I love drive-in theaters. My parents have been taking us to these retro theaters for as long as I can remember. We’ve gone for birthday parties, camping trips, and just fun summer nights out. As I grew older, I started going with friends and on dates. And this past weekend, I took my girls to their first drive-in movie (which happened to be their first movie on the big screen too).
It’s been on my life bucket list for years now to go to a drive-in in a pickup truck. I’ve even thought about renting a truck for a night to make it happen. But about two months ago, we bought our very own F150, so of course I was super excited to bring it to the movies! And you know what, it was everything I wanted and more! We brought mats, my enormous wrap-around pregnancy body pillow, and sleeping bags to set up a nice and cozy spot to snuggle in for the film.
Our go-to theater is the Milford Drive-In in New Hampshire, and one of my favorites is the Weirs Drive-In right at Lake Winnipesaukee. This time, we tried the Mendon Twin Drive-In and had a wonderful night! They have two screens showing two movies each, a Beer Garden, Snack Shack, Ice Cream Stand and more.
Considering the dinner options were grab-and-go style (pizzas, burgers, fries, etc. pre-made under heaters), it was surprisingly good food. But really, I expect nothing less from an establishment owned by the Phantom Gourmet family!
WONDERFULLY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
- Fresh air – the whole adventure is outside in the fresh air. Perfect for those still worried about COVID, love the outdoors, or want their own space. We lucked out with a gorgeous evening; clear sky and mid 60s when the sun went down. Isla enjoyed pointing out the stars as they slowly showed throughout the evening.
- In the busier months, they recommend arriving at least an hour before sundown to have your choice of a spot and be able to park next to other cars in your group. This chunk of time before the movie is so fun and some of my favorite drive-in memories are from that waiting period. As kids, we would run around, play ball and frisbee, get snacks, and play on the playground (depending on which drive-in we were at). It was just another opportunity to be outside with friends. Now as adults, we can grab some drinks, catch up and do some epic people watching. There are always some really great characters out at the drive-in!
- Speaking of characters, some people are so creative when it comes to setting up their spot. We saw people in full leather recliners, middle row car seats taken out of vans, full air mattresses in truck beds (which we will do next time!), and a family with one of those metallic gold and silver space blankets. There was even a couple that came in a DeLorean (our double feature was Goonies and Back to the Future).
- The drive-in is great for young kids because they don’t have to be quiet and still for an entire movie like in a traditional theater. They can talk without disrupting the people around them, comfortably fall asleep, and even go for a walk if they need to burn that energy (with an adult of course) while still watching the movie.
- One of the perks of having your own car and space is you can bring in your own food. Many drive-ins ask you not to, but no one is going to stop you from having eating a bag of chips or homemade sandwiches you brought in with you. They do make a lot of money from their concessions stands though to help pay staff and fees, so it’s good to keep that in mind if you’d like to give them your support.
TIPS
- Bring bug spray!! This is probably my #1 tip to remember or you will be miserable. Dusk = mosquitos. So. Many. Mosquitos! Spray yourself as soon as you arrive and you’ll be a much happier camper.
- Don’t forget your portable radio if you have one. Some people watch the movie from inside their car or with their trunk open and car radio playing the audio. But if you’re sitting in lawn chairs or the bed of a truck like us, a radio really helps to hear the movie clearly. Many drive-ins have radios to rent, which is what we ended up doing at the Mendon Theater. It was only $5 and definitely worth it.
- Pack layers and blankets. No matter how hot it is during the day, when that sun goes down, you’ll want to have a comfy sweatshirt or cozy blanket. They’ll also help with bugs if you forgot the bug spray!
- I’ve found most theaters are playing the more kid-friendly movies on weeknights and adult movies on the weekends. There were such fun films playing during the week, like Peter Rabbit and Shrek, that I know the girls would have loved to see.
- Check the entire calendar on the Drive-in’s website when choosing when to go – the movies playing may be different day to day. Don’t assume the same movies while be playing the whole weekend.
A REMINDER
- Drive-in movies in the summer start late – they have to wait for the sun to go down and its dark enough to project onto the screen. Our movie didn’t start until 8:45pm, and if you intend to stay for both movies, you’ll probably be there past midnight. Plan accordingly with your kids – change them into pajamas before the movie starts so they can just drift off. Lexie fell asleep within the first twenty minutes of the movie, happily snuggled under her sleeping bags.
I absolutely loved our newest adventure to the Drive-in and am excited to go again. The Saco Drive-In is a six minute drive from all the festivities at Old Orchard Beach. Sounds like the perfect summer day – play at the beach, ride silly attractions, eat yummy (probably very unhealthy) food, then relax with a movie under the stars.
Do you go to drive-in theaters? What’s your favorite part of the experience?
Jacqueline ♥