4 of the Best Drive-In Movie Theaters in the Tampa Bay, Florida Area

You've probably seen many films dating to the fifties where going to the drive-in was the social place to be. The guys showed off their hot rod cars to others while the girls got dressed up for their dates. Drive-in movie theaters were at its peak in popularity during the late 1950s to early 1960s. They were devised where a family could bring their children to the movies without having to worry about the noise level they'd create for other patrons.

Besides being originally meant for families' drive-ins later evolved to teen hang-outs and in the 1970s unsavory type films were being shown marketed specifically for drive-ins only. By the time the 1980s approached with VCR and video rentals the drive-ins all but vanished. You probably thought drive-in movie theaters in Tampa Bay were completely extinct. Not so fast, they are few and very far in between, but not completely gone and forgotten.

Here are four drive-in theaters for your next movie viewing pleasure that will be unlike anything you've experiences before. Read on to find out their names, locations, admission costs and other information. When some of these drive-ins are not being utilized during the day they become flea markets and swap shops. Talk about a dual purpose. Now let's go back into time when drive-ins were the king.

1.) Fun-Lan Drive-In Theatre - Tampa, Florida

Almost sixty years ago on January 10, 1950 this one remaining drive-in that is still in operation in Tampa opened. All the other drive-ins throughout the city of Tampa have since closed. During the day from Thursday to Sunday starting at 6 a.m. is their Swap Shop Flea Market. It is considered one of the busiest flea markets in the Tampa Bay area.

At twilight it still shows movies, but instead of one screen they now have four screens. Admission is per person at $6.00 for adults and children ages 4 to 9 is only $2.00. You see the latest releases as you would in a cineplex at a shopping mall. The box office and snack bar open at 7:30 p.m. Best of all they are open every night, including holidays. Fun-Lan Drive-In is located at 2302 E. Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33610. (813) 237-0886

2.) Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre - Ruskin, Florida

They pride themselves on being "the last family drive-in" in the U.S. Since the Ruskin Family Drive-In opened just outside Tampa in South Hillsborough County back in 1952, they have always remained and still do as a family drive-in where families can enjoy a night out together. They do not show X-rated or NC-17 films or allows drugs or alcohol onto the premises.

What they do offer is outstanding films, excellent food and peace and quiet. The drive-in features a 2,000 square foot screen, clean restrooms, sanitary snack bar and safe parking lot. Open rain or shine 365 days a year. Admission is $5.00 per person where you see two movies for the price of one. Children 5 to 8 years old pay $1.00 per child. Those children 4 years and younger are admitted free with parents. If your family is looking for something different come to the Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre at 5011 U.S. Hwy 41 North, Ruskin Florida 33572 (813) 645-1455

3.) Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre - Lakeland, Florida

Over in Polk County here is the oldest drive-in movie theater on this list. The Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre opened on April 14, 1948. After a natural disaster and a lot of buyouts the drive-in was selected as one of a few to remain open into the 21 century. Silver Moon is the last drive-in left in Polk County. There are now two screens added. When you go their refreshment center you can see many photos of days gone by with the history of this theatre.

On Saturdays and Sundays during the day they are a Flea Market/Swap Shop. Gates begin opening at 5 a.m. Starting at 7:30 p.m. you can see first-run movies. Admission for ages 10-up is only $4.00 per person. Children ages 4-9 pay $1.00. Open every night and located at 4100 New Tampa Hwy, Lakeland, FL.

4.) Joy-Lan Drive-In & Swap Shop - Dade City, Florida

This is the sister drive-in of Silver Moon. They are the only remaining drive-in throughout Pasco County. Joy-Lan has been around for over fifty years showing first-run movies. This drive-in features one screen. However, your admission allows you to see two movies for the price of one.

Another thing different with this drive-in theatre is they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Open at 7 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday nights you pay only $4.00 for ages 10-up. Those who are ages 4-9 pay only $1.00. On the weekends during the day Joy-Lan is transformed into a Flea Market/Swap Shop. Gates open at 5:30 a.m. You can get breakfast from their snack bar. Joy-Lan Drive-In is located on US 301 near Jordan Road. (352) 567-5085

Its obvious taking a family to see first-run movies at a drive-in is more affordable than indoor movie theaters. The only problem is most of these drive-ins in Tampa Bay are in rural areas. Fun-Lan in Tampa is the only urban location on the list. However, you can't beat its unique appeal and history. Why not check it out once with your family?

SOURCES:

Drive-in theater, Wikipedia

Florida's Open DI's, Drive In Theater.com

Fun-Lan Drive-In Theatre, Fun-Lan

Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre, Ruskin Family Drive-In

Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre, Silver Moon Drive-In

Joy-Lan Drive-In Theatre, Joy-Lan Drive-In