Where St. Louis Families Can See Summer Movies under the Stars

It doesn’t truly feel like summer until you’ve seen a movie under the stars. So it should come as no surprise that the free outdoor film series which have become a routine part of the St. Louis summer landscape are a delight to local families. If you’re searching for a relaxing, low-key way to entertain your kids (and yourself) once the sun goes down, these family-friendly movie nights are just the ticket.    

Free Outdoor Film Series at the Saint Louis Art Museum

Spend your Friday evenings on Art Hill this summer for the Free Outdoor Film Series at the Saint Louis Art Museum. This popular outdoor film series – which features vintage films appropriate for families – takes place on July 11, 18, 25 and August 1, with movies starting at 9 p.m. Local food trucks and live music will be on hand starting at 7 p.m. to feed and entertain crowds.

It’s also worth noting that Meet Me in St. Louis will be the featured film on August 1. Because a chance to introduce your kids to the Judy Garland classic about the 1904 World’s Fair on the actual site of the 1904 World’s Fair? That’s an opportunity just too good to pass up.

Flicks and Foodies under the Arch

June’s rained out Flicks and Foodies event has been rescheduled to Saturday, July 19, so there’s still time to take the whole family to see an action-packed Western on the Gateway Arch Grounds. Guests can enjoy live music and local food trucks starting at 7 p.m., and the movie starts at sunset. For more details about this event and to discover which classic Western is being screened, visit www.gatewayarch.com/events.

Monday Movie Nights at Ballpark Village

Admission to Monday Movie Nights at Ballpark Village is $1, but that’s a small price to pay for the chance to watch classics like Back to the Future on a 24-foot outdoor screen on the Busch II Infield. (Even better, the admission fee is being donated to charity). Movies will be shown from 7-10 p.m. on July 28, August 25 and September 29; be sure to bring blankets because lawn chairs are not permitted. 

Starlight Movie Series in Eureka

Do you remember drive-ins? Your family is invited to recreate the fun of outdoor movies by seeing The Lego Movie on July 25 or Monsters University on August 22at Eureka’s Starlight Movie Series.  Family–friendly activities begin at 7:45 p.m.and movies start at 8:45 p.m. Guests are free to bring their own snacks, and free popcorn and lemonade will be served while supplies last.

Wentzville’s Movie in the Park

Follow the yellow brick road to the city of Wentzville on Friday, August 15 for a free outdoor showing of The Wizard of Oz at the Rotary Park Amphitheatre. The movie begins at 8 p.m., and concession items such as soda, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and candy will be available for purchase. For more details, click here.

Summer Outdoor Movie Night in Lake St. Louis  

On Thursday, July 27 bring your lawn chairs to The Meadows at Lake St. Louis to enjoy a free showing of The LEGO Movie under the stars. The movie is located in the Clock Tower Plaza, and will begin at dusk. To learn more, visit www.themeadowslsl.com.

University City Movies in the Park

The fourth annual University City Movies in the Park is in full swing again this summer; upcoming films include the award-winning Life of Pi on Saturday, July 12 and box-office favorite 42 on Saturday, August 9. Both films are being shown at Millar Park, and begin at 8:15 p.m.

South Grand Movie Nights

The South Grand Community Improvement District hosts monthly community movie nights at the South Grand Parking Lot through summer and early fall. Throw back to the 80’s with films like The Goonies and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids or catch a more recent flick like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. Movie dates are scheduled for July 18, August 15 and September 19. Get complete details at www.southgrand.org/events/.

Family Movie Night in Kimmswick

Head to the quaint town of historic Kimmswick and enjoy a Family Movie Night in the park. Local restaurants will stay open late, and the movie schedule includes kids’ favorites like Despicable Me 2, Lilo & Stitch and The Smurfs. Movie nights are scheduled for July 11, September 12 and October 10. Movies begin at dusk. 

Summer Movie Series at the Chesterfield Amphitheatre

The Frozen sing along has come and gone, but families can still enjoy a showing of Despicable Me 2 at the Chesterfield Amphitheatre on Friday, July 25 from 8-10 p.m. A combination of fixed and lawn seating available, and the concession stand will be open for this event.

Movies on the Mississippi in Grafton

Grafton, Illinois is the place to be for free outdoor movies every Wednesday evening this summer. See family-friendly films like Aladdin, Mary Poppins, andTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles right on the banks of the Mississippi (but probably consider skipping the week they’re showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show).

Best of all, this event takes place at a small winery and pub on the Grafton waterfront – meaning that parents can enjoy these movie nights just as much as kids. Click here to see the complete schedule of films, or call (618) 786-9463 for more information.

Family Film Day at the Missouri History Museum

Family Film Day is an indoor event, yes, but it’s worth including on the list because it’s a splish-splashing good time, and because it takes place early in the day – which is important for families who aren’t yet ready to stay out past dark and mess with those all-important bedtime routines.

On Tuesday, July 22 at 10:30 a.m. kids and families are invited to watch a special showing of Finding Nemo at the Missouri History Museum, and then “swim” through the galleries on a Nemo-themed scavenger hunt.  This event, which is part of the Summer Family Fun Series, is geared towards children ages 2-7.

While some of the above film series offer limited seating, your best bet is always to bring your own. Also, remember to avoid glass bottles if you’re packing your own beverages and snacks, and – word to the wise – don’t forget the bug spray. Otherwise, happy summer movie watching!