Outdoor Movie Screenings for Kids Around the Bay Area This Summer

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in the Bay Area this summer, you might be especially spoiled for outdoor family-friendly movie screenings.

Despite the abrupt demise of San Francisco’s beloved Sundown Cinema outdoor film series, many cities and countries in the Bay are hosting their own movie screenings in local parks and public spaces — and they’re usually free.

Keep reading for our list of movies for kids being screened around the Bay Area this summer.

Jump straight to where to watch outdoor kids’ movies in:

• East Bay
• North Bay
• South Bay

Watching movies outdoors in the Bay Area: Tips for first-timers

These movies usually start just after dusk around 8:30 p.m., so audiences can see the projected screen as clearly as possible. It’s a good idea to get to the “theater” early to secure a good view of the screen. Most screenings don’t require a ticket or reservation, but some of the special showings do ask for an RSVP.

Before heading out to any show, be sure to check the weather and see if the screening will continue in the event of rain or other disruptive weather.

For the comfiest experience bring picnic blankets, a sweater and (non-crackling) snacks. A camping chair could offer you the most comfort, but be mindful you’re not blocking anyone’s view of the screen with your set-up. Remember that some venues may also discourage — or outright prohibit — pets or alcohol.

If you are seeking captions for an outdoor movie, you may need to contact the city’s parks and recreation department at least two days in advance. For example, for the Berkeley showings, contact the city at least two days before the screening at jolee@berkeleyca.gov or (510) 926-1458, and for Santa Cruz shows, call (831) 423-5590. According to the Santa Cruz Movies on the Beach website, a “limited number of assistive listening devices (ALDs) are available for check-out at the Mini Golf Kiosk inside Neptune’s Kingdom.”

Bay Area outdoor movie screenings for families this summer 

San Francisco 

Thrive City at Chase Center will screen Wicked on July 19.

East Bay: Berkeley 

Berkeley has a free series of children’s movies running through September at its various parks — and one screening of Finding Dory at its pools.

• The Wild Robot: June 27, San Pablo Park
• Cars 3: July 11, Glendale La Loma Park
• Finding Dory: July 18 at West Campus Pool (registration required)
• IF: July 25, Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck Avenue
• Despicable Me 4: Aug. 8, Cedar Rose Park
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3: Aug. 22, Grove Park
• Wicked: Sept. 5, Willard Park
• Inside Out 2: Sept. 12, Codornices Park,

East Bay: Oakland 

Oakland offers its Waterfront Flicks series in Jack London Square from July 12 to August 16, including classics like Space Jam:

• Space Jam: July 12
• The Princess and The Frog: July 19
• Minions: July 26
• Despicable Me 4: August 9

East Bay: Alameda 

Alameda Parks and Recreation Department is hosting six children’s movies outdoors this summer — all of them free except for a showing of the seminal Sky High ticketed at $15 per person:

• Despicable Me 4: July 27
• Sky High: July 18
• The Wild Robot: July 25
• Mufasa: The Lion King: Aug. 22
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3: Sept. 26

East Bay: Antioch 

Antioch is organizing several free movie screenings in July. A food truck will also be available, as well as first-come, first-served popcorn and refreshments.

• Moana 2: July 10
• A Goofy Movie: July 17
• The Parent Trap (1998): July 24
• Holes: July 31

More East Bay outdoor movie screenings for families this summer

• Pinole outdoor movie screenings
• Piedmont outdoor movie screenings
• Danville outdoor movie screenings
• Dublin outdoor movie screenings
• Hayward outdoor movie screenings
• Hercules outdoor movie screenings
• Emeryville outdoor movie screenings (use arrows to see the calendar)
• Martinez outdoor movie screenings
• Union City outdoor movie screenings
• Walnut Creek outdoor movie screenings

North Bay: Mill Valley 

Mill Valley’s Friday outdoor movie series returns to Old Mill Park, and stretches into the fall.

• Luca: August 1
• Inside Out 2: September 5
• The Little Mermaid (2023): October 3rd

North Bay: Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa’s Howarth Park will host five Friday night outdoor movies for children from August 15 to September 12, with films still to be announced. You’ll also find food vendors and pre-movie activities for kids.

South Bay: San José 

San José has not one but two outdoor movie series. Firstly, Viva Parks Association’s “Free Movie Nights Under the Stars,” offers family screenings in parks around the city parks:

• A Goofy Movie: June 26, Lake Cunningham Action Sports Park
• Despicable Me 4: July 3, Cahill Park
• Inside Out 2: July 10, Silver Leaf Park
• The Emoji Movie: July 17, Mercado Park
• The Lady and the Tramp: July 24, Cimarron Park
• Migration: July 31, Starbird Park
• The Garfield Movie: August 7, Rubino Park
• How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World: August 14, Kelley Park
• Moana 2: August 21, Brigadoon Park
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3: August 28, Calahan Park

Over in St. James’ Park, the Downtown San José Starlight Cinema series will present three movies this summer, with pre-movie entertainment:

• School of Rock: June 29
• Nacho Libre: July 13
• A Minecraft Movie: July 27

More South Bay outdoor movie screenings for families this summer

• Palo Alto
• Millbrae
• Redwood City
• Mountain View

Further afield: Movies for kids on the beach in Santa Cruz 

Yes, it’s a drive from the Bay Area. But Santa Cruz’s free movie screenings take place right on the beach, in front of the historic Colonnade — with films on offer every Friday except the Fourth of July.

• Men in Black: June 20
• Ghostbusters (1984): June 27
• Jumanji (1995): July 11
• Clueless: July 18
• The Wizard of Oz: July 25
• Despicable Me 4: August 1
• The Goonies: August 8