Free outdoor movies in the suburbs
There's something special about catching a movie under the stars.
Free outdoor movies — shown nearly everywhere these days — are the perfect family night out. You enjoy the weather, a nice family flick and whatever snacks you tote with you: No ticket fees. No super-pricey soft drinks.
Many towns offer outdoor movies, so check with your park district or search online at dailyherald.com/calendar for a list. In the meanwhile, here are a few to get film-loving families started:
• Movie at the Lake: “Space Jam”
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30
Where: Lake Arlington, 2201 N. Windsor Drive, Arlington Heights
Pack a picnic dinner and participate in games before the showing of “Space Jam,” starring Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan and a host of animated Looney Toons characters facing off against aliens. Concessions will be available for purchase.
• Big Movie Night: “Big Hero 6”
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1
Where: Schaumburg Boomers Stadium, 1999 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg
The Boomers and Kernel Season's host a superhero-themed night of games, activities and the Oscar-winning “Big Hero 6” on a 450-square-foot video screen. The first 100 families receive a free bucket of popcorn; a complimentary popcorn topping bar will be available with any popcorn purchase. Bring blankets; no chairs allowed.
• Movie in the Park: “101 Dalmatians”
When: 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6
Where: Frank Burgess Park, 339 Nelson Drive, Geneva
Join the Geneva Park District to see Disney's classic tale of puppy-napping and canine rescue. Popcorn and refreshments will be available for purchase. The Buona Beef food truck will provide free beef sandwiches at 7:30 p.m. for the first 200 people.
• Movie in the Park: “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7
Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Enjoy the fourth movie in the beloved film series about the teen wizard, then return Aug. 21 to see the fifth, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” Blankets, chairs and snacks welcome. The movie is free, but there is a $2 charge for parking.
• Movies under the Stars: “The Lego Movie”
When: Dusk, Friday, Aug. 7
Where: Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road, Buffalo Grove
The uber-peppy “Everything is Awesome” song is just one of the highlights of this critically acclaimed computer-animated adventure. Bring your own food or check out the concessions available for purchase.
• Capannari Ice Cream Mooovie Nights: “Paddington”
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12
Where: Mount Prospect Village Green, 50 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect
Watch the adventures of a sweet marmalade-loving bear who ventures from “darkest Peru” to London. Bring blankets, chairs and snacks.
• Family Movie Night: “Big Hero 6”
When: 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13
Where: Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine
Bring blankets and snacks. The rain date is Aug. 20.
When: 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15
Where: RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora
Belt out “Let it Go” and other songs from the animated hit film about a princess with magical powers and the sister who risks all to save her. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes kids' games, Anna and Elsa costume contests and more. There is some limited seating, but guests should bring chairs and blankets. Concessions are available; no outside food except sealed water bottles allowed.
• Throwback Thursdays Movies in the Park: “Toy Story”
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20
Where: Fishel Park, Grove Street, Downers Grove
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pixar's tale of toys come to life. Bring a low-rise lawn chair or blanket. In case of inclement weather, the movie will be shown at Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave.
• Movies in Nature: “Fern Gully”
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21
Where: Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park
The evening includes family activities and a twilight concert, leading up to an 8:30 p.m. showing of the 1992 animated film about magical creatures trying to save their rain forest home.
• Movies In The Park: “Muppets Most Wanted”
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21
Where: Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake
Pre-movie festivities, including an ice cream-eating contest, lead up to a showing of “Muppets Most Wanted,” a jewel-heist caper featuring a Kermit look-alike. The movie will move inside in case of inclement weather.
• Movies in the Park: “Tangled”
When: dusk, Friday, Aug. 21
Where: Hawthorn Woods Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods
See the 2010 animated tale in which a charming bandit is taken hostage by Rapunzel, seeking to escape from her locked tower. The park hosts a concert and concessions starting at 6:30.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28
Where: Deerpath Park, 299 Onwentsia, Vernon Hills
Bring lawn chairs and blankets to see the warm, animated tale of a firefighting airplane.