Drive-ins aren’t just perfect for date nights. These film experiences also offer families, especially those with small children, a lot of flexibility and a fun way to relax outdoors together. Oftentimes, the price of one ticket includes a double feature! Moviegoers have discovered—or rather rediscovered—that these outdoor venues deserve our attention. My family has loved visiting drive-ins for years! Looking for a venue near you? We’ve put together a Best Drive-In Movie Theater Indianapolis Area | Top 10 List for you!
Watching a movie at a drive-in theater has become an iconic summer bucket list item for my kids every year. I love the laid-back environment at drive-ins because we can run to the restroom or concessions stand as many times as we need to! We can even bring our own drinks and treats to some venues. Squirmy kids don’t have to sit still for two hours. They can move around, play in or around the car, or even read a book while the rest of the family enjoys the show (it’s hard to get everybody on the same page at all times)!
Best Drive-In Movie Theater Indianapolis Area | Top 10 List
While outdoor theaters are definitely dwindling in numbers across the country, Indiana is actually a great place to access a drive-in. There are currently 20 drive-ins in Indiana, making it one of the top 5 states with the most drive-ins. Chances are you have one closer to home than you think! Read on to learn more about where to find the Best drive-in movie theater in the Indianapolis Area, what to expect when you visit, and what to bring to make your drive-in movie night a success for the whole family.
Tibbs Drive-In Theatre
480 South Tibbs Ave, Indianapolis
Tibbs Drive-In Theatre is our family’s go-to due to its proximity to our house. It’s Indy’s closest and worth the trip! During the summer, they show current movies on four screens, Thursday – Monday.
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The Starlite Drive-In
7640 S Old State Rd 37, Bloomington
This highly-rated seasonal drive-in theater offers tickets online and retro movie nights! A Hoosier landmark, the Starlite box office has been in operation since 1955.
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Melody Drive-In Theatre
7055 US-35, Knox
This theater is perfect for those planning a road trip up to Northern Indiana this summer. Reviews rave about cleanliness, good concession food, and movie-themed art. Enjoy two movies for the price of one Thursday – Monday.
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Centerbrook Drive-In
6735 State Rd 67 N, Martinsville
Open since 1950, this theater features an arcade, playground, and concessions. Films run Thursday- Sunday, as well as Tuesdays. This drive-in, just 15 miles from Indy, boasts a large grass field, so bring frisbees, footballs, and blankets.
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The Skyline Drive-In Theatre
3986 E Michigan Rd, Shelbyville
The Skyline Drive-In Theatre is open Wednesday – Sunday. There is a lengthy concessions menu with reasonable prices. Pets are welcome, and Thursday tickets include a free popcorn!
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Bel-Air Drive-In
337 N US Highway 421, Versailles
This third-generation establishment introduces viewers to family recipes in addition to new movies. Reviews cite cleanliness and friendliness as reasons to return again and again. To bring in food and drink of your own, you must purchase an Outside Food & Drink Permit for $10, which includes a $5 coupon for the concession stand.
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MELS at the Starlite Drive-In
8721 IN-39, Thorntown
If you’ve driven to Dull’s Tree Farm, you’ve probably noticed the Drive-In Theater at the intersection where you turn West off of State Road 39 in Thorntown, just north of Lebanon. Tickets to Friday and Saturday night double features can be purchased online or at the gate. It is $25 per carload, and pets are welcome. You may purchase a Food & Beverage Permit to bring in outside food and drink. Also, plan to bring your own radio or use your car’s radio to listen to the broadcast.
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Cinema 67
2037 State Rd 67, Spencer
Take in a double feature at this drive-in located 5 miles north of Spencer. Cinema 67’s extensive concessions menu features everything from Polish to Mexican fare. Pets are welcome! There are no speakers at this theater, but you can bring and tune your radio to 93.5 FM.
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Georgetown Drive-In
8200 State Rd 64, Georgetown
Between two screens and a playground, there’s something for everyone at Georgetown Drive-In. All ticket prices are per person and include all movies shown each night. You can only pay in cash at the front gate to enter the drive-in (no advanced ticket sales). The concessions stand is also cash-only. Wheel chucks are required for manual/stick-shift vehicles. No pets are allowed.
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Holiday Drive-In Theatre
1055 State Rd 37, Mitchell
Arrive early to access the best parking and beat the lines at the Holiday Drive-In Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays. Take advantage of meal combos and half-price drink refills at intermission. Rental radios and Outside Food & Beverage Permits ($10 and includes a small popcorn) are available at the concession stand.
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What to Expect at a Drive-In Movie in Indianapolis
Ticket pricing at drive-in theaters is usually very affordable in comparison to traditional movie theaters—most charge $10 or less for adults and $5 or less for children. Some even offer free admission to toddlers and babies. Be sure to verify if your theater accepts credit cards, as some still only accept cash! Pricing usually includes a double feature if you can stay up that late to see the second show.
Movies begin when it turns dark, which is no earlier than 9 pm in the summer. You’ll want to arrive with plenty of time to get a good spot. We think 45 minutes to an hour and a half is sufficient to get to your spot and settle in. When you arrive, you are given a radio channel to tune in to. You can roll down the windows and adjust the volume to your needs.
Plan ahead for your seating arrangement for the show. You will see plenty of lawn chairs, blankets, and trunks open, with kids enjoying themselves inside. Trunks should only be open to the height of the vehicle, so bring straps if needed. We’ve seen car seats used as comfy spots for children, as well as Pack ‘n’ Plays for containing smaller toddlers. Although not entirely effortless, what makes this experience so smooth is the ability to get comfortable creatively.
All of the Drive-In Movie Theater Indianapolis Area locations on this list offer concessions and bathrooms. Where allowed, it’s super easy and convenient to bring your own snacks and a small cooler for drinks. This allows everyone to have their favorites. You can pop popcorn at home and swing by the store for your own candy.
Many drive-ins have started charging for an Outside Food & Beverage Permit to be able to bring in food and drink from home. They are usually $10 or less and include popcorn or a $5 concessions voucher. Keep in mind, however, that many of the drive-ins survive because of concession stand sales as the ticket sales mostly go towards the price of the film. Consider the money you’re saving by going to the drive-in instead of a standard theater and stop by to see what unique eats you can purchase.
Packing for Success
Make the best of your Drive-In Movie Theater Indianapolis Area trip. Be sure to bring bug spray and appropriate shoes as there are usually gravel, rocks, and uneven surfaces. Stash some bags for trash and the inevitable spilled popcorn. The drive-ins don’t allow sparklers or other fireworks, but glow sticks or bubbles would help pass the time until the show starts! Many times there is an open field or playground, so bring a football or soccer ball and you’ll soon have other kids joining for a pick-up game. Dogs on leashes are welcomed at most drive-ins, so be sure to pack your pup’s favorite items.
If you plan to sit in your vehicle’s trunk, make sure your door doesn’t open all the way up. If it goes past the vehicle’s height, plan to park in the back row or bring rope or straps to hold it to the right level. Bring any blankets, lawn chairs, or pack ‘n’ plays if you plan on sitting in front of your vehicle. Many theaters do not have speakers, so plan to bring your own radio to tune in or listen on your vehicle’s radio. Just don’t run out of battery!
We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your first or return trip to a Drive-In Movie Theater in the Indianapolis Area. It’s a timeless summer tradition the whole family will love.
What are your Drive-In Movie Theater Indianapolis Area favorites? Share your Drive-In Movie Theater Indianapolis Area comments and pictures with us below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!
Summer in Indianapolis also brings a packed schedule of free or cheap movies at local parks and indoor theaters!
