Dog-Friendly Drive-In Movies

Posted by Billy Francis

If you want to enjoy a retro movie night with your dog but can’t make the trek to the last remaining Blockbuster store, catch a movie on the big screen from the comfort of your car instead. Cuddle up with your pup while you both nibble on your favorite treats and enjoy the latest flick at these drive-in movie theaters that are rated “arf!”

Grand River Drive-In

Leeds, AL
Snacks are a must at the movies! Photo by @drivein_hangout

Grand River Drive-In invites you and your pooch to experience movies under the stars accompanied by food from The Snack Shack. The main attraction for Fido is an off-leash dog park that allows dogs to blow off steam before the latest movie releases and classics begin on the big screen. If the film is a flop, you can still have fun on the mini-golf course and play a round on one of the yard games instead.

Is this real life? Is this just fantasy? It’s definitely real, Fido. Complete your visit to Leeds with a stay at Bohemian Rhapsody, a tastefully decorated home in the countryside with hardwood floors throughout. Daily walks are a breeze on the quiet roads that surround the cottage.

Stardust Drive-In Theatre

Watertown, TN
“Last time we peed on the floor during a movie, we got kicked out!” Photo by @we_started_a_zoo

Stardust Drive-In Theatre has been entertaining families under the stars since 2003. Tune into the crystal-clear FM radio frequency, recline your seats, and watch the latest flicks for less than the price of a single ticket at an indoor movie theater in nearby Nashville. The big screen is surrounded by grassy space where you can walk your pup between shows.

Experience an Airbnb on wheels in nearby Brush Creek when you reserve this comfy glamper experience. This cozy RV is situated in a private fenced backyard with a chiminea for s’mores after the show.

The Showboat Drive-In

Hockley, TX
“Man, this film’s great. What do you mean it hasn’t started yet?” Photo by @bailey_and_gracie_the_tzus

The Showboat Drive-In Theater offers back-to-back screenings of new release movies for a one car ticket price. Relax and enjoy America’s favorite hobby from the comfort of your front seat or on camping chairs with your leashed pooch outside your vehicle. If Fido needs a mid-movie pee break, there are grassy areas for a sneaky stroll. Before the show starts, grab dinner with your dog at 403 Eats, a pet-friendly food truck park.

Fido can keep you company on a farmstay in this nearby guest nest. Rise with the rooster, rock on the porch and explore a gated pasture with your pooch.

Admiral Twin Drive-In

Tulsa, OK
"Can you fast forward through the previews?" Photo by BringFido/Teresa

Admiral Twin Drive-In is the largest twin screen drive-in movie theater in The Sooner State and has the capacity to hold 1,500 cars. The spacious location allows for plenty of room between vehicles, so Fido doesn’t distract other viewers when he barks his applause during his favorite scenes.

Cozy comfort and a great location await at this darling pet-friendly home near downtown. The rental features a fenced outdoor space that pups are free to explore off-leash.

Family Drive-In Theatre

Stephens City, VA
“You’re missing the best bit!” Photo by Facebook.com/familydriveintheatre

Bring every member of the household to the Family Drive-In Theatre. This classic drive-in has two screens where first run movies, double, and even triple features are screened for true film buffs. Over the years, it’s hosted fundraisers for local rescue shelters, halloween costume competitions and canine meet-ups between screenings.

After your marathon movie-watching session, catch up on some quality sleep at Quality Inn Stephens City Winchester South. This pet-friendly hotel has lots of grassy space to explore on evening walks.

Silver Moon Drive-In

Lakeland, FL
“Can I see your tickets please?” Photo by @julzzastrow

Established in 1948, Silver Moon Drive-In has been screening flicks for the people of Polk County for generations. Pull up and tune into first-run movies beamed onto two screens, with double features every night of the week. Make sure you arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for your pooch.

After the credits roll, head back to this comfortable home nearby. Inside, hardwood floors make for easy clean up, and there’s a grassy fenced backyard outside.

Motor Vu Drive-In

Idaho Falls, ID
Enjoy the Vu! Photo by Facebook.com/MotorVuIF

Families with furry filmgoers have flocked to Motor Vu Drive-In since 1947. Covering over 6,400 square feet and equipped with a state-of-the-art 4k RGB laser projector, the crystal clear, massive screen at the Motor Vu has to be seen to be believed. The Rumsey family, the latest owners of the drive-in, are hoping to bring the nostalgic pastime to life once more for the next generation of four-legged movie buffs.

After the movie, lie down with your Labrador at La Quinta Inn & Suites Idaho Falls. This well-reviewed hotel has a pet relief area and a variety of dog-friendly rooms available.

