Outdoor Movies 

Join us every other Friday this summer at 7:30 PM for outdoor screenings of family-friendly movies at the Tonganoxie Library!

May 31: Wonka

June 14: National Treasure

June 28: Migration

July 12: ET


Legends Outlets

Legends Outlets is thrilled to present Movie Night on The Lawn every Saturday evening at 7 p.m., weather permitting. Our movies are family-friendly, and on the last Saturday of each month, it's date night – with or without the kids!

May 20: Top Gun Maverick

May 27: Sandlot

June 3: Secret Life of Pets

June 10: The Devil Wears Prada

June 17: Despicable Me

June 24: The Princess Bride

July 1: National Treasure

July 8: Hook

July 15: Puss in Boots

July 22: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

July 29: The Wedding Planer

August 5: Super Mario Bros.

August 12: School of Rock

August 19: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

August 26: Say Anything

September 2: Harry Potter and The Socerer’s Stone

September 9: Little Giants

September 16: The Lion King

September 23: Jumanji

September 30: The Greatest Showman

October 7: Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

October 14: Casper

October 21: Hocus Pocus

October 28: The Nightmare Before Christmas


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 21: Barbie

July 19: Dazed and Confused

August 16: Crazy Rich Asians

September 13: Happy Death Day


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 7: Barbie | 9pm

July 12: The Little Mermaid | 8:45pm

August 2: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish | 8:30pm


B&B Twin Drive-In

Address: 1320 North 291 & Kentucky Road, Independence, MO 64055

Price: $22 per car

Check their website for movies and showtimes!


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).

June 14: Back to the Future

August 9: The Super Mario Brothers


Movie Nights at Summit Waves

Address: 120 SW Blue Pkwy, Lee's Summit, MO 64063

"Dive-in" movie nights will be held on June 24 and July 22. Check the website for more details!