Tired of shivering in air-conditioned theaters and paying too much for candy and popcorn? Outdoor movies have the solution. And with options all over Southern Minnesota, your next family night is just a short drive away. As always, check the movies’ ratings and start times before bringing extremely young children.

Movies in the Park

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Central Park (225 1st Ave. NW, Rochester) for free monthly movies hosted by the Rochester Downtown Alliance. The 9 p.m. movie start time may rule out younger kids, outdoor activities begin at 7. Food and drinks are available for purchase on-site.

• July 7 – Jumanji
• Aug. 18 – Coco
• Sept. 15 – Safe Haven

Movies Under the Stars

The History Center (1195 W Circle Dr. SW, Rochester) has three outdoor movie nights in August, shown on Schmitt Field. General admission is $5, but seniors and children under 12 get in free. Leave the pets and coolers at home, but feel free to grab snacks and drinks before the movie starts at 8:30 p.m.

• Aug. 10 – CARS 3
• Aug. 24 – Moana
• Aug. 31- SING

Byron’s Movies at City Hall

Visit our neighbors to the west for monthly movies on the lawn of Byron’s City Hall (680 Byron Main Ct. NE, Byron). Movies are hosted by the Byron Good Neighbor Days Committee. Bring your own snacks and lawnchairs.

• July 20 – Finding Dory
• Aug. 17 – Wonder

Four Daughters Vineyard

About 30 minutes outside of Rochester, Four Daughters Vineyard (78757 Hwy 16, Spring Valley) is screening movies among the grapes. BYO blankets and chairs, and kick back (maybe with a glass of wine?). The free movies begin at 8:30 p.m.

• July 11 – Pretty Woman
• July 25 – Apollo 13
• Aug. 8 – Overboard
• Aug. 22 – The Greatest Showman