The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Sydney

  • Family
    Kids

Sydneysiders love to make the most of summer days and balmy nights—and what better way to do it than to bring the best of the indoors, outside!

Outdoor movies are a quintