Last week we took the kids to a drive-in theater. It wasn’t our first time, in fact, it is a yearly summer bucket list item. There’s something to be said for watching a movie on a huge screen int he comfort of your own car. There’s a nostalgic feel sitting in a large parking lot with other theater goers. There’s also a number of reasons why you should go.

The first reason? In most places, you pay by the carload. That’s right. Carload. Our family of four got in the gates for $22. Have a minivan? You can fit at least 4 if not more. Last movie we went to in the theater was around $42. That’s a $20 savings – which we wound up spending at the concession stand, but I digress.

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The second reason? Comfort. Get to the drive-in early enough and you can pick your section. Choose wisely and you don’t get stuck next to the concession stand or behind that huge monster truck. In addition, you can choose to watch from your car or lay out blankets/chairs and watch under the stars. How cool is that?

Third reason? Double feature. Yep. For $22 my family saw not only the Secret Life of Pets, but we also got to see the new Ghostbusters (go see both). That’s 4 people and 2 movies for less than $30. You really can’t beat that with a stick or anything else.

Fourth reason? The concession stand. You saved money on the entry, so be sure to support your local drive-in theater by patronizing the concession stand. Of course there are the usual items like popcorn and soft drinks and candy, but (at least in our case) there is also the large jar of pickles, ice cream, and pulled pork sandwiches. Epic.

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Do you need a fifth reason? Old school surround sound. That’s right, you can determine the quality of the sound. At most drive-ins, the audio is delivered via an FM station. Many people play the audio through their car (be careful – don’t kill your battery), or bring radios to broadcast the sound. If you sit next to the right care, their audio will be loud enough to hear and you don’t have to worry about it.

The bottom line? Drive-in theaters are an amazing experience. Whether you camp out in your car, or create an elaborate picnic style setting to enjoy your double feature, it will be as comfortable as you choose to make it. It is a unique experience, a fun one, and the kids like it – because it is difference. Last parent hack to add? Put your kids in their pajamas. The movies don’t start until it gets dark, so chances are you will be leaving after bedtime. Kids fall asleep on the way home and you can just scoop them up and put them in bed.

So go enjoy a movie in nature, but hurry – the outdoor movie season ends soon.