There is nothing quite like an evening under the stars, snuggled up with your family, eating some popcorn and candy while watching a movie. The drive-in was something my parents used to talk about from their youth, with stories about mom and her friends sneaking in via trunk to avoid paying, but not a place we visited often if ever as a family. That was something I wanted to change.
Adam and I went to our first drive-in together with our puppy, Marco. We called it “puppy at the drive-in” and although it was annoying trying to figure out where he could pee that wasn’t too close to another vehicle, we had an amazing night.
As soon as Griffin was old enough, but before he was even watching full-length films or anything over a ten minute YouTube video, we took him. By this time in life we had figured out the keys to doing it right at the drive-in.
What are these drive-in tips that ensure a magical evening, you ask? First, blow-up an air mattress in the truck bed with an electric pump. Add a couple outdoor pillows and some blankets. Bring a cooler with cold drinks and some preferred snacks. Add in a small radio, a bluetooth speaker, garbage bag, a football to throw before the film starts and some flashlights for late night bathroom trips and you are in business!
Griffin didn’t make it through the whole movie, and since I was pregnant at the time with Owen I’m not sure that I did either. But we had a wonderful evening, and Griff loved it so much that going to the drive-in is now a yearly event for the Hopkins Household.
The boys are now old enough to help Adam with set-up, and definitely make it through the first movie. Honestly they could probably make it through the entire double-feature, but we always end up leaving after the first to make it home before the early morning hours.
I have to admit that the magic is no longer just due to the evening under the stars with the awe of the huge screen, but more thanks to the dedicated family time that a night at the drive-in ensures. You should check it out. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
