Summer is in full swing! The days are filled with the smell of sunscreen, the taste of watermelon, and your kids are making memories at the pool and being outside as much as possible. Why not take a chance to partake in watching a movie with the family, but in a different way- under the stars?! There are many locations all throughout Central Ohio that are offering great movie nights (Over 80 viewings to be exact!). We put together a list of 10 places to check out this July and August. Be sure to put at least one on the calendar as summer has the nerve to fly by before you know it! Grab a blanket and some lawn chairs and pack some popcorn and bring your kids in their jammies for a night of family fun!
- Columbus Commons- The Columbus Commons has held two movie showings this summer, with their last one to debut on July 22. Minions will be the grand finale! Feel free to bring a blanket and food to this event, as well as lawn chairs to get a little more comfortable. Food is also sold at the event. The viewing starts at dusk. http://www.columbuscommons.org/happenings/movie-nights/
- Friday Night Flicks in Pickerington- Make your way to Sycamore Creek Park at Dusk to join in the family viewing fun. There are still four viewings left this summer and the movies begin at dusk. Parents- you may even get a kick out of Ferris Bueller’s Day off which shows on July 8! http://www.pickerington.net/Pages/Departments/Parks_and_Recreation/Friday_Night_Flicks/
- Fryer Flicks on the Hill in Grove City- Come to Grove City for a free, family-friendly outdoor movie series. Movies are shown on a large inflatable screen at dusk on the sledding hill at Fryer Park, 3899 Orders Road, Thursdays, from June 9 through Aug. 4. http://www.grovecityohio.gov/topic/fryer-flicks-on-the-hill-outdoor-movie-series/
- Movie by Moonlight at Easton- Doing some shopping on a summer night? Plan to stick around afterwards with the kids to see a movie at Easton with your friends and family. Put it on the calendar, as Easton offers a movie for the whole family to enjoy each Tuesday night. Buckets of popcorn are encouraged:) http://mome.eastonway.com/events-resources/movies-by-moonlight/
- Dive in Movies at Zoombezi Bay- Zoombezi Bay is taking a whole new twist on Movie Night! The Wild Tides Wave Pool is transformed into an Aqua Theater as some of your favorite flicks are played on the big screen. They are also offering games beforehand as the movies begin at 9 PM on Sunday nights. What a unique way to wrap up the weekend! https://zoombezibay.columbuszoo.org/home/visit/plan-your-visit/hours/event-calendar
- Movie in the Park in Upper Arlington- It’s summer time and that means Upper Arlington’s Parks & Recreation Department is ready to host an exciting lineup of movies to enjoy with your friends and family on the City’s 24-foot screen. Feel free to bring snacks and lawn chairs to this free event. Find out more here for different locations: http://www.uaoh.net/egov/apps/events/calendar.egov?view=detail;id=1337
- Movie Night in the Shoe- A truly unique experience through the Ohio State University! Movie Night in the Shoe will be on Friday, August 12th, 2016. The movie will be Star Wars: The Force Awakened. Gates open at 5:30 PM so be sure to get there early! There will be more information to come on this event but wanted to get the word out on this unique movie opportunity.
- Screen on the Green at Goodale Park-The Short North Civic Association will be starting their 7th season of showing films on the Green! It will begin on July 17th with a screening of Poltergeist. They have a 30-foot screen and will show three movies this summer along with food trucks at your finger tips! What a great combo! https://sites.google.com/a/victorianvillage.org/short-north-civic-association/sotg
- The Main Event in Bexley- Bexley really puts everything into their movie nights! They have a great mix of adult films and kid movies on tap for this summer. Many local businesses provide entertainment and crafts for the kids starting at 6:30 PM. The movies begin at 9 and they are ready for you to enjoy your summer with them at the Main Event! http://gobexley.com/main
- Topiary Park- If you haven’t checked out this park yet, you need to do so ASAP. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also showing movies under the stars this summer too! Head out early and pack a picnic and explore the park and then head over to the movies with the kids in their jammies. It sounds like a perfect summer night! http://www.columbusunderground.com/event/topiary-theater-cloudy-with-a-chance-of-meatballs?instance_id=9410
We know summer isn’t about screen time, but we think it’s okay to make an exception here. Mixing a movie with nature? Sounds like the perfect summer compromise if you ask us! Enjoy the movies and the memories!
Photographer Credit: Randal L. Schieber