Ever since I watched “Grease” as a teenager, I’ve had a soft spot for outdoor movies. Now that I have a family, I’m an even bigger fan.
My 5-year-old still won’t sit down for a feature-length film, and within 30 minutes is normally upside down in a headstand with feet thrown over the back cushions. Or he’s pulling every blanket and pillow off the couch to build a fort under the recliner.
Bringing the big screen under the stars allows me to release my Tasmanian devil into a grassy lawn, where he can play with friends, snap some glow sticks, and spill all the popcorn he likes.
It’s been on my family’s summer bucket list for years, so I decided to round up every outdoor movie night I could find within about 30 minutes of Springfield.
Quick List: Remaining outdoor movies in summer 2026
Springfield
Republic
- July 17 — “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” (PG)
- August 7 — “Zootopia” (PG)
- September 19 — “Wicked” (PG)
Nixa
- June 27 — “The Wild Robot” (PG)
- July 25 — “A Minecraft Movie” (PG)
- August 29 — “Superman” (PG-13)
- September 26 — “Harold and the Purple Crayon” (PG)
Springfield: One more chance for a movie under the stars
Springfield-Greene County Parks has been rotating its Movies in the Park series through different parks this summer. If you missed the first two showings, don’t worry — there’s still one movie night left on the schedule. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and settle in as the sun goes down.
Saturday, July 11 — “Goat”
A young goat dreams of becoming a professional athlete and joining the pros despite being underestimated because of his size. This family-friendly animated movie begins at dusk and is perfect for families looking for one last midsummer movie night. PG.
Location: Silver Springs Park
Cost: Free
Time: Movie begins at dusk (approximately 8:45 p.m.)
More information is on the Park Board website.
Republic: Affordable family fun at The Amp
If you’ve never been to The Amp in Republic, this might be the summer to change that.
Families can spread out on blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy popcorn (included in ticket price). Republic Parks & Recreation has one of the strongest remaining movie schedules in the area, with three family-friendly movies still ahead.
Friday, July 17 — “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”
Expect lots of laughs as inventor Flint Lockwood’s wild creations take over his town. This one is especially fun for elementary-aged kids. PG.
Friday, August 7 — “Zootopia”
A clever mystery wrapped in an animated adventure, “Zootopia” is one of those family movies that keeps both kids and adults entertained. PG.
Saturday, September 19 — “Wicked”
This one will likely be a hit with older kids, tweens, teens and parents. PG.
Location: The Amp at J.R. Martin Park, Republic
Cost: $2 with advance registration; $3 at the gate (includes popcorn)
Time: Check with Republic Parks and Recreation for exact showtimes and tickets. Some of these start before sunset, and would be great options for littles.
Nixa: A full summer of movies at McCauley Park
Nixa is where it’s at this summer, as the city has the most robust schedule that stretches all the way to late September!
Movies in the Park takes place at McCauley Park, where families can spread out with blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a free movie on a giant outdoor screen. All movies begin at dusk, and concessions are available for purchase.
Saturday, June 27 — “The Wild Robot”
One of the most beloved family films of the past few years, “The Wild Robot” follows a robot stranded in the wilderness who learns to survive — and connect — with the animals around her. As a mom, this one was a tear-jerker for me! PG.
Saturday, July 25 — “A Minecraft Movie”
This outdoor showing gives kids a chance to see their favorite blocky world on the big screen while enjoying a summer evening at the park. PG.
Saturday, August 29 — “Superman” (2025)
Capes, action, and a late-summer movie night under the stars make this a great option for families with older kids and teens. PG-13.
Saturday, September 26 — “Harold and the Purple Crayon”
This family-friendly adventure is inspired by a beloved children’s book. PG.
Location: McCauley Park, Nixa
Cost: Free
Time: Movies begin at dusk; activities begin around 7 p.m.
Looking for a “real” drive-in movie theatre?
About 30 minutes west of Springfield, Sunset Drive-In Theatre in Aurora has been showing movies under the stars since the 1950s and remains one of the few operating drive-ins in Missouri.
Instead of spreading out on a blanket, families watch from their vehicles while listening through their car radios. Many families arrive early with lawn chairs, snacks, and plenty of time to enjoy the sunset before the movie begins.
Check the drive-in’s website for current showtimes and double features before making the trip.
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