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Free Outdoor Movies in San Francisco this Summer for Kids

Catch family-friendly movies beneath the summer stars. Photo courtesy of city of San Pablo
Catch family-friendly movies beneath the summer stars. Photo courtesy of city of San Pablo
6/4/23 - By Sandra Lee

This post is currently being updated for 2024! 

Outdoor movies are a great way to spend a San Francisco summer evening. Kids will love seeing a big blockbuster on a big screen next to the ocean waves, in parks, and under the stars. Free outdoor movies are even better, especially when we need easy and entertaining events to fill summer nights. In this case, screen time is not only allowed but highly encouraged. 

Like hikes and summer concerts, outdoor movies are a summertime tradition, and luckily in the Bay Area, the weather is almost always on our side. Watching a movie in the cool open air is a perfect outing for families of all ages, where everyone can enjoy some time together in front of the big screen. We've rounded up the best family-friendly outdoor movie screenings in the Bay Area, so grab a blanket or lawn chair, pack some snacks, and get ready for a summer family date night. 

For more summer fun in San Francisco and the Bay Area, see our picks for the best summer festivals in San Francisco, free museum days for kids in San Francisco, and browse our Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide. 

 

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A San Francisco summer means outdoor movies. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Parks Alliance Facebook page
A San Francisco summer means outdoor movies. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Parks Alliance Facebook page

Free Outdoor Movies in San Francisco and the Bay Area this Summer for Kids

Sundown Cinema

Various parks in San Francisco
June - October 2023
See a movie outdoors in beautiful San Francisco at a different park each week. With 7 films in 7 different locations around the city, families can get together and enjoy company, good food, and a family-friendly movie.  READ MORE

Movies in the Park in Mill Valley

Various parks in Mill Valley
June 2 - October 13, 2023
Mill Valley's summer outdoor movie series is running from June until October with films shown on the big screen under the stars. Free to attend and no registration is required.  READ MORE

Drive-In First Saturdays in Pacifica

Linda Mar Shopping Center, Pacifica
June 3 - August 5, 2023
Sit back and watch family-friendly movies in Pacifica under the stars without leaving your car. Occurs on the first Saturday of June - August at Kimco's Linda Mar Shopping Center.  READ MORE

Movies on the Square in Redwood City

Courthouse Square, Redwood City
June 8 - August 31, 2023
Summer movies in Courthouse Square are back with double features for kids and grown-ups every Thursday. Get there early to get the best seats and pick up some takeout from one of the awesome restaurants nearby.  READ MORE

Sit-In First Fridays in Half Moon Bay

San Benito House Cantina Garden, Half Moon Bay
June 9 - October 6, 2023
Enjoy family-friendly movies in Half Moon Bay for an evening under the stars. Occurs on the first Friday of August - October at San Benito House Cantina Garden. Blankets and lawn chairs are recommended.  READ MORE

Movies Under the Stars in San Pablo

San Pablo Community Center
June 16 - August 11, 2023
San Pablo's Movies Under The Stars event is showing films like Super Mario Bros. and Paw Patrol at the Community Center. Free to the public, and a wonderful family summer evening. READ MORE

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Free Movies on the Beach

Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz
June 16 - August 11, 2023
Free movies on the beach are held every Friday night at the Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Family-friendly movies like Wonka, Trolls, and Barbie are shown on the big screen on the beach in front of the colonnade.  READ MORE

Movies in the Park in Berkeley

Various parks in Berkeley
June 16 - September 30, 2023
The Berkeley Recreation Division is hosting eight free outdoor movies on a large 20x12 inflatable movie screen on Friday nights at various parks in the Berkeley area. Blankets, sleeping bags, lawn chairs, and headlamps (for when the movie ends) are good to bring.  READ MORE

Movies in the Park in Petaluma

Lucchesi Park, Petaluma
June 16 - October 20, 2023
The City of Petaluma is hosting free outdoor movie screenings at Lucchesi Park on select Fridays. Blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks are recommended as you enjoy a movie under the stars.  READ MORE

Movies at the Green

Green Music Center, Rohnert Park
June 17 - September 16, 2023
Summer on the Green is showing classic and recent box office hits on Weill Lawn for the whole family. See the original followed by the recently released films like Frozen, Topu, and Cars.  READ MORE

Hayward Free Outdoor Movies

Various parks in Hayward
June 23 - September 8, 2023
Hayward is hosting free movies at various parks for the summer, with family-friendly films for the whole crew. Blankets, picnic dinner, flashlights, and lawn chairs are recommended.  READ MORE

Friday Night Music & Movies

Various parks in Corte Madera
June 23 - September 15, 2023
Enjoy live music, lawn games, and a movie at various parks in June, August, and September. Classics like Mary Poppins and recently released box office hits like Puss in Boots are all shown on the big screen.  READ MORE

Yountville Movies in the Park

Yountville Community Park
June 23 - September 29, 2023
The Yountville Community Park is hosting family-friendly movies every month through September. Concessions and food trucks are available for food and beverage purchases. READ MORE

Waterfront Flicks at Jack London Square

Marina Lawn, Jack London Square, Oakland
June 24 - July 15, 2023
Bring a blanket, lawn chair and some takeout from any of your favorite Jack London Square restaurants while you watch a movie on the big screen at dusk.  READ MORE

Movies on the Square

Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa
July 10 - 31, 2023
Monday nights are movie nights in downtown Santa Rosa for Summer on the Square. Every Monday in July hosts a family-friendly movie on a huge LED screen at Courthouse Square.  READ MORE

Movies at the Beach

Capitola Beach
August 25 & September 1, 2023
Families can pack a picnic dinner or grab some takeout and head to the beach to watch a family-friendly film on the big screen. The movies are shown on the bandstand stage in Esplanade Park. Blankets, jackets, and lawn chairs are recommended so you are comfortable and warm! READ MORE

Movies in the Park RHA Oakland

Redwood Heights Park, Oakland
August 25 - October 6, 2023
Free outdoor movies at Redwood Heights Park are back with fun, family-friendly films to enjoy together. Blankets, lawn chairs, jackets, and snacks are recommended.  READ MORE

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