Ultimate Guide to Planning a Summer Movie Night
A summer movie night can be fun for the whole family! Let us help you plan a blockbuster night perfect for kids and parents. This family-tested guide will show you how to set up your theater and create a cozy ambiance. Create the perfect evening with comfy family PJs and the tastiest movie theater snacks. Now, for the final touch — A summer flick everyone will enjoy!
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Decide Who Gets Movie Tickets
Who will attend your summer movie night? Decide if it’s an event for your household or invite friends and extended family. Creating a final guest list will help you plan the right movie and choose tasty summer snacks. The number of attendees will also help you decide how to set up your home theater.
Once you know who to invite, create tickets. You can design and print them on a computer or make them freehand with supplies you have at home, like markers and construction paper. Ask your audience to RSVP, but still have them redeem their tickets at the door. Every fun detail will make your home feel like a real theater.
Design Your Best-Ever Home Theater
Don’t worry about the venue! Your family’s summer theater can be anywhere you want it to be. Take advantage of the great weather and set up a projector screen. You can even use a blank wall or large sheet in the backyard. If you prefer the comfort of air conditioning, create a cozy venue indoors. The choice is yours!
Create a Cozy Theater Ambiance
Summer movie nights should be relaxing and cozy. Blankets and lounge chairs are necessary for comfort, but kids may enjoy bean bag chairs or sleeping bags. Add string lights or tiki torches for an enchanting space. Lanterns can help light up walkways and ensure safety.
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Choose the Perfect Summer Movie
Are you searching for a movie with an authentic summer vibe? We like classic family vacation films and fun, lighthearted movies set outdoors. A summer camp theme or beach movie can set a carefree mood for the evening.
If you can’t decide on one title, it may help to survey everyone’s favorite summer films. Select a few age-appropriate choices with a summertime feel and then allow your theatergoers to vote on a movie before they arrive. Reveal the winner during pre-movie activities. Remind your guests they can save their other favorites for next time!
Offer Ice Cold Drinks to Your Guests
Cold theater drinks and classic snacks make your summer movie night more authentic. To make them more family-friendly, they can feature a wholesome twist. Pitchers of ice water are essential, but you can also handle a summertime sweet tooth with their choice of organic juices or a pitcher of homemade lemonade.
Unsweet iced tea is sugar-free and features plenty of summertime vibes. Smoothies are another fun, ice-cold treat. Making a tropical smoothie recipe with vitamin-packed fruits like pineapple or mango is easy. Banana smoothies make you feel like you’re on a beach, while strawberry smoothies are usually a hit with small children and toddlers.
Make Tasty, Wholesome Theater Snacks
It’s time to prepare the snacks. Air-popped popcorn is a must! If you’re feeling creative, make a DIY popcorn bar with toppings like nutritional yeast, cinnamon or dill weed. Pretzels and trail mix are fun and tasty alternatives to the usual theater fare. Some families may prefer snacks like kale chips or roasted chickpeas.
Ice cream and frozen yogurt can be fun, especially when watching your movie outdoors. Other ideas to satisfy everyone include veggies with Greek yogurt dip or unexpected, delicious treats like fruit-filled homemade popsicles or snackable frozen grapes.
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Get Cozy in Family Matching Pajamas
Movie nights are close to bedtime, so it’s always a good idea to take those showers and baths beforehand! Soft, seasonless family matching pajamas are the perfect way to keep your family cozy — even if you have guests. Adorable matching pajamas with a fun theme will inspire your kids to prepare for the big show.
Try outfits made with bamboo viscose, an eco-friendly material that soothes sensitive skin and can stretch to fit longer. Bamboo viscose pajamas come in adorable prints that get everyone excited for summer. Pick from rodeo-inspired pajama sets for a Western flick or a golf theme for a movie set on the green. With character pajamas, your kids can match their favorite cartoon stars. If you’re looking for a summer print to flatter everyone in the family, try gingham or a cool aquatic watercolor.
Have Pre-Movie Activities
Keep kids engaged before the show begins with pre-movie activities. Reveal the movie title and direct your home theater guests to drinks and snacks. Board games or trivia are perfect for passing the time before the film begins. Prevent wiggles with hula hoops or a game of frisbee.
Hold an Intermission
If the movie is long, consider an intermission period. A short break will let everyone stretch or get a snack before the second half begins. Top off beverages or offer a new snack to keep everyone fueled until the film ends. Create an ice cream sundae bar or a DIY snow cone station.
Summer Movie Night: Plan a Fun Evening for the Entire Family
With some summer-inspired inspiration and planning, you’ll create a fun and memorable movie night for the entire family. Summer movie nights can even become a treasured tradition for extended family and friends. Plan the evening based on your guests, and everyone will leave satisfied. A cozy, relaxing atmosphere and comfy clothing will keep your kids happy as you enjoy the evening with loved ones.
