10 Tips for Taking Kids to a Drive-In
Although the word is full of unknowns, we can’t stop having fun and making memories. We simply need to figure out how to do it safely. One good thing about social isolation, is it brought back some nostalgic activities…like baking bread, family game night, and movie nights. Every summer we do something that screams nostalgia…DRIVE-IN MOVIES! Do you know there are less than 350 drive-ins left in the US? I wasn’t going to let anything stop us from doing it this summer. Here is an article I wrote last summer, but I’ve added some tips for safely doing it during COVID-19. Enjoy!
One fun thing to do during summer is take your family to the drive-in. Not only is it cheap (It was only $28 for a car of 4 people), but it’s a fun nostalgic thing you can do together. Many drive-ins run throughout late summer/early fall in New England but in many parts of the country they are lucky to have them run year-round.
Here are 10 Tips for Taking Kids to a Drive-In:
BEACH CHAIRS/CAMP CHAIRS
Most people don’t sit in their cars like I had expected. Cars get hot and the windows can get foggy so it’s best to find a spot in front of your car. Bring a chair you can comfortably sit in for 2 hours. One family even brought bean bags for their kids! (Many drive-ins are operating at 50% capacity and making you leave space in between cars. Practice social distancing by always keeping 6-feet away from others and wear a mask if you’re near others.)
THINK COZY
There’s no one to impress, so dress code is all about being cozy. This is the time to bring out the yoga pants or sweats. Even better…best things for kids to wear to the drive-in are their PJ’s!
DINNER/SNACKS
Another unique thing about a drive-in is you can bring your own food. Grab a pizza or your favorite take-out on the way there or pack a picnic dinner. (If you are avoiding contact with others, bring food from home.) Don’t forget to bring your own popcorn, candy, and drinks. Most places have concession stands but it will be much cheaper if you pack your own! (If you choose to use the concession stand, follow their rules which may include wearing a mask, following directional arrows, and paying with a credit card.)
LAYERS
Since it gets cooler at night, don’t forget a warm cozy blanket to wrap around yourself. Sweatshirts, a fleece, and fluffy socks are always a good idea too.
TOYS
You’ll probably have extra time before the movie starts and you don’t want the whining to ruin your night. Bring toys like a ball, frisbee, or card games that will keep kids entertained. (Before the movies start, it sometimes feels like you’re tailgating. Many drive-ins will not allow you to gather in large groups and some will not allow cars in until the movie is about to start. You may want to call ahead to hear the new rues.)
BUG SPRAY
Nothing ruins a good night like those nasty little nibblers so bug spray is a MUST. We were eaten alive last year so when we went this summer I left the organic spray at home and went right for the deet!
DOGS
Your furry friends will have fun at the drive-in (as long as they’re well-behaved). We brought our 10-week-old puppy and he slept on a blanket at our feet throughout the entire movie. Don’t forget to bring their leash, water bowl, and a blanket for them to lie on.
DON’T BE “THOSE PEOPLE”
We’re all there to see a movie, not listen to that family that has no movie etiquette and talks through the whole thing. Be respectful of families around you and act like you would if you were in a theater.
GLOWSTICKS
Especially if there are lots of kiddos in your party, you may want them to wear a glowstick bracelet or necklace, so you can quickly spot them. Plus, kids think it’s so fun!
DON’T OVERSTAY YOUR WELCOME
Just because it is a double feature doesn’t mean you have to stay for the whole thing. If you watch both shows you won’t leave the drive-in until about 1:00 am! Kids are happy watching just one movie and lots of cars leave at halftime. Leave while it’s still a good memory for them. (Many drive-ins are only showing one movie instead of doing double features.)
Tips I learned from watching the pros:
Some people have this down to a science and have quite impressive set-ups. Here are some tips I learned from them:
- If you have a pick-up truck, face the back towards the screen so you have somewhere high to sit. Want to step it up even more? Put a blow-up mattress in the back and some pillows.
- Screens usually use radio frequencies to play the movie. Bring a portable radio with extra batteries so you can place it where you want.
- Arrive early! Don’t be the family that pulls in after the movie has started and everyone is already settled. People around you will not be thrilled.
- Bring a small flashlight to take with you when you are walking to the bathroom.
- Bring cash. Some theaters prefer this method of payment and some only let you buy tickets with cash. (Many are accepting only credit cards this summer.)
- This summer, many theaters are making you pay online before you get there.
- I would call ahead of time and ask about how they are cleaning their restrooms. What cleaning supplies are they using and what changes have they made? Bring your own hand sanitizers just in case.