Drive-In Movie Theaters Near Boston for Family Fun and Flicks

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By - By Tara D
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Mendon Twin Drive-In
35 Milford Street
Mendon, MA 01756
United States

Wellfleet Drive-in Theatre
51 State Highway, Route 6
Wellfleet, MA 02667
United States

Rustic Tri-Vue Drive-In
1195 Eddie Dowling Highway
North Smithfield, RI 02896
United States

The Northfield Drive-In
981 Northfield Rd., Rt. 63
Hinsdale, NH 03451
United States

Milford Drive-In
531 Elm Street
Milford, NH 03055
United States

Mansfield Drive-In
228 Stafford Road
Mansfield Center, CT 06250
United States

Marshfield Drive-In
140 Main Street
Marshfield , MA
United States

Drive-in movie theaters near Boston are perfect for the summer months. There are some family activities that seem to define summer: spending a day at the beach, camping out, and, of course, watching a movie under the stars! While you could always catch an outdoor movie from a picnic blanket in a local park, taking in a drive-in movie from the comfort of the family truckster is a special treat.

Read on for everything families need to know about a night at these drive-in movie theaters near Boston. These are all favorite drive-in theaters in the region, and we have tips for enjoying the experience to the fullest. A few of them might be over an hour away, depending on where you live, but consider that a chance to pack PJs and send the kids off to dreamland on the drive home. And check out the Best Summer Day Trips from Boston for Families for more family fun!

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Image of Mendon Twin Drive-in - Drive-In Movie Theaters Near Boston
Grab some snacks and fresh air at Judi's at the Mendon Twin Drive-In near Boston. 
 

Drive-In Movie Theaters Near Boston - Massachusetts Drive-Ins 

1. Mendon Twin Drive-In—Mendon

Head to this drive-in for the experience as much as for the movie itself. Swing by the onsite Snack Bar for dinner and freshly popped popcorn and candy or Ernie's Ice Cream for a sweet treat before the flick starts. There's also a kid-friendly beer garden where parents can grab a drink and kids can roast s'mores over a firepit. Families can watch the movie from the tables there too if they prefer. There's even a 140ft super slide for daredevils to go down before the movie starts. Tickets can be purchased in advance online. 508-473-4958
 
Image of Wellfleet Drive-In - Drive-in Movie Theaters Near Boston
A flick at the Wellfleet Drive-in caps off a day at the Cape. Photo by Shira Kronzon
 

2. Wellfleet Drive-in Theatre—Wellfleet

The perfect way to spend or cap off a day on the Cape, the Wellfleet Drive-in Theatre is actually a whole complex with mini-golf, a daytime flea market, a playground, a cafeteria-style snack bar at the drive-in, and Dairy Bar & Grill, a full-service restaurant with an outdoor patio cocktail bar. The theater has a new digital projection system but retains many of the original mono speakers, mostly for nostalgia. Families can also listen through the car stereo. Note that while most drive-ins charge per car, Wellfleet charges admission per person. 508-349-7176
 
 

Drive-In Movie Theaters Near Boston - New Hampshire and Maine

Image of Northfield Drive-in - Drive-ins Near Boston
There's a playground at the Northfield Drive-In for some extra fun on movie night!

3. Northfield Drive-In—Hinsdale, NH

Just over the state line north of central Massachusetts, the Northfield Drive-In is unique in that its owners seek input from the customers, for everything from which movies to show together to which items should be added to the snack bar menu. The theater is in a beautiful, grassy setting and has a nice playground for the kiddos.​ 603-239-4054

4. Milford Drive-In—Milford, NH

Milford is a bit closer than the Northfield theater, and recently updated with digital projection and Dolby sound. Expect all the favorite concession treats, plus 12 frappe flavors (from mint to tropical orange). There's a playground that closes when the movie begins, and double features after dark. 603-673-4090

5. Saco Drive-In—Saco, ME

Since 1939, the Saco Drive-In (the second-oldest drive-in in America!) has been entertaining New England families. Tickets can be pre-purchased or at the drive-in for shows that begin around 7:30, depending on sunset. The Saco Drive-In has everything from popcorn to pizza at the concession stand. And this drive-in movie theater makes a perfect pair with a trip to Saco's Aquaboggin Water Park. 207-282-3112

Drive-In Movie Theaters Near Boston - Rhode Island and Connecticut

Image of Rustic Tai-View Drive In - Drive-In Movie theaters Near Boston
Rhode Islan's Rustic Tri-View Drive-In is worth the trip to the Ocean State. Photo by cayootiepatootiebootie via Instagram

6. Rustic Tri-View Drive-In—North Smithfield, RI

Located north of Providence, Rhode Island's Rustic Tri-View Drive-in is actually not too far of a drive from Boston. The authentic 1950’s theater seems to always have a good selection of family-friendly movies (not always the case at drive-ins). Take a break from cooking for the night and pick up pizza by the pie or the slice at the snack bar instead. The drive-in is close to Lincoln Woods State Park, a beautiful place for family swimming and hiking (and a pretty good chance of seeing horses on the trails). 401-769-7601

7. Mansfield Drive-In—Mansfield, CT

Go on Wednesday and pay a flat rate for the carload in Mansfield, where there's a flea market in the lot by day on Sundays and movies every night in Summer. There are double features playing on three screens at once, basic concessions (families can bring their own food, too), and a fun, retro feel to the place. Bring furry family members to join in the movie fun, too! Please note, pets are allowed at the drive-in but not at the flea market. 860-423-4441

Drive-In Movie Tips

1. Visit the theater's website and find out what the rules are before visiting. Most drive-ins do not allow screen switching between features, glass containers, alcohol, or smoking (except in designated areas). Running the car or having the lights on during the movie is a big no-no, and bigger vehicles are usually expected to park in the back. 

2. Bring bug spray (lots of it), lawn chairs and blankets, drinks, a flashlight, and a Frisbee or a ball. Dress the kids in their PJs before arriving.

3. Get there early to get a good spot and to enjoy the festive pre-movie community atmosphere. Find out where the bathroom is, and plan a walking path before it gets dark.

4. Take the night off from cooking. Many drive-ins have really good food that goes well beyond the usual movie theater fare, and food sales help keep them afloat financially. 

Post originally published August 2013

Unless otherwise noted, photos courtesy of the drive-ins

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