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free outdoor entertainment
summer movies by kellie abrahamson
In spite of rising temperatures, Floridians typically associate summer with outdoor activities. For
many families that means watching Little League games, building sandcastles at the beach or simply
playing in the sprinklers in our own backyards. But summer fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes
down, especially here on the First Coast. There are a number of cool things to do with the family during
those warm summer nights. This month we’ll look at my personal favorite--outdoor movies. Two area
locations will be having outdoor movies in May and, best of all, the price is right: free!
night owl cinema (st. augustine)
The recently renovated St. Augustine Amphitheatre is a wonderful facility to see a concert in but it’s
also great for a night at the movies. Though their Night Owl Cinema series is already in full swing,
there are still a couple of movies coming in May that you and your family can check out. While no
outside food will be permitted, various local restaurants will be on hand with some outstanding
goodies. Gates open at 6:30 pm and the fi lms start at 8 pm. Here’s what’s coming up:
May 9 th : Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Rated G)
May 23 rd : The Princess Bride (Rated PG)
Please call (904) 471-1965 for more information on Night Owl Cinema.
moonlight movies (jacksonville beach)
This Beaches staple always promises to be a good time for the whole family. Head to the Sea Walk
Pavilion each Friday night beginning on May 23rd for a free movie under the stars. A children’s play
area is open from 6 pm to 8 pm and the fi lm begins at 9 pm. The current schedule is as follows:
May 23rd : Jaws (Rated PG)
May 30th : Shrek (Rated PG)
For more information on Moonlight Movies, call (904) 247-6268.
Downtown Jacksonville did their own outdoor
movie screenings in April, with their Movies in
the Park series, held at the Jessie Ball DuPont
Park on the Southbank. While my husband and I
have spent many a
balmy evening under
the stars watching
movies, this was the
fi rst time we took
our kids along with
us. What was once
a classic “Abrahamson
Date Night”
turned into a really
fun “Abrahamson
Family Night.”
Because the movies
are scheduled
at nightfall, the family and I were able to head
Downtown right after my husband got off work a
6 pm, so there was no need to make any special
arraignments with his job. Once we got to the
park, we staked out our spot and hit the conces-
June 6th : The African Queen (Not Rated)
June 13th : Poltergeist (Rated PG)
sions, which had a decent variety of goodies to
choose from and were surprisingly well priced.
We got back to our blanket and settled right as
the night’s feature presentation, Ghostbusters,
appeared on the
large screen. Aside
from the occasional
“Mommy, is that
a good ghost or a
bad ghost?” and a
potty break each, both
kids did a great job
watching the movie
outside the confi nes
of a darkened theater.
Afterward, I asked
them which was better,
watching movies inside or watching movies
outside. Without hesitation, they both agreed that
lying on a blanket on the ground beats sitting up
straight and tall at a movie theater any day. For
once that’s something we can all agree on!
tips for enjoying outdoor movies with your kids:
• Plan ahead and pack a picnic dinner of easy to eat foods like sandwiches, veggie
sticks and grapes. Anything that requires a fork should stay out of your picnic basket.
• If you don’t have time to pack a picnic, swing by an ATM and pick up some cash on
your way to the movie. Most venues have vendors on hand selling snacks and drinks.
• Soak the entire family in bug spray or risk being eaten alive, particularly if you’ll be
sitting on grass
• Try to arrive early to get the best seats. If you’re bringing a blanket, consider sitting
closer to the stage to avoid obstructions. If you’ll be in lawn chairs, you’re better off
sitting towards the back to avoid becoming obstructions to those on blankets.
• Even though you are outside, try to be considerate of others by keeping talking to a
minimum while the movie is playing.
family | eujacksonville.com | MAY 2008
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