by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
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!
(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 films start at 8 pm. Here’s what’s coming up:
May 9th: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Rated G)
May 23rd: The Princess Bride (Rated PG)
Please call (904) 471-1965 for more information on Night Owl Cinema.
(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 film 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 first 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 concessions, 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 confines 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!
• 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.
Article Published in the May 2008 Issue of EU Jacksonville
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