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Free Outdoor Movies in San Francisco Summer 2025 for Kids

Blankets & Blockbusters at Thrive City. Event photo courtesy of the Chase Center
Blankets & Blockbusters at Thrive City. Event photo courtesy of the Chase Center
6/15/25 - By Sandra Lee

Outdoor movies are a great way to spend a San Francisco summer evening. Kids love seeing a big blockbuster on a big screen next to the ocean waves, in parks, and under the stars. In this case, screen time is not only allowed but highly encouraged. 

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 essentials, discover the best Bay Area beaches for kids, visit the top splash pads in San Francisco, and bask in summer traditions with our Ultimate San Francisco Summer Vacation Guide.   

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Bring a blanket and movie snacks for Movies in the Park. Photo courtesy of berkeleyca.gov
Bring a blanket and movie snacks for Movies in the Park. Photo courtesy of berkeleyca.gov

Free Outdoor Movies in San Francisco this Summer for Kids

Millbrae Goes to the Movies

Millbrae
April 11 - September 12, 2025
Millbrae Goes to the Movies takes place at Central Park from June through September on the 2nd Friday of the month. Grab a blanket, lawn chair, and snacks for a family-friendly movie.  READ MORE

Glen Park Rec Center Movie Nights

San Francisco
May 6 - July 29, 2025
On Tuesday nights, go back in time for a classic movie with a bowl of popcorn with the family at the Glen Park Rec Center. See movies like Bird of Paradise (1932) and old school Superman Cartoons, among others.  READ MORE

Starlight Movies in the Park

Alameda
May 16 - September 26, 2025
Bring the family for a movie in the park. Pre-show festivities including games and crafts for kids, kick the night off with the featured movie between 8:15 to 8:45 pm, depending on darkness.  READ MORE

Movies on the Square in Redwood City

Redwood City
June 5 - August 28, 2025
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

Dublin Picnic Flix

Dublin
June 13 - July 25, 2025
Enjoy activities and games before the movie at Dublin's free family-friendly outdoor movie series. Films are shown at various parks, including Emerald Glen Park and Stager Community Gym Field. Food and snacks are available for purchase. READ MORE

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Free Movies on the Beach

Santa Cruz
June 13 - August 8, 2025
Free movies on the beach are held every Friday night at the Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Family-friendly movies like Men in Black and Despicable Me are shown on the big screen on the beach in front of the colonnade.  READ MORE

Blankets & Blockbusters at Thrive City

San Francisco
June 13 - August 15, 2025
Thrive City is rolling out the red carpet and invites you to B.Y.O. Blanket for the Bay Area’s biggest movie screen experience. Watch a family favorite from our plaza, and explore the interactive kids zone featuring games, crafts and face painting stations. Make sure to bring something warm as the weather can get a little chilly. READ MORE

Movies in the Park in Berkeley

Berkeley
June 13 - September 12, 2025
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

Hayward Free Outdoor Movies

Hayward
June 13 - September 12, 2025
Hayward is hosting free movies at various parks for the summer, with family-friendly films for the whole crew. Blankets, picnic dinners, flashlights, and lawn chairs are recommended.  READ MORE

Movies on the Square in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa
June 23 - July 21, 2025
Monday nights are movie nights in downtown Santa Rosa for Summer on the Square. Every Monday in June and July, see a family-friendly movie on a huge LED screen at Courthouse Square.  READ MORE

Yountville Movies in the Park

Yountville
June 27 - August 15, 2025
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

Outdoor Movie Nights in Antioch

Antioch
July 10 - 31, 2025
This July, free outdoor movie nights are back! Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, and bring the entire family out to enjoy popcorn, kids’ crafts, and a movie.  It will also be Food Truck Thursday, brought to you by FoodieCrewSF so families can grab dinner before the movie begins. READ MORE

Waterfront Flicks at Jack London Square

Oakland
July 12 & August 16, 2025
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

Piedmont Movie in the Park

Piedmont
July 18 - October 10, 2025
PRD invites your family and friends to watch a family-friendly movie under the stars. Movie lineup includes The Sandlot and Inside Out 2.  READ MORE

Movies in the Park in Mill Valley

Mill Valley
August 1 - October 3, 2025
Mill Valley's summer outdoor movie series is running from August until October with films shown on the big screen under the stars. Free to attend and no registration is required.  READ MORE

Movies in the Park in Cupertino

Cupertino
August 8 - 29, 2025
Movies in the Park at Creekside Park are held on Fridays in August. Watch movies such as The Princess and the Frog, Wicked, and more. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the show. READ MORE

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About the Author

Sandra Lee
Sandra Lee is the community publisher and social media manager for Mommy Poppins Bay Area. With nearly a decade of writing in the parenting space, she’s passionate about helping parents create unforgettable memories with their kids. Her work has appeared in Tiny Beans, Zulily, and more. When she's not exploring or creating content, you’ll find her baking or practicing her hip-hop moves.
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