Now that the kids are out of school, you might be looking for creative ways to keep them entertained. Our advice? Head to one of our favorite local parks for a free outdoor movie night. You can escape the afternoon heat, bring a blanket and snacks, and turn an ordinary evening into a night they’ll never forget. And, if you’re missing those Top of the Park (A2SF) nights, we’ve created a list of other nearby movie night options!
Here are all of the family-friendly showings happening within an hour of Ann Arbor from now through September. We’ve even included a few special films at the Michigan Theater, too.
Normal Street Parking Lot (Ypsilanti)
Enjoy some fresh air and a family-friendly film at the Normal Street Parking Lot near the Water Tower. The Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority is sponsoring each show, and will have giveaways and activities to keep your little ones engaged. Movies start at sunset.
July 28 – Fantastic Mr. Fox
August 25 – Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory
September 29 – Encanto
811 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti. 734.482.9762. annarbor.org/event/ydda-summer-movie-series.
New Center Park (Detroit)
New Center Park is the perfect place to create lasting memories this summer. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair, grab some free popcorn, and bond over a movie on the lawn. Doors open at 8pm, and movies begin at dusk.
July 15 – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
July 22 – Jungle Cruise
July 29 – Tangled
August 6 – Cruella
August 12 – In The Heights
August 19 – Spiderman: No Way Home
August 26 – The Batman
2998 W Grand Boulevard, Detroit. 313-420-600. newcenterpark.com/friday-night-movies.
Campus Martius Park (Detroit)
“Movie Nights in the D” is back at Campus Martius Park! Stretch out under the stars (and soak up spectacular views of the Detroit skyline) while you watch a familiar title. Movies start at 7pm, and you can purchase popcorn from Poppin Top Hat and drinks from Park or BrisaBar.
July 14 – Encanto
July 21 – Mama Mia!
July 28 – Anchor Man
August 4 – The 355
August 11 – The Wizard of Oz
August 18 – Clueless
August 25 – Remember The Titans
800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit. 313-566-8250. visitdetroit.com/event/movie-nights-in-the-d.
Central Park (Milford)
Sit back and relax like the ancient Greeks and Romans with a movie at LaFontaine Family Amphitheater in Central Park. You can bring your own lawn chairs or blankets, or sprawl out directly on the grass. Movies begin at dusk.
August 3 – Encanto
August 17 – Raya and the Last Dragon
August 24 – Scoob!
159 N Main St, Milford. 248-684-1515. milfordtownship.com/activities/test/index.php.
See their 2022 Events page for more details.
Kensington Metropark (Milford)
Movies on Maple Beach? Yes, please! Sink your toes in the sand and settle in for some laughs at Kensington Metropark this summer. Doors opens at 6pm, and movies start at dusk. You will need a Metroparks daily or annual pass to enter the park.
August 5 – Sing 2
August 19 – Spiderman: No Way Home
4750 Huron River Parkway, Milford. 810-227-8910. metroparks.com/movies-in-the-parks.
Willow Metropark (New Boston)
Escape your living room and embrace some natural scenery with a movie at Willow Metropark. All movies will be shown at the Activity Center and begin at dusk. Again, you will need a Metroparks daily or annual pass to enter the park.
August 13 – Encanto
August 27 – Space Jam: A New Legacy
23200 South Huron Road, New Boston. 734-697-9181. metroparks.com/movies-in-the-parks.
Booth Park (Birmingham)
Let the kids burn off some energy after dinner and then decompress with a movie at Booth Park. Here, you’ll find an expansive playground, plus a labyrinth and tunnel for their enjoyment. Pre-show entertainment starts at 6:30pm, and the movies begin at sundown.
July 15 – Home Alone
August 12 – Moana
September 16 – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Booth Trail, Birmingham. 248-530-1200. allinbirmingham.com/calendar.
Downtown Rochester (Rochester)
It doesn’t get much cuter than downtown Rochester. Bring your own chair (and a little cash for hot mini donuts from The Little Donut Factory), and head to Movies in the Moonlight. Pre-shows start at 8:30pm, and the movies begin at sundown.
July 16 – Cruella
July 23 – Mama Mia!
July 30 – Jungle Cruise
August 6 – Encanto
E Third & Water St, Rochester. 248-656-0060.
downtownrochestermi.com/movies-in-the-moonlight.
Michigan Theater (Ann Arbor)
If you’re looking for a matinee, then visit the Michigan Theater for their “Summer of Ghibli” and “Summer Classics” series. They’re showing Studio Ghibli movies on Fridays at 9:30pm and Saturdays at 1:30pm, and Summer Classics on Sundays at 1:30pm and Tuesdays at 7:30pm. General admission is $10.50, but you’ll get free air conditioning and a gorgeous, historic backdrop with your purchase.
July 10 & 12 – The Lego Movie
July 15 & 16 – Ponyo
July 22 & 23 – Whisper of the Heart
July 29 & 30 – When Marnie Was There
August 5 & 6 – Porco Rosso
August 7 & 9 – Sister Act
August 12 & 13 – The Wind Rises
603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor. 734-668-8397. michtheater.org.
