Your Guide to Free Outdoor Family Movies this Summer

Seeing a movie at the theater is a magical experience, but when summer rolls around, it’s time to get outside and enjoy free movies on the big screen!

Free family movie nights abound across the St. Louis area, so grab your kids, a blanket or lawn chairs, and get ready for some cinematic fun under the stars. Here's where to find them:

Family Movie Night at Westport Plaza

Enjoy a free family movie once a month for the rest of the year at Westport Plaza, with concessions included! Catch a showing of Cars on July 10, Sing on August 14, Toy Story on September 11, Coco on October 30, and The Polar Express on November 6. Come early for family-friendly activities, like face painting, before the movie starts. Most of the movies start at sunset. Learn more at westportstl.com.

Rawlings Experience Movie Night at Westport Plaza

Watch baseball classics during Rawlings Experience Movie Night on select Fridays. See Million Dollar Arm on June 26, The Sandlot on July 31, Angels in the Outfield on August 21, and The Rookie on September 25. Movie night activities start at 6 p.m. and movies start at 7 p.m. at Rawlings Experience St. Louis in Westport Plaza. Learn more at westportstl.com.

Movies on the Plaza in the Central West End

Every month this summer, enjoy trivia and prizes before a free outdoor movie with Movies on the Plaza in the Central West End. The fun continues with Back to the Future on July 15, and wraps up with Beetlejuice on August 19. All movies start at 8 p.m., but arrive early for trivia and prizes. Learn more at marylandplaza.com.

Movie Nights at 9 Mile Garden  

9 Mile Garden is hosting family-friendly movie nights all summer long on Wednesdays. Enjoy food trucks, desserts, cold drinks and more, and then watch a movie on the 325-inch big screen. Catch How to Train Your Dragon on June 24, Hoppers on July 1, Sing 2 on July 8, Shrek on July 15, The Incredibles on July 22, Encanto on July 29, Madagascar on August 5, and Monsters, Inc. on August 12. Movies will be shown between 7-9 p.m. at 9 Mile Garden in Affton. No outside food and drinks are allowed, but lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Learn more at 9milegarden.com.

Dutchtown Movie Series in Marquette Park

Head to Marquette Park in Dutchtown for free movies under the stars this summer starting at dusk. See The Bad Guys 2 on July 25 and, on August 15, catch The SpongeBob Movie: Seach for Squarepants. Learn more at dutchtownstl.org.

Movie Under the Stars at St. Charles County Parks   

Bring blankets or lawn chairs and watch a movie under the stars with St. Charles County Parks. Zootopia 2 will play on a giant inflatable outdoor screen on Saturday, July 18 at Veterans Tribute Park, so dress for the weather and don’t forget bug spray and a cooler for drinks. Popcorn is free, and bottled water and individually wrapped candy will be available to buy too, while supplies last. The movie is free and for all ages, but participants 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Learn more at sccmo.org.

Bellevue Park Nights

The city of Belleville, Ill., is hosting Bellevue Park Nights this summer, which feature free concerts as well as free family movies. Gather in the park to enjoy movies that start at sunset, including Finding Nemo on July 10, Big Hero 6 on August 14 and Moana 2 on September 11. Learn more at belleville.net.