Drive-In Movie Theaters in NY and NJ!

Ah, the romance of the drive-in… smooching with your sweetie, eating stale popcorn, not caring what the movie is… Oh. Wait a minute. We have kids now. Well, the drive-in is still a blast! (though not quite as steamy…) And did you know that New Jersey is the birthplace of the drive-in? The very first one opened in Pennsauken in 1933 with the slogan “The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are!” Still a big selling point, right? There are a mere five drive-in theaters accessible to Manhattanites and Jerseyites (under a two hour drive), so drive over, drive in, grab your snacks and enjoy!

Delsea Drive-in (Vineland, NJ)

Only a 50 minute drive from the city and two movies for 8 bucks?! Hard to beat that. The Delsea is one of only two drive-ins in the state of New Jersey; it’s been around since the ‘50’s, but closed in 1987, only to re-open in 2004 with an awesome 120-foot screen and room for 700 cars. The concession stand selection is extensive; not only your standard fare of hot dogs, hamburgers and popcorn, but items like Pierogies, spring rolls, a low-carb Chicken Cucumber Salad and Atkins products. If you want to bring in your own food, you must purchase an Outside Food Permit for $7. Admission (always a double feature) $8/Adults, $3/Kids 3-11; 2 and under are free. For more info, call 856-696-0011.

Movies Under the Stars (Clementon, NJ)

 Billed as “The Return of the Drive-In!” Movies Under the Stars is a brand-spankin’-new theater just opened on May 27th under the auspices of the Camden County Improvement Authority. Simple fare like hot dogs and popcorn available. The donation/admission is $20 per car ($25 after the 4th of July), $7 for walk-ins and $2 for chair rental. Wednesdays thru Saturdays starting at dusk. $20 a car. Call the “Movie Fone Line” for movies and showtimes, 856-335-3055.

Warwick Drive-in (Orange County, NY)

Located just 6 miles east of Vernon, the Warwick is an easy drive from either the New York or New Jersey metropolitan area. In business since 1950, the Warwick features first-run movies, home-cooked food and multiple screens. And hey, if the movie is boring you to tears, there’s also free WIFI every night from 7 to 11pm. Open nightly. Admission $8/Adults, $5/ Kids (age 4-11) and Seniors; under 4 is free. No credit cards. Call 845-986-4440.

Overlook Drive-In (Poughkeepsie, NY)

Their slogan is “For those who believe that for a picture worth seeing, it's worth seeing the largest picture”. Okay, so maybe grammar is not their strong suit, but the theater experience more than makes up for it. East of the Hudson River, this is the nearest operating Drive-in for Manhattan AND the largest movie screen of any kind for the New York metropolitan area. The Overlook has remained lit seasonally and consecutively since 1949 and no other theater in the tri-state area provides a better view of the Drive-in experience as it looked during the heyday of America's love affair with Cinema al fresco. Open from mid-April to mid-October every night of the week. Admission $7/Adults (ages 12 and up); $4/ Kids (ages 5-11); 4 and under are free. Monday is Bargain Night ($2 off the adult ticket price). For movies and showtimes call 845-452-3445.

Hyde Park Drive-in (Hyde Park, NY)

In continuous operation since 1949, Hyde Park rests on 12 gorgeous acres and can fit 670 cars. There’s been some concern that the new owners would shut down the theater for financial reasons, so all the local websites beg for patrons; let’s help them out, shall we? Open nightly thru mid September. Admission $7/Adults (ages 12 and up); $4/Kids (ages 5-11); free for 4 and under. Tuesday is Bargain Nite--$5/Adults. Call 845-229-4738 for movies and showtimes.