Everything you need for an outdoor movie night

Without a doubt, a movie projector is at the top of my “best purchases” list. Although the projector started out as an impulse buy, holding an outdoor movie night each weekend has quickly become one of my favorite family traditions.

Hosting a backyard movie night is a great way to watch new or even old childhood favorites from the comfort of your own home. Grab your charcuterie boards, snack platter and, of course, popcorn buckets. After a few months of refining our techniques, here are a few tips for everything you need for an outdoor movie night.

How to host an outdoor movie night

Your outdoor movie night can be as over the top or low-key as you want it to be. From video projectors to comfy chairs, it’s all about setting the scene for movie magic. Check out these tips and then scroll down for the best products you need to create the ultimate outdoor movie night.

1. Get a portable screen

The beauty of a projector is that you can set it up most anywhere—whether you want to cast on a sheet hung from a wall or a portable screen. For our purposes, we found that a portable screen was best. That way, we could stream a movie in the backyard with the kids in cardboard “cars” for a drive-in experience. Or we could bring it onto the patio, so my husband and I could cozy up for an at-home date night with the baby monitor within reach.

2. Have access to movies for everyone

With young kids, it can be hard for them to agree on the color of the sky—let alone a movie. Thankfully, we found something to enjoy during family movie time. Find your next family movie from this list of the best kids movies coming out in 2023.

3. Set up a snack table

To minimize trips back into the kitchen, we like to bring a full spread of snacks outdoors. Favorite options include a big bowl of popcorn with bowls for divvying it up, a rotating candy option for the kids to sample and, as the weather has turned cooler, a thermos with hot chocolate to pour into individual cups. If you’re family likes creating boards, there’s nothing quite like a good ol’ peanut butter board.

4. Make sure everyone has a comfortable seat and a good view

​As comfortable as they are for dinners on the back patio, we quickly realized our outdoor dining chairs weren’t going to cut it for family movie night. Now we bring out a bean bag chair for each of the kids while my husband and I scoot over an outdoor sofa. Without fail, one of the kids will request watching from cardboard cars we made and then the rest follow suit. I have to take a picture of the cuteness every time!

5. Find ways to extend the season

As summer came to a close, we agreed that we didn’t want outdoor movie night to go on hiatus until spring. Instead, we adapted by breaking out the cozy sleeping bags, sipping on hot chocolate and setting up an outdoor heater for a little shot of warm air.

Our favorite outdoor movie night products

Mdbebbron

120 inch Projection Screen

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$25.88

Not only is this projector screen affordable but the thousands of reviews also attest to the fact that it’s pretty great. It features a lightweight design and a wrinkle/crease resistant fabric. There are grommets on the corners that make it easy to set up with hooks, nails, or rope. Pack it away when you’re not using it and easily set it back up for the ultimate outdoor movie night.

SHOP AMAZON

Vamvo

Screen with Stand

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$85.99

If you’re looking at options for how to host an outdoor movie night on the go then look no further than this easily portable screen. The foldable stand can be easily put together and taken apart in minutes. If you don’t have a flat surface to mount it to, no problem! Take it camping or glamping. This highly-rated pick is popular for good reason.

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GooDee

2023 Dolby Native 1080p Video Projector

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$199.99

This movie project makes it easy to connect any kind of device since it features USB, HDMI, VGA and AV ports. Watch high quality video straight from your TV Box, Fire Stick TV, Chromecast, PC, laptop, tablet, PS3 and so much more. It supports full HD resolution and it features a giant view of up to 230 inches.

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VANKYO

Leisure 3 1080P Supported Mini Projector

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$67.99

This mini projector can easily connect to a variety of devices including your smartphone, laptop, Fire TV Stick, PS4 and X-Box ONE. Access your streaming services and get set up for your family movie night in no time at all. It’s compact, lightweight and it features vivid color quality.

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yogbio

Zoola Max

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$299.

The perfect bean bag doesn’t exi—. If you haven’t heard of Yogibo’s outdoor bean bags then let this be your introduction. The Zoola Max is their largest option and it can be used as a chair, a bed or a recliner. It completely contours to your body so there’s no weird pains! The removable, machine-washable cover makes it even more awesome. Choose from a variety of bright colors.

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Tabitha Brown for Target

Outdoor Bean Bag Chair

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$75

Style and comfort meet in this colorful bean bag chair. Reviewers love the bright colorway and the flexible comfort it provides. The water-repellant feature is a huge plus when it comes to outdoor seating!

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Kelty

Loveseat Double Outdoor Camp Chair

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$129.95

It’s giving best camp chair. Lounge on the ultimate loveseat camp chair with your partner, your kids or your furry friend. It’s the best way to chill and cuddle when you’re outdoors. Each armrest has its own cup holder. It comes in a convenient tote so you can take it anywhere you go.

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kedudes

Movie Night Popcorn Boxes

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$10.99

The classic red and white design of these popcorn buckets is sure to bring on the nostalgia. Fill ’em up with popcorn and get ready for your outdoor movie night to transform. They’re easily foldable so you can tuck them away until you use them again.

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PMPX

Letter Board

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$30.99

The built-in LED lights take this from an ordinary letter board to a mini marquee. Ramp up the excitement by featuring the title of your family’s movie night pick. It comes with its own stand and 340 letters, characters and emojis.

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A version of this post was published December 13, 2020. It has been updated.