66 Drive-In Theatre

Carthage, MO
"This movie is rated arf!" Photo by @___lifeasagnes

Predating television in the area, 66 Drive-In Theatre has been a Carthage staple since 1949. The theater gets its name from its location on the Mother Road, which makes it a must-visit for any dogs driving down Route 66. Make a stop along the most iconic highway in America, and cruise down memory lane with your canine for the best show in town.

Enjoy a relaxing pitstop at this delightful guesthouse in nearby Webb City. Located in a quiet neighborhood with a pleasant side yard, there’s plenty of space to walk Fido.

Coyote Drive-In

Fort Worth, TX
“I can’t believe I dressed up nice to sit in the back of a truck!” Photo by @coyotedrivein

Howl at the moon at the Coyote Drive-In located at Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth. Here you can enjoy old-school entertainment with your pooch with views of the city skyline just behind the screens. Fido can stretch his legs in the grassy space that surrounds the viewing area, or go for a longer walk around Panther Island Pavilion after the show. If you get hungry or thirsty during the movie, there’s a full restaurant kitchen and a beer and wine bar on the premises.

Cross the West Fork Trinity River to Aloft Fort Worth Downtown for a pet-friendly corner room with a city view. Dog beds, treats and water bowls are provided to guests at check-in.

Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre

Henderson, NC
“I’m more entertaining than any movie!” Photo by @krissyjae18

Originally the Moon-Glo Outdoor Theatre, the first movie shown at North Carolina’s oldest operating drive-in was “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.” Nowadays, Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre continues the tradition of showing great movies for people and pups in four wheels. Roll up for themed double bills throughout the season. There’s even a dedicated area on the edge of the property away from other audience members for potty breaks during the credits.

Located at Fox Pond Park, this secluded waterfront cabin retreat is the ideal place to finish off any remaining popcorn. Pawesome Park Dog Park is within walking distance and is equipped with a tire jump, weave poles, a fire hydrant and more.

Skyview Drive-in Theater

Belleville, IL
"I hope there aren't too many previews." Photo by Facebook.com/SkyviewDriveInTheater

Skyview Drive-in Theater has been showing movies on the big screen since 1949. They love dogs and host canine meet-ups throughout the season, as well as themed nights showing classic movies, where dogs and humans are encouraged to dress up in their finest costumes. Before the movie begins, park up with your pup and get a taste of another retro tradition, the drive-in restaurant, at Rally's Hamburgers.

Fairytale fanatics can tell a story at The Frog Prince Cottage in nearby Belleville. Fido will also find a happily ever after here thanks to the fenced backyard and hardwood floors.

Elm Road Triple Drive-in Theatre

Warren, OH
“I’ve changed my mind, I don’t want to watch a horror movie!” Photo by @kingston_theyorkiechon

Elm Road Triple Drive-in Theatre is home to three giant screens that feature double bills for all tastes. Whether Fido loves being scared out of his fur by the latest frightfest, laughing his tail off, or cheering for a bunch of canine superheroes, this “pawpular” spot has him covered. Pinched for time and don’t want to miss the previews? Swing by Five Guys first and eat dinner at the show.

Equipped with a cinema room featuring a projector screen, rows of tiered seating and movie posters, Fido can take the movie experience home with him at this renovated rustic Airbnb.

Riverside Drive In

Vandergrift, PA
“People say my smile is my best feature.” Photo by @brittmoore58

Riverside Drive In keeps the retro dream alive by screening classic movies throughout the week. There’s been a drive-in movie theater on this spot since the early 1950s when Riverside’s predecessor, Lee’s Woodland Drive-In, first opened its gates. Fortunately, you can still enjoy old school double bills the way they’re meant to be seen - on the big screen at the only operating drive-in in Armstrong County.

For an affordable stay just a short drive from Riverside, book the Country Cottage. This cozy home is surrounded by grass for Fido to explore.

Highway 50 Drive-In

Lewisburg, TN
“Man, this truck bed is more comfortable than my actual bed!” Photo by @alexbagwell88

Located on 13 acres outside the beautiful historic town of Lewisburg, Highway 50 Drive-In has been entertaining the cinephile townsfolk since 1949. Bring your furry film fan along to see double bills of the latest releases and enjoy classic movies in their rightful place up high against the night sky.

Put your feet up and watch more movies in your comfortable room at Best Western Fayetteville Inn. This pet-friendly hotel is surrounded by grass and offers treats and bowls at check-in.

Have you taken your dog to a drive-in movie? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by @alexbagwell88.