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The Best Family-Friendly Outdoor Cinemas in Melbourne
Outdoor cinemas provide a great way for families to enjoy a movie together in a relaxed, open-air setting. The Best Family-Friendly Outdoor Cinemas in Melbourne offer a variety of options, with spaces designed to cater to both kids and adults. From comfortable seating to convenient amenities, these cinemas make it easy to enjoy a film under the stars. Discover some of Melbourne’s top outdoor cinemas for your next family outing.
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1. Moonlight Cinema
Date: 29 Nov 2024 – 30 Mar 2025
Location: Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Enter the venue via Domain Road Gate (formally Gate D) on Birdwood Avenue (near the intersection of Domain Road) and follow the path to the Central Lawn.
Price: General Admission – $25 per person, Premium seating available in Gold Grass, Bookings essential
2. Sun Cinema – The Shore Outdoor Cinema
Experience outdoor movies under the stars at Sun Cinema – The Shore Outdoor Cinema, located in Seaworks Maritime Precinct in Williamstown. Enjoy a unique cinematic experience with stunning waterfront views, a variety of seating options, and a selection of snacks and drinks available to make your night memorable. Whether you are watching a classic film or a new release, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the magic of outdoor cinema.
Date: runs throughout summer
Time: various times
Location: Sun Williamstown – at Seaworks, 82 Nelson Place, Williamstown
Price: $19.50 Adults, 18 and over, $15 Children and teens age 3 to 17, Seniors card and 65+, Pensioners, Students or Concession card holders, $15.50 Sun Theatre adult members
Optional Extras:
$10 Reserved Cape Cod Chair (two seats), $5 Reserved Bean Bag
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3. Movies in the Square
Fed Square will host a range of outdoor movies throughout summer, transforming the Big Screen into an open-air cinema from 15 – 24 January 2025. The program includes classic films and blockbusters across a variety of beloved genres, from Westerns to Dolly Parton favourites. Leading up to Christmas, festive films will also light up the screen, adding to the holiday spirit. Bring your own picnic rug or relax in a deck chair and enjoy cinema under the stars.
Date: December – January
Location: Fed Square, Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne
Price: FREE
4. Cameo Outdoor Cinema
Enjoy movies under the stars on the picturesque rolling lawn at Cameo Outdoor Cinema. This summer, Cameo Outdoor returns with a fantastic lineup of films for all to enjoy. The licensed bar on-site offers a variety of food and drinks, ensuring you have everything you need for a relaxing evening. Please note that outside alcohol, food, and snacks are not permitted.
Date: November to May
Location: 1628 Burwood Highway, Belgrave
Price: general admission $25, members $22 (Pricing may change for special event screenings)
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5. Dromana 3 Drive-In
The Dromana 3 Drive-In is a long-standing favourite on the Mornington Peninsula, offering a classic drive-in movie experience. Operating since the 1960s, it features multiple screens showing a mix of new releases and classic films. Visitors can watch from the comfort of their cars and enjoy food and drinks from the on-site diner.
Date: runs all year
Time: 9 pm & 11 pm
Location: 133 Nepean Highway, Dromana
Price: single ticket $18 kids under 2 years are free. Car ticket $60 up to 5 people.
6. Lido on the Roof
Lido on the Roof in Melbourne offers a unique cinema experience, combining the excitement of new film releases with the charm of an open-air setting. Situated atop the Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn, this rooftop venue provides stunning views of the city skyline, creating the perfect backdrop for a summer evening. Screening a mix of the latest blockbusters, indie favourites, and cult classics, Lido on the Roof caters to a variety of moviegoers. With cozy seating and an inviting atmosphere, it’s a great spot to enjoy a film under the stars.
Date: December – January
Time: various times
Location: 675 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Price: $8-$24
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7. Sunset Cinema – St Kilda & Abbotsford
Sunset Cinema brings outdoor movie nights to two fantastic Melbourne locations: St Kilda and Abbotsford. These open-air cinemas offer a relaxed way to enjoy a mix of the latest films and timeless classics. Whether you are settling in at St Kilda’s Botanical Gardens or at the historic Abbotsford Convent, both venues provide a memorable backdrop for an evening out. With food, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere, Sunset Cinema is a great way to unwind and watch a movie under the stars.
Date: 9 January – 8 March 2024
Location: St Kilda Botanical Gardens, 11 Herbert Street, St Kilda
Date: 5 December 2024 – 4 January 2025
Location: Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
8. Melbourne Cable Park Movies
The Melbourne Cable Park Outdoor Cinema offers a relaxed open-air movie experience just 35 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. Located in Bangholme, the cinema provides general admission seating where guests can bring their own chairs or picnic rugs, with lounger bean bags available for hire. Visitors with tickets for park activities like the Aqua Park or cable wakeboarding can enjoy movies for free, while others can purchase park entry tickets.
Each evening features an early session with family-friendly films at 4 pm and a late session at 6.30 pm for older audiences.
Date: 11 December 2024 – 21 April 2025
Location: 5 Riverend Road, Bangholme
Price: $15 or $40 for a family of 4
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9. Summer Family Film
Bunjil Place’s Summer of Films features a fantastic lineup of outdoor screenings at Bunjil Place Plaza in Narre Warren. The program includes Migration on 5 January 2025, Mirai (PG) on 12 January 2025, and Finding Dory (G) on 19 January 2025.
Date: 5, 12 & 19 January 2025
Location: Bunjil Place Plaza, 2 Patrick NE Drive, Narre Warren
Price: Tickets are just $5 + BF and include a complimentary ice cream!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to visit the family-friendly outdoor cinemas in Melbourne?
The best time to visit these outdoor cinemas is during the summer months, as many of the venues run from November to March. Each location has its own schedule, so it’s a good idea to check the dates and times on the venue’s website before planning your visit.
2. Are the outdoor cinemas suitable for young children?
Yes, many outdoor cinemas offer family-friendly films, with some like Melbourne Cable Park and Moonlight Cinema featuring early movie sessions for children. You will find a variety of age-appropriate movies to enjoy with the entire family.
3. Do I need to bring my own seating to the outdoor cinemas?
It depends on the venue. Some cinemas allow guests to bring their own picnic rugs or chairs. It’s a good idea to check the information on the venue’s website before visiting.
4. Are food and drinks available at the outdoor cinemas?
Most outdoor cinemas, such as Cameo Outdoor and Sunset Cinema, have a licensed bar and offer food and drink for purchase. However, outside food and drink are not permitted at certain locations, including Cameo. Check with each venue for their specific policy.
5. What is the wet weather policy for outdoor cinemas?
Most outdoor cinemas have a wet weather policy in place, usually offering either a rescheduled date or a full refund if a screening is canceled due to weather conditions. It’s a good idea to check with the venue directly to confirm their specific wet weather policy and whether the movie will proceed under light rain or be rescheduled.
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
