Sydneysiders love soaking up warm summer days and balmy nights, and one of the very best ways to enjoy the season is by taking movie night outdoors. From lush parklands to iconic harbourside spots, outdoor cinemas have become a summer staple across Sydney, offering families the perfect blend of fresh air, fun and big-screen magic.

Whether you’re rolling out a picnic rug, grabbing some popcorn or settling in under the stars, outdoor movies are a must-do activity for kids and parents alike. With so many family-friendly screenings popping up across the city each year, from classic favourites to new releases, it’s easy to find a night out everyone will love.

To help you plan the perfect open-air movie moment, we’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly outdoor cinemas in Sydney for 2025. Get ready for starry skies, comfy blankets and unforgettable summer nights.

The Best Kid-friendly Outdoor Cinemas in Sydney.

1. Openair Cinema Camperdown

This one is popular with inner-westies—and not just for its movies. At Openair Cinemas, you can also expect gourmet food, a fully stocked bar, DJs, and live music, plus your furry friends are encouraged to join every night. Kids will love the line-up of family-friendly blockbusters!

When: The season usually starts in January. Keep an eye on the website for updates on the 2025/2026 season!
Location: Cadigal Green, Sydney University, Camperdown 

2. Moonlight Cinema Centennial Park

Moonlight Cinema is back in Centennial Park for the 2025–2026 season, celebrating 30 years of movies under the stars with a huge lineup of classic and new-release films. From 21 November to 5 April, families can roll out a picnic on the Belvedere Amphitheatre lawns and enjoy festive favourites like Love Actually, Elf, The Holiday, Home Alone and more.

For an extra treat, the Connoisseur Lounge offers premium seating, bean beds and gourmet ice cream. Tickets always sell fast, so check Moonlight Cinema Sydney for details and bookings.

When:    21 November 2025 - 5 April 2026 | Movies start at 8.30 pm
Location:   Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park

3. Openair Cinema Bondi

You can’t go past a cinema experience at Sydney’s most iconic beach. The fresh ocean air and the laid-back vibe of the Bondi Openair Cinema make this a summer must-do, and there's a film showing every night of the week.

Get there early to secure some good seats, and so you can chill out over a picnic before the films light up the big screen after sunset.

When: Keep an eye on the website for details on the 2025/2026 program
Location: Dolphin Lawn, Bondi Beach 

4. Mov'In Bed Outdoor Cinema

MOV’IN BED is bringing all the best parts of a Sydney summer together for the ultimate open-air movie experience. From 28 November 2025 to March 2026, Barangaroo’s Harbour Park transforms into a dreamy city beach, complete with 280 tonnes of soft white sand and more than 170 cloud-like queen and king-size beds, piled high with pillows and blankets. Couples, friends and families can snuggle in and enjoy new release films and classic favourites on the biggest outdoor movie screen in Australia.

With food and drinks delivered straight to your bedside and the sun setting over the water behind a massive 15-metre 4K screen, MOV’IN BED offers a magical, one-of-a-kind summer night out. It’s the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and cosy comfort. Why go anywhere else when you can literally go out and go to bed?

When: Friday 28 November 2025 - March 2026
Location: Darling Harbour

5. Westpac Open Air Cinema

Possibly the city's most picturesque outdoor cinema, you may even have trouble watching the film for the views at the Westpac Open Air Cinema! This amazing harbourside venue transforms into a festival of film as the giant screen rises from Sydney Harbour.

There is a fully licensed bar and gourmet food for purchase, making for a pretty sophisticated night out in our book. Tickets tend to sell out fast so get yours early.

When: Friday 9 January - Tuesday 24 February 2026
Location: Mrs Macquarie's Chair

6. Sunset Cinema

The hallowed turf of the North Sydney Oval outfield will see people of all ages and walks of life come together to experience movies in the great outdoors at Sunset Cinema. Head to North Sydney Oval early to soak up some rays while the kids are kept entertained, before settling down to watch one of the family-friendly films offered once the sun sets.

Pack a picnic, or order off the onsite menu, which includes options for the kids plus boutique wine, craft beer, and a little something for your sweet tooth.

When: Thursday 18 December 2025 - Wednesday 4 February 2026
Location: North Sydney Oval, Cnr Miller and Ridge Streets, North Sydney

7. Skyline Drive-In Cinema

50 years on, and Blacktown Drive-In has seen a revival, transforming into the Skyline Drive-In. Expect an old-school experience featuring the hottest new films, and ‘Happy Days’ style retro diner for a film experience like no other.

There's typically one film screened each night—so keep an eye on their website to catch something perfect for you and the kids!                           

When: Throughout the year
Location: Cricketers Arms Road, Blacktown

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