Free Movies Playing in the Parks of San Diego

As a fan of movies, I have seen several movies with a New York setting where the characters in the movie go to Central Park and watch a movie outdoors on a large screen. The people watching the movies are relaxing on blankets, eating dinner and usually having a wonderful time. I often wondered why San Diego does not do the same thing. We have perfect weather for watching movies outdoors on a Friday or Saturday night, and with drive-in theaters disappearing all over the country, watching movies in the park on a giant screen sounded like a great idea to me.

Well, it must have sounded like a great idea to someone else too because the County of San Diego, Department of Parks and Recreation has organized several opportunities throughout the county where friends and family can go watch a movie in the park. The cities of San Diego, Coronado, National City, La Mesa, San Marcos, Poway and Oceanside have committed their cities to hosting at least one night of movies in the park this summer.

This is a free event where families and friends can enjoy movies in a natural setting. All movies start at dusk and will take place outdoors at either local parks or pools. Twenty-nine movies are scheduled to be shown at parks and pools around the county, presented on a large inflatable widescreen, designed for outdoor viewing. Beginning Friday, June 4^th and continuing to Saturday, September 18, the movies will be shown on Friday and Saturday evenings at various locations through the summer months.

As this is a public, outdoor venue, all of the movies will be acceptable for viewing by children. The current list of movies include: "The Sandlot", "Monsters vs Aliens", "Planet 51", "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs", "The Tooth Fairy", "Alvin and the Chipmunks; The Squeakquel",

"How to Train Your Dragon", "The Blind Side" and "Avatar". The list of movies is subject to change so check with your local park for an updated schedule before you go.

Viewers should bring their own chairs, blankets and refreshments. Most of the locations will also have pre-movie activities planned such as karaoke competitions, games, and music. Some viewing locations may include a parking fee for vehicles and parking may be limited. Be prepared to arrive early and have some cash on hand in case there is a parking fee. As it does get chilly in some of the parks at night, bring a light jacket for the kids. "Movies in the Park" is an excellent way for families and friends to enjoy the summer night out in the beautiful city of San Diego.

Movies in the Park viewing schedule:

June 18 Lindo Lake Park "The Sandlot"

June 19 4S Ranch Community Park "Monsters vs Aliens"

June 25 Sweetwater Regional Park "Planet 51"

June 26 Dos Picos Park "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs"

July 16 Spring Valley Park "The Tooth Fairy"

July 17 4S Ranch Community Park "Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Squeakquel"

July 23 Fallbrook Park "Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Squeakquel"

July 31 Dos Picos Park "Avatar"

August 14 Jess Martin Park "How to Train Your Dragon"

August 21 4S Ranch Community Park "How to Train Your Dragon"

September 11 Lindo Lake Park "How to Train Your Dragon"

September 18 4S Ranch Community Park "The Blind Side"

Article Resources

http://www.sdparks.org

http://www.sdcountynews.org/home/2010/6/4/movies-in-the-park-starts-tonight.html