Best Kid-Friendly Outdoor Cinemas In Sydney

Sydneysiders love to make the most of summer days and balmy nights – and what better way to do it than to bring the best of the indoors, outside!

Outdoor movies are a quintessential summer activity, and there are loads of family-friendly events that the kids will love. Here’s our pick of the best kid-friendly outdoor cinemas in Sydney.

INNER WEST

Strathfield Movies in the Park - Strathfield Park, Between Homebush and Chalmers Roads, Strathfield
Catch FREE outdoor movies in Strathfield Park on selected Saturday nights through summer. Make the most of the cinema experience and pack a picnic, bring a blanket or chairs and your friends and family to enjoy the great entertainment. Kid-friendly highlights include Moana, and 2017's Beauty & the Beast. Mums and older kids, Bridget Jones' Baby and Lion are also in the lineup.
When: Saturday 3 November 2017 to Saturday 7 April 2018

EASTERN SUBURBS

Moonlight Cinema – Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park
The original, and still the best! Moonlight Cinema in beautiful Centennial Park is one of the most popular outdoor cinema experiences in Sydney. With films running every night excluding Mondays, it sells out fast and is almost always busy - avoid the queues by booking online and bringing a picnic. Don’t forget a blanket and some comfy cushions too, or get in early to grab some Bean Beds - they're $9.00 each and sell like hotcakes! Family-friendly retro flicks include Back to the Future, Spice World, and even a Grease Sing-a-Long! Tickets for several films - like Coco, and the new Jumanji - are available at Family Pass Prices.
When: Friday 1 December 2017 to Saturday 1 April 2018

American Express Open Air Cinema - Dolphin Lawn, Bondi Beach
Previously called Ben & Jerry's Open Air Cinema, and now hosted by Byron Bay Cookies, you can’t go past a cinema experience at Sydney’s most iconic beach. Sea air and the laid back vibe (deck chairs available) make this a summer must-do, and there's a film showing every night of the week. Get there early to secure some good seats, and so you you can chill out over a picnic before the films light up under the moonlight from dusk. Salts Meats Cheese will also be there, serving up adult and kid-friendly dishes with everything from Truffle Pecorino Pasta to woodfired pizzas. 
When: Monday 19 January to Sunday 4 March 2018

NORTH SHORE

Sunset Cinema - North Sydney Oval, Cnr Miller and Ridge Streets, North Sydney
The hallowed turf of the North Sydney Oval outfield will see people of all ages and walks of life come and experience movies in the great outdoors! The outfield is lush and green, but you might still want something more comfy to sit on! The program includes the inspiring drama Wonder (great for older kids), Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and 2017’s animation hit, Ferdinand, the loveable bull. Pack a picnic, or order off the The Greens' epicurean onsite menu, which includes options for the kids, not to mention boutique wine, craft beer, and a little something for your sweet tooth.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When: Thursday 18 January to Saturday 24 March 2018

NORTH-WEST SYDNEY

Sydney Hills Outdoor Cinema - Castle Hill Showground
Sydney’s pop-up cinema is camping at Castle Hill Showground! Kid-friendly movie highlights include the retro Mrs. Doubtfire, Coco, and The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature. Gates open at 6.30pm, get in early to grab a good spot, before chilling over NY-style Epic Pizza...if you're with a few families, go for the 22" pizza on the menu! Bean bags can be ordered for $15.00 each with your ticket purchase. 
When: Thursday 11 January to Sunday 18 February 2018

WESTERN SYDNEY

Cinema in the Park -  Victoria Park, Great Western Highway, St Marys

Enjoy a FREE evening of family movie under the stars! Victoria Park is the setting for the outdoor screening of Disney's Moana. Get there for 6pm so the kids can enjoy the free activities, while you secure a spot and sit back over a picnic. Kids' food will also be available for purchase, and the movie will start at dusk, approximately 8pm. 
When: Saturday 17 February 2018

Skyline Drive In Cinema - Cricketers Arms Road, Blacktown
50 years on and Blacktown Drive In has seen a revival, transforming into the Skyline Drive In. Expect an old-school experience featuring the hottest new films, and ‘Happy Days’ style retro diner for a film experience like no other. There's typically one film screened each night - keep an eye on their website to catch something perfect for you and the kids.        When: Throughout the year. 

Enjoy your evening out with the kids with our top tips for a fabulous outdoor cinema experience!