Looking for the perfect summer activity in the outdoors in the cool of the evening? Grab a blanket and some pillows or a couple lawn chairs and head to one of Florida’s drive-in theaters for a night of fun, food, and good movies. Once you're cozied up in your car, sit back and relax to a cult classic or a new box office hit. Here are a few of the top drive-in movie theaters in the Sunshine State.
For more than 70 years folks in and around Lakeland have enjoyed their favorite flicks in the great outdoors on two open screens. Silver Moon is the last of its kind in this area and offers first-run movies every night. With parking spots for 372 vehicles, you’ll get a taste of nostalgia while enjoying popular and newly released movies. Stop by the concession stand for some of the best snacks, including their very popular sausage, pepper, and onion hoagie. Silver Moon is located about an hour from many central Florida theme parks, and tickets can be bought online. Don’t forget to try a chilly dilly pickle, a rare treat and popular snack item.
Looking for a new twist on your next date? Try dining and driving in at Ocala Drive-In Theater. Open every day of the year including holidays, gates open before showtimes and tickets are purchased as you go through. No outside food or beverages are allowed, but you can choose from a great selection of items and have them delivered right to your car! Four-legged family members are allowed as long as they behave. Check out the website for exciting live music entertainment events, too, and don’t forget to try the Cajun boiled peanuts for a snappy treat.
The Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop is the largest venue of its kind in the world and the second largest South Florida location in the U.S., boasting 14 screens and an 88-acre farmers market. Shop for locally grown one-of-a-kind specialties during the day, see exotic car collections, and spend the evening watching the latest movies. Check out the Facebook page for free movie ticket information.
Want some fun family entertainment this summer? Check out Joy-Lan Drive-in and Swap Shop in Dade City. Open since 1950, this quaint family friendly outdoor theater refused to close down in spite of a concession stand fire and storms that destroyed many of their outdoor screens over the years. They have affordable prices for families and kids under 4 are free. If you visit on Sundays, you can find hidden treasures as you browse through the Swap Shop. Closed on Monday and Tuesday, you can enjoy double features the other five nights.
1952 was the year the Ruskin Family Drive-In opened and it’s been a family favorite ever since. This cash-only outdoor theater is one of the Tampa Bay area’s best kept secrets. Visitors can enjoy a pet-friendly area, a concession stand featuring good food and great prices, and clean restroom facilities. Better come early for the best parking spots!
With a flea market featuring over 2,000 vendors, a drive-in movie theater, and a food court with great food and great service, there’s something for everyone at Lake Worth’s Swap and Shop & Drive-In. Check out details on the website to download a free movie ticket to use on Mondays and Tuesdays. Box office opens at 8:30 p.m. and cash or credit is accepted.