Aurora's Movies in the Park begins June 1

Aurora's 2019 Movies in the Park Summer Series is filled with super heroes, supernatural elephants and a puppy that simply wants to find his way home.

The city's Parks & Recreation Department hosts the summer series, which features recent movies on the big screen in the theater that are sure to be just as popular on the big screen in the park.

"We are excited to offer this free movie series to the community," said Gio Santana, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation. "We have worked with parents, children and movie buffs to select a set of films that have family appeal and positive messages, especially for our youth."

Movies begin at approximately 8 p.m. at the Phillips Park Sledding Hill, next to the Phillips Park Aquatic Center, 1150 Howell Place. Pre-movie family fun begins at 7 p.m. with such activities as costume contests, singalongs and dance parties.

The 2019 Movies in the Park Summer Series lineup includes:

• June 1: "Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse" (PG). Teen Miles Morales becomes Spider-Man of his reality, crossing his path with five counterparts from other dimensions to stop a threat for all realities. This entertaining superhero adventure is everything a great family movie should be: laugh-out-loud funny and filled with teachable moments.

• June 22: "Black Panther" (PG-13). After the passing of his father, T'Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T'Challa's reign as king and as Black Panther gets tested. The young king must rally his allies and find inner strength for the safety of his community.

• July 13: "Incredibles 2" (PG). Everyone's favorite family of superheroes is back, but this time Helen is in the spotlight, leaving Bob at home with Violet and Dash to navigate the day-to-day. It's a tough transition, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby Jack-Jack's emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family must find a way to work together.

• July 27: "A Dog's Way Home" (PG). As a puppy, Bella finds her way into the arms of Lucas, a young man who gives her a good home. When Bella becomes separated from Lucas, she soon finds herself on an epic journey to reunite with her beloved owner. This movie will have visitors laughing and crying as they cheer for the puppy who learns how to trust herself - and friends she makes along the way - to accomplish her goals.

• Aug. 10: "Captain Marvel" (PG-13). Captain Marvel finds herself caught in the middle of an intergalactic battle. With help from Nick Fury, she tries to uncover the secrets of her past while harnessing her special superpowers. This super heroine defines "girl power" with an important lesson for both adults and youth, male and female: you can do anything you put your mind to if you can tap into the power within.

• Aug. 24: Disney's "Dumbo" (PG). Struggling circus owner Max Medici enlists a former star and his two children to care for Dumbo, a baby elephant born with oversized ears. When the family discovers that the animal can fly, it soon becomes the main attraction - bringing in huge audiences and revitalizing the rundown circus.

The 2019 Movies in the Park Summer Series is free and open to the public. Concession stands will be open for each film. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray. On-site parking is available.