The Trails Cafe has shady outdoor seating and affordable lunch options. Photo by Amanda Schutt
Best Cheap Places to Eat in Los Angeles for Kids & Families (Under $15!) — Recs From Locals
The Great Park Carousel in Irvine is an LA attractions that costs $5 or less. Photo by Kylie Williams
12 Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles That Cost $5 or Less
Welcome the Year of the Horse at the Oshogatsu Family Festival. Event photo by Doug Mukai for JANM
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Los Angeles in January 2026, According to MP Editors
The Sheldon Family Handprint Globe at MOXI. Photo by Kylie Williams
MOXI Santa Barbara: What Parents Need to Know Before Taking Kids (From a Mom Who’s Been There)
There is so much free fun to be had at places in LA like LACMA. Photo by Joey Zanotti via Flickr 2.0
100 Fun Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids
While LACMA rebuilds, kids can still watch Metropolis II for hours (and hours - it's mesmerizing!). Photo courtesy of LACMA
30 Free Things To Do Indoors in Los Angeles: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids
Everyone loves a snow day! Photo courtesy of Big Bear Mountain Resort
Snow Play Near Los Angeles: 16 Places LA Families Can Pretend It's Winter
Some of the tube lanes at Mt. Baldy are as long as 150 feet! Photo courtesy of Mt. Baldy Snow Play Park
Best Snow Tubing near Los Angeles for Families
Dig in to slime-making! Sloomoo Institute LA photo by Chelsie Hill, courtesy of BFA
21 Trending and Out-of-the-Box Activities for Kids in Los Angeles
Photo by Bill Soistmann
GUIDE
Los Angeles Visitors' Guide for Families
Dive into tons of fun in Long Beach. Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific
39 Things to Do With Kids in Long Beach
Embrace the mess! Sloomoo Institute photo by Kylie Williams
NEW Sloomoo Institute Opens in Los Angeles for Kids to Enjoy Slime Fun
Dive into fun at the Cayton Children's Museum. Photo by Matthew Tucciarone
Best Children's Museums in Los Angeles and Orange County
This 3 day itinerary will make you fall in love with LA. Photo by Roberto Nickson, via Pexels
3 Days in Los Angeles with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Everything at the Cayton has been carefully crafted with one goal in mind: to help create a better world through the power of play.
Guide to the Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica–A Parent Review
Imaginative play for preschoolers is music to our ears. Photo courtesy of Pretend City
39 Things To Do with Preschoolers in Los Angeles Before They Turn 5
Join Linus' cowboy jamboree and hang with the whole PEANUTS gang this weekend at Knott's. Photo courtesy of Knott's Berry Farm
Whale Fiesta, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Exhibit, and More Top Things To Do in Los Angeles This Weekend
Visit LACMA's Levitated Mass. Photo by Joey Zanetti
100 Things To Do in Los Angeles Before Kids Grow Up

Drive-In Movie Theaters near Orlando for Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids

Beep, beep! It's movie night at Ocala Drive-In. Photo courtesy of the theater
Beep, beep! It's movie night at Ocala Drive-In. Photo courtesy of the theater
5/13/22 - By Charlotte B

Want the nostalgia of taking your family to a drive-in movie? Drive-in movie theaters allow for an affordable and fun family night out. We've highlighted the three nearest drive-in movie theaters in Central Florida , so you can load up the car with the kiddos, some blankets, and snacks (if permitted at the drive-in movie), and enjoy an outdoor movie night from the comfort of your own vehicle.

Some tips for visiting the drive-in movie theater:

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot and allow for time to visit the concession stand.
  • Similar to indoor movie theaters, these drive-in movie theaters largely rely on concession sales. Support the theater by visiting the snack bar...often.
  • While each of the theaters listed below offer two showtimes for one price, you are not required to stay for both movies.
  • Bring bug spray.
  • Be courteous of other moviegoers—don't flash headlights, talk loudly, and encroach on space.

You can also visit the Orlando event calendar to find pop-up movie events and outdoor movie screenings happening around town!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Enjoy two showings per night at the Joy-Lan Drive-In. Photo courtesy of the theater/Facebook
Enjoy two showings per night at the Joy-Lan Drive-In. Photo courtesy of the theater/Facebook

Drive-In Movie Theaters for Families Near Orlando

Joy-Lan Drive-in Theatre

Dade City
Joy-Lan Drive-In has entertained moviegoers since 1950. The drive-in movie theater is open Wednesday-Sunday, with two showtimes each night. Gates open 30 minutes before showtime, so arrive early to get a good spot. Tickets are $7 for ages 10 and up, $3 for ages 4-9, and free for under 4. Outside food is permitted. A snack bar is also available on site with items such as pizza, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream, and more. READ MORE

Ocala Drive-In Theatre

Ocala
Open seven nights per week, the Ocala Drive-In Theatre offers two movies nightly for one price, rain or shine. Gates open one hour before the movie starts. Tickets are not sold online; only at the gate upon arrival. Adult admission is $6, admission for children ages 6-12 is $3, and children 5 and younger are free. No outside food or beverages are allowed. Guests can order concessions online in advance or onsite, with selections such as pizza, wings, candy, popcorn, nachos, and more. There's a kids menu for the little ones. READ MORE

Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre

Lakeland
The Silver Moon Drive-In offers two screens with double features seven nights per week. Admission is $7 for ages 10 and up, $3 for ages 4-9, and free for kids under 4. Gates open 1.5 hours early on Fridays and Saturdays, and 45 minutes to 1 hour early on Sundays through Thursdays. Outside food is permitted, and snacks and treats are available at the on-site snack bar as well. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Charlotte Blanton
Charlotte Blanton, a Central Florida native and mom of three, holds a business degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). After a career in corporate finance, she pivoted to stay home with her kids and found her passion for writing through Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring local theme parks and discovering fun activities for families in Central Florida.
Recent Articles By Charlotte Blanton:
Read more articles by Charlotte B.