Drive-in movie theaters were once a popular destination for people of all ages. Everyone loved the private-yet-public aspect of watching a movie in the comfort of their own car. Parents could let their children roam freely without bothering other movie-goers, and teens loved the chance to snuggle up without mom and dad around. In the 1950’s and 60’s, these outdoor theaters were the hippest thing in the entertainment world.
Unfortunately, in the past few decades the popularity of the drive-in theater has declined. Many young (and not so young) people have never experienced this form of entertainment. However, there are still drive-in theaters operating in almost every state, if you know where to find them. There are a few internet directories dedicated to drive-ins, and they can help you locate the nearest theater.
Seeing a movie in your car, or out in the open if you choose, is something that everyone should experience at least once in their life time. There are just a few Do’s and Don’ts that you should follow to insure that you, and everyone around you, enjoy the experience to its fullest.
DO
–Take the kids:Children love the novelty of watching a movie in their car, and most modern drive-ins are very family oriented. If kids get restless during the movie (many drive-ins show double features), they can get out and stretch their legs without bothering the people around them. Kids can bring their pillows and blankets, and watch the movie in their pajamas if they want to.
–Bring your own snacks and radio: Unlike sit-down cinemas, drive-in theaters don’t mind if you bring outside food. You can even pack dinner, and eat it on a blanket while listening to the movie on a battery powered radio. Many theaters no longer provide speakers for the movie audio, and you might not want to use your car speakers for the 3-5 hours of a double feature.
-Bring a date: Couples young and old enjoy drive-in theater dates. Older couples remember “the good old days” and their first date. Young couples like to enjoy this new experience together.
–Stop and look up: Many drive-ins are located on the edges of cities, or in rural areas. These are the best places to see the night-time sky the way nature intended it. Extra points if you can spot a shooting star.
Don’t:
-Don’t block other people’s view: If you drive a large truck or SUV, you could completely block the view of people in a smaller car. Even if you get there early, don’t park in the front row, which is usually reserved for compact vehicles. Even if there is no such assigned parking, you can see just as easily from the back.
-Don’t let your kids run wild: While the drive-in is more private than a conventional theater, many people choose to enjoy the flick outside on a blanket. If your child is bothering these people, or running around between the rows of cars and blocking people’s view, take them to a more open area. They should feel free to run around behind the last row of cars, where they won’t be distracting anyone. Just be sure to keep an eye on in-coming vehicles, many theaters ask that cars turn off their headlights during a movie, and drivers might not see your child.
–Don’t bring a cooler full of beer: Even if the theater allows alcoholic beverages (and it probably won’t), this is a family environment. Nobody likes a car-full of drunks, and ONE of you has to drive home.
-Don’t engage in “adult” activities: A drive-in is, as stated above, a family environment. Despite what you may have seen in movies or read about in books, having sex will get you kicked out of the drive-in. It’s not as private as many people think; everyone knows what a rocking vehicle with fogged windows means. Besides that, there are kids watching, and sex in public places isn’t legal in most states.
Most importantly, remember to have fun. Drive-in theaters are not just about the movie; they are about the movie-going experience.
