Backyard Movie Night Ideas

If you homeschool, feel free to kill two birds with one stone by enjoying some educational movies for homeschoolers. while you come together for a time of bonding with these backyard movie night ideas.

Regardless of what season it is, having a backyard movie night is totally doable.

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If it’s the colder months, then consider doing your movie night inside where it’s nice and warm.

The idea behind these nights is to create family memories that will be remembered for years to come.

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VidAngel: The Perfect Tool for Streaming Backyard Movie Night

VidAngel allows you to filter content from popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime to ensure your family only views appropriate content. The service works with many major streaming services and players, and also includes original content such as The Chosen and Dry Bar Comedy. 

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Tell me, has this ever happened to you? You have a great idea for movie night. It’s one you remember from when you were a kid. So you find it online, you cue it up, and start watching with the family.

But then a horrible realization hits – there are some not-so-appropriate parts in the movie that you didn’t remember. You sit there wondering if you should turn the movie off, shield your kid’s eyes, distract them… ugh!

That’s where VidAngel can help.

Simply link to your favorite streaming services and set content filters for cursing, blasphemy, violence, and more.

VidAngel will filter it all out for you. You get to enjoy a piece of your early years with your family while safe guiding their young eyes and ears.

It’s amazing! And best of all, our readers can click here to try free for 14 days! You can also learn more in our VidAngel review.

What Do I Need for a Backyard Movie Night?

Before diving into planning one of these adventures, let’s talk about a few things that could help make it a total success. For starters, you’ll need some space. It doesn’t have to be massive, but definitely enough to house your family.

If you’re setting up in your backyard then go for some nice fluffy pillows and a few throw blankets to create a cozy atmosphere. If you’ll be hosting your movie night indoors, then pick a room with furniture that can easily be moved or shifted around to create a movie-style environment. 

In addition to picking a location, consider snagging a few extra supplies such as a projector (or something similar). Before thinking you have to spend next two month’s mortgages worth to get one, check out these inexpensive solutions:

• APEMAN LC350 Mini Movie Projector
• Portable Projector for Home Theater Entertainment
• Outdoor Movie Projector

If you plan to invest in a projector, you may want to get an inexpensive screen that can easily be set up and packed away as needed. This 120 inch Projection Screen is an affordable option. People have also created makeshift screens with bed sheets or a plain light colored wall of a room. And don’t forget to add food to your list depending on the theme you choose.

How Do You Plan a Backyard Movie Night?

Planning a backyard (or indoor) movie night is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Gather theme ideas from your family and jot them down. Also collect some of their favorite movies to watch so you’ll have something to put into rotation.
2. Choose a special movie night time. This can be something you do once a week, biweekly or just once a month. Regardless of what you choose, plug in the themes and movie ideas from step one.
3. Gather any necessary things to make movie night happen! Order that projector, gather some pillows, blankets, or lounge chairs. Make a movie night menu, and you’re all set.

If you have a large family, be sure to put all hangs on deck. Even the little ones can help set up, assist with cooking some of the foods, or making sure the movie area is picked up. With this in mind, let’s look at some movie night ideas to consider for your family.  

6 Backyard Movie Night Ideas

Of course these ideas can be tweaked so do whatever works for you and your family. Remember these are supposed to be fun and memorable times.

Train Movie Night Theme

Do you have a couple of train lovers? Have a train theme with Printable vintage train tickets or play group games with these Train party games.

Pair with a movie like The Polar Express or for younger kids, The Little Engine That Could,

Carnival Movie Night Theme

Nothing says movie night more than a traditional carnival theme. Whip out the old fashioned red and white popcorn bags, grab a roll of tickets to give for gaining entry, and set up a makeshift concession stand in your kitchen for food. Round everyone up beneath a “tent” to watch a good movie.

Pair with a movie such as The Greatest Showman or for younger kids, Dumbo.

Drive-In Movie Night Theme

Put those Amazon boxes to good use by turning them into mini vehicles. With just 5 paper plates per box, you can create a set of wheels (4 plates painted black) and one fixed as the steering wheel. Line them up as though in a drive in and enjoy a great family flick. Don’t forget to serve drive-in type food like hot dogs, chips and drinks.

Sweet Treat Movie Night Theme

Don’t let the title fool you as there are quite a few “sweet” treats that don’t involve sugar. Serve up a few platters of yummy desserts and watch a matching movie like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

SuperHero Movie Night Theme

Marvel or DC? Have each family member dress up as their favorite superhero and kick back for a related movie. Put a twist on things by putting each member’s favorite superhero movie into a bowl and draw one out. The movie drawn is the one the family has to watch!

Pair with a Marvel or DC Comics movie!

Pool Party Movie Night Theme

Don’t put away that blow up swimming pool just yet! Inflate it and fill it with blankets and pillows for a unique take on a pool party. Match it with pool noodles, lawn chairs, and a few towels.

Watch a water and family friendly movie like Shark Tale or maybe even Finding Nemo.

The possibilities are almost endless with what you can do for backyard (or indoor) movie nights. I’d love to hear from you! What are some movie night themes and ideas you’ve done with your family? Let me know in the comments below!

Free Movie vs Book Comparison Worksheets

One of the best ways to include movies in your homeschool is by having your kids do a write-up of the movie after watching it. This is particularly beneficial if there is an accompanying book that your kids can compare and contrast.

Today I am sharing a free educational resource with you! Grab your free movie vs book comparison worksheets and use them anytime you watch a movie in your homeschool. Print them off again and again and have your kids really think about the media they are exposed to, each and every time!

Grab your free movie vs book comparison worksheets now!

Recommended Resources and Ideas For Your Backyard Movie Night

Be sure to check out these other ideas and resources for your next backyard movie night.

• For more summertime fun ideas, check out this collection of year-round homeschooling content.
• Movies with a strong female lead are always worth watching, no matter your gender.
• Not all movies are appropriate for all ages. Check out this list of family-friendly movies that are fun for kids and adults.