Drive-in theaters just have a certain kind of vibe, don’t they? They conjure memories from a simpler time when the drive-in was the place to be and the soda shoppe was where everyone headed after the show. If you’ve found yourself Googling “drive-in theater near me” or “drive-in-movie theater near me,” you’re not alone. Thankfully, Michigan families have several drive-ins to choose from.
Introduce Your Family to the Drive In Theater Experience in 2023
Introduce your family to the thrill of the big screen and movies in the great outdoors at these drive in theaters located around the Metro Detroit area. Below, we’ve updated our list of the best drive in theaters near me (and you). These summer drive-in movie theaters in Southeast Michigan offer families the chance to create lasting memories on an enjoyable, safe summer outing. Bring some snacks, comfy blankets, pillows — it’s up to you! At a drive-in, the theater is your car, so no one’s going to shine a flashlight in your eyes for spilling some popcorn.
Well, Mom might give “the look.” Check out our updated list of 2023’s best drive-in movie theaters near me (and near you!), then check your local listings for showtimes.
Note: Some drive in theater locations aren’t open for the 2023 Summer Season. We’ve noted those below, too.
Macomb County Drive In Theaters Near Me
Macomb County Drive-In
2023 Season: CLOSED TILL FALL 2023The Macomb County Drive-in offers a large LED video screen, therefore allowing for great viewing, even during the day. At this time, they offer 2-3 nightly shows. They sell snacks, such as popcorn, candy and drinks.
Address: Freedom Hill County Park 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights, Mi.
Phone: 586-419-0332
http://www.macombcountydriveinmovies.com/
Movie Magic Lakeside
CLOSED TILL SPRING 2024If you live in Macomb County, then check out Movie Magic Lakeside. A great value at just $25 per car. Experience the magic with new movie lineups coming throughout the season.
Address: 14000 Lakeside Circle Sterling Heights, MI. 48313
Phone: (586) 770-6336
Oakland County Drive-In Theaters Near Me
Movies at Kensington Metroparks
2023 Season: August 4
Grab your friends and family for a movie night at Kensington Metropark under the stars. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and find a spot on the grass to watch Puss & Boots: The Last Wish. Parking opens at 6 pm. Movie starts at 7:30 pm.
Drive-in Movies at Stony Creek Metropark
2023 Season: August 19, September 2, & September 16
Stony Creek Metropark offers drive-in style movies, plus space to sit on the lawn with chairs or blankets (bring your own). Be sure to pack snacks, drinks, or even a picnic dinner! Parking opens at 6 pm, then movies start at dusk.
The 15-Mile Drive-In Theater
2023 Season: UNCONFIRMED
Address: 6600 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield Township.
Phone: 248-997-8949
Send an email to 15-Mile Drive-In
Wayne County Drive-In Theaters Near Me
2023 Winner: Best Wayne County Drive In Theater
Ford Drive-In
2023 Summer Season started June 16, 2023
The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In in Dearborn tops our list of Best Drive-In Movie Theaters Near Me because…
Well, we’ve got a lot of reasons why we love The Ford:
#1. It’s open every night in the Spring, Summer, and Fall months (it’s even open in the Winter on the weekends)
#2. Unlike many of Michigan’s remaining drive-in theaters with only one movie screen, the Ford has five!
#3. Nightly Double Features
#4. A fully stocked concessions area
#5. General Admission is just $28 per car
Current family-friendly movies showing June 16 through June 22** include:
–Elemental (PG)
–The Little Mermaid (PG)
–Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (PG)
–Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (PG-13)
**Movies are generally updated weekly, and new schedules posted by Tuesday for the upcoming week.
Address: 10400 Ford Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126
Phone: (313) 846-6910
Movies at Willow Metroparks
No movies currently scheduled for the 2023 Season
Lower Huron Metropark at Woods Creek
2023 Season: August 26
Super Mario Bros is the family movie set for Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Lower Huron Metropark — Woods Creek. Join Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach for fun and laughs the whole family can enjoy at this year’s drive-in movie night.
USA Hockey Arena Summer Drive-In
2023 Season: June 16 through the end of summer.
The Summer Drive-In, located within the USA Hockey Arena parking lot, is a 3-screen drive-in theater presenting movies and concessions every Wednesday through Sunday evening. Check out what’s playing on the drive-in’s Now Showing page. Then, be sure to purchase your tickets online — no tickets are sold at the venue.
Address: USA Hockey Arena, 14900 Beck Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 927-3284
See you at the movies!
Do you know of a drive-in theatre experience in Metro Detroit that we missed? Then, email us about the details.
Check out the Ann Arbor with Kids post Ann Arbor Outdoor Movies.
Author: Carissa Orr
Early Childhood Professional, “Music with Ms. Carissa,” Mama, and now blogger thanks to MDM! Carissa works as an Early Childhood Consultant for Michigan’s state-funded Preschool Program, the Great Start Readiness Program. In her spare time, she entertains children and families with live music as part of her Music with Ms. Carissa. Most importantly, she is “Jack’s Mom” and loves adventuring with her young toddler all around Metro Detroit!
Early Childhood Professional, “Music with Ms. Carissa,” Mama, and now blogger thanks to MDM! Carissa works as an Early Childhood Consultant for Michigan’s state-funded Preschool Program, the Great Start Readiness Program. In her spare time, she entertains children and families with live music as part of her Music with Ms. Carissa. Most importantly, she is “Jack’s Mom” and loves adventuring with her young toddler all around Metro Detroit!
Photographer:
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats.
She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
Jennifer “J Lynn” Cameron is a full-time content marketer, writer, editor, and designer. She’s a mom of four incredible humans.
Items on her bucket list include:
Writing books that become the classics that high school students have to read over summer break.
Meeting Fiona Apple and Heather Nova, writing some songs, and announcing their new all-girl band.
Asking the Peruvian government for permission to have Machu Picchu all to herself for one day.
…and yes, in that order. Because if she doesn’t write those awe-inspiring books first, and Fiona and Heather accuse her of being a stalker or the Peruvians misunderstand her (all she wants is to have that experience in solitude), she wants to be able to say those infamous B-List celebrity words:
“Don’t you know who I am??”
🙂