Drive-in movie theaters have been around since the 1930s, but as technology changed, so did our movie-going experiences. From small local theaters to giant IMAX experiences, we’ve come a long way since the first "park-in theaters," as they were once called. I remember going to drive-in movies as a kid, with plenty of popcorn and blankets, and trying (but failing) to stay up for the grown-up movie portion of the double-feature. There’s just something magical about watching a movie out under the stars.
Drive-in theaters have made a bit of a comeback since the pandemic started. The outdoor setting is perfect for social distancing while still allowing you to enjoy the experience with your community. June 6th is National Drive-In Movie Day, and with over 300 drive-in movie theaters in the United States, it’s a perfect time to take a trip down memory lane in your own community.
Of course, the most important part of your movie-going experience is right in the name: drive-in! Even if your car doesn’t have seats quite as fancy as the upscale movie theater downtown, there are a few ways to make your car the perfect spot to cuddle up for a movie night. Here are some ways to get your car ready for a drive-in movie.
1. Prep your car.
This is probably the most obvious tip for a comfortable drive-in movie experience, especially if your backseats are typically your children’s territory. Take a few minutes to clean up any lingering rubbish, and vacuum up any crumbs or leaves left behind on the seats or floors. Don’t forget to clean out your trunk if that’s where you’re planning to hang out for the night!
Your windows and windshield should always be clean, and this is a good opportunity to give them a good scrub! Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is full and that your windshield wipers are in good working condition. If you’re planning on watching the movie from inside your vehicle, you’ll want a clear view through your windows and windshield!
Make sure you’ve packed plenty of snacks and drinks! Check the drive-in theater’s rules for what is and is not permitted to be brought in. Once you’ve parked your vehicle at the drive-in, you’re pretty much stuck there until the movie is over, as most theaters won’t let you leave and reenter, so be prepared!
Bring some camping or lawn chairs. Kids love to pile blankets and pillows in the back of the van, but adults may prefer to sit outside the vehicle and enjoy the cool summer air. Speaking of summer air, keeping some bug repellent on hand will help you avoid pesky bug bites.
When the movie’s over, make sure you clean up! Bring something to pack up any rubbish you may have accumulated during the movie. Cleaning wipes are a great way to clean up any sticky messes and spills. Hand sanitizer or hand sanitizing wipes are a must!
2. Check your battery.
One of the appealing things about drive-in movies is listening to the sound from the comfort of your vehicle. Unfortunately, keeping your radio on for several hours is an easy way to drain your car battery. Here are some steps to make sure you don’t end your night with a dead battery!
- Bring a portable radio. Most drive-in theaters play the sound on an FM radio station. Listening to the movie on a portable radio will eliminate the need to keep your car on and thus will eliminate the chance of your car running out the battery. You can buy a small personal radio for a pretty affordable price online.
- Don’t keep your interior lights on. This will also drain your battery. Instead, pack flashlights or reading lights. Just make sure your lights aren’t disturbing movie-goers around you.
- Use an external battery to charge your electronics. An external battery pack is something you should always have charged and ready to go in your vehicle in case of emergencies. If you need to charge your phone during the movie, use an external battery rather than your car’s battery.
It’s better to pack something you won’t end up using than be unprepared in an emergency.
3. Don’t drive drowsy.
Drive-in movies won’t start until it’s dark out. If you’re staying for a double-feature, it could be well past midnight before you’re back on the road. Make sure you’re well-rested before your drive-in movie experience.
If you find yourself getting drowsy on the road, there are a few things you can do to get your attention back on the road. If you have a passenger who is able to drive and stay alert, consider allowing them to take over for a bit.
Cracking open a window to let in cool air can help keep you awake. Don’t let your eyes focus on one spot for too long! Look at the different objects around you: other cars, signs, and the land nearby. Look near and far, left and right. Read the signs as you approach them and check your rearview mirror. These actions will help keep you alert.
If you’re not sure you’ll be able to stay awake to drive home, consider leaving after the first movie, or cancel your trip. Safety is the most important thing.
We hope you use these tips to enjoy a night out at the drive-in theater this month! Want to learn more about driving topics? Check out our online driver safety courses. You may even be able to get a discount on your auto insurance by taking one of our courses!