Drive-in Around

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Summer lovin’ had me a bla – hast
Summer lovin’ happened so fa – hast

So maybe you’re not Sandy and Danny sitting in the red convertible under the stars watching a flick at the local drive in, but you can still enjoy a blast from the pa-hast this summer.

How? Go to a drive-in. We found a few close by and even more locations scattered around Ontario that might be on your route map this summer.

Bring the baby, the older kids and even the dog. You can nurse the baby in comfort, get the older children cozy in their jammies and you save on babysitting. 

We checked out the largest outdoor movie screen in Canada at The Docks—located right downtown on the Toronto waterfront. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights you can watch a double feature under the stars. The parking lot doubles up as a driving range for golfers during the day and at night holds up to 500 cars. On a busy night though, you will probably find about 150-200 cars which means there is plenty of room to get a good parking spot, you don’t need to arrive too early and if you only want to watch the first movie, there is enough room to maneuver the car out and get the kids home.

The atmosphere is very relaxed with people sitting out on their lawn/soccer chairs and kids in jammies getting cozy in the back of the car. Adult tickets are $12 and kids are $4. Sunday nights the whole car gets in for $15. That’s a pretty savvy deal.

Good to Know: Gates open at 8:45 but the movies typically start later (about 9:30) because it has to be nice and dark to see them.

If you are from Oakville, we’re sure you’ve heard of the 5 Drive but if you’re not, we think this is news you can use. With three screens showing double features every night, you are guaranteed to find a movie and a night that works for your beloved or the whole family. You can’t beat the prices—kids under five are free, kids up to twelve are $2 and adults are $11. On Car Load Thursdays you can cram the car full of as many people as you like. (Prices vary according to the night of the week.) Special note—bring cash as credit and debit cards are not accepted.

This is a classic drive-in theatre. The Allen Family has been running movies in Canada since 1917 and they are dedicated to maintaining the nostalgia of the drive in experience. They sometimes even bring out the old 50’s reels as a third show just for fun. 

Good to Know: Van and SUV parking space in screen three is limited so arrive early for your spot. Gates open at 7:30, the movies start about 9:30. We know that on weekend nights cars do arrive that early. It’s easy to kill time before the show with all of the activities available: a bbq pit (serving burgers, sandwiches and corn on the cob), a retro soda shop/snack bar with juke boxes and video games, beach volleyball, and an outdoor playground for the kids. 

So pack them up and enjoy an evening under the stars with your family. Who says moms can’t get a bit of summer lovin’?

Tested by Minnow and Rupert H., Toronto