As a kid, I remember piling into the car and going to the Astro Drive-In. It was great because everyone could spread out and get comfortable. The Astro Drive-In was Dallas’ last drive-in and operated until the late 1990s. After fire damaged the property, the owners ultimately demolished the screens instead of rebuilding.
Although we no longer have a drive-in theater in Dallas, families can still relish the freedom of watching movies outdoors. Enjoy special summer shows or zip over to Ennis to enjoy movies against a starry backdrop.
Half Price Books Presents Movies in the Parking Lot
5803 East Northwest Hwy
Dallas, Texas
Phone: (214) 379-8000
Venue Website
For the third year, Half Price Books is hosting a series of free outdoor movies. Beginning June 4, the store will screen a movie every other Saturday all summer long. The schedule includes “Hook,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One,” “E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial,” “Sherlock Holmes,” “Star Trek,” “The Incredibles” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
“E.T.” sounds especially fun because the scene with Elliot riding his bicycle across the sky will look great against the real night sky.
The action starts at 8:45 p.m. Remember to bring a chair.
Fifth Annual “Stars Under the Stars” Series
Sundance Square
Fort Worth, Texas
Venue Website
Fort Worth’s Sundance Square kickstarts its free Thursday night summer movie series on June 2. This year’s roster includes “Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Julie & Julia,” “Despicable Me,” “The Bucket List” and “Seabiscuit.”
Seating begins at 7 p.m. and the movies begin at dusk. Guests are welcome to bring chairs or blankets, but folding chairs are also available for a $2 rental fee. Free parking is available at all Sundance Square lots and parking garages after 5 p.m.
Take-out from neighboring Sundance Square restaurants is welcome, but the venue does not allow any outside food, drinks or coolers. Guests can purchase standard movie treats, such as popcorn, from the snack bar.
NRH2O
9001 Boulevard 26
North Richland Hills, Texas
Phone: (817) 427-6500
Venue Website
Located in North Richland Hills, NRH2O is a family-friendly water park that offers dive-in movies on Friday nights during the summer. Families can float in the wave pool or gather on the beach area as they watch family-friendly movies such as “Despicable Me” and “How to Train Your Dragon.” Be sure to check the schedule because the lineup also includes “Jaws.
Park admission costs $23.99 for guests 48 inches and taller and $19.99 for guests shorter than 48 inches. Admission is free for kids ages two and younger. Several discount ticket options are available, including printable coupons on the NRH2O website.
Galaxy Drive-In
5301 North Interstate Highway 45
Ennis, Texas
Phone: (972) 875-5505
Venue Website
It is a bit of drive from Dallas, but the Galaxy Drive-In offers a classic drive-in experience complete with clip-on speakers. (Don’t worry; the audio is also available over your radio.) The concession stand and box office open daily at 6 p.m. although the summer films do not begin until after 8 p.m. Since the Galaxy attracts a crowd, it is best to arrive early to pick a prime parking spot.
The theater shows double features for a modest price; $6 per adult, $3 for children ages 5 to 11 and free for children younger than 5. 3D movies cost an extra $2.
An 18-hole mini golf course is also on-site. It usually opens at 6:30 p.m. on weekends, but it operates nightly during the summer. It costs $3 per game, $4 for two games and kids ages 3 and younger can play Park and Putt for free.
The theater does not allow any outside food or drinks, but the complete concession menu is available online. Dippin’ Dots are also available during most of the year.
