Watch Free Outdoor Family Flicks at Chicagoland's Movies in the Park Events
Summer nights are made for outdoor movies, and Chicagoland has some fantastic options to enjoy a flick under the stars. From classic animated favorites to heartwarming adventures, there are so many great outdoor movie nights at parks and community spaces.
So, pack a picnic, grab your lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy the magic of cinema in the great outdoors this summer!
Free screenings can change at the last minute, so ALWAYS check the location first before heading out. Looking for more kid-friendly activities? Check out our summer fun family guide!
The popular Gallagher Way series returns with a mix of new, family-friendly releases and classics. In May, see Hook. In June, see Twisters, The Parent Trap and Inside Out 2. In July, see Wicked, Maverick and The Little Mermaid. In August, see Moana 2 and Crazy Rich Asians. In September, see Space Jam and Remember the Titans.
Families can enjoy a free movie night at Village Commons on the lawn. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. In June, watch Inside Out 2, Ratatouille, Abominable and Moana 2. In July, watch The Lion King, Mr. Peabody and Sherman, The Little Rascals, The Wild Robot and Vivo. In August, watch Onward and Mulan.
All movie screenings begin at dusk. We created a list breaking down by North Side, South Side and West Side to help find an outdoor movie near you.
Grab a blanket and snacks to watch movies at Scoville Park. Watch Moana 2 on June 13, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl on July 12, Santa Claus the Movie on July 25, Community Choice on Aug. 22 and Wicked on Sept. 19.
Grab a picnic blanket and join the fun at Wilder Park. Food trucks will also be available. Watch Wreck It Ralph on June 13, Moana 2 on July 11 and Wicked on Aug. 8. Movies begin at dusk.
Movies will be shown at Orland Park’s Centennial Park West location. Bring blanks and lawn chairs, movies begin at dusk. Watch Kung Fu Panda 4 on June 16, The Grinch July 21 and Moana 2 on Aug. 11.
Bring blankets, chairs and snacks for an outdoor movie screening this summer at Willow Stream Park. Concessions will be available for purchase. See Inside Out 2 on June 20, Moana 2 on July 12 and The Wild Robot on Aug. 1. Rescheduled dates are available if it rains.
Outdoor movies begin at various times at parks across Evanston. Food trucks will be available at some events. In June, watch Wicked, Dennis the Menace and Uncle Buck. In August, watch Toy Story, Inside Out 2, Wild Robot and Asteroid City.
Families can head to Millennium Park for a summer film series, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Guests can lounge on the Great Lawn or take a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Enjoy a Thursday movie with the family. On July 10, watch Jurassic Park and on July 24, watch Wicked.
Enjoy watching the movie, The Wild Robot on July 22 and Wicked on Aug. 15. Bring your own chairs, blankets and movie snacks.
Families are welcomed to enjoy a night in the parks with their free outdoor movie series. In July, watch Elf. In August, watch Freaky Friday, Inside Out 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. In September, watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
This story was updated on May 28, 2025 by Chicago Parent’s Content Writer, Kari Zaffarano. Her research included fact checking the 2025 dates for outdoor movie series and adding them to Chicago Parent’s events calendar. Questions? Email her at [email protected]
As audience development manager, Katina Beniaris digs into data to help the Chicago Parent team learn about our audiences and tailor better content for them. She has more than five years of experience in content creation.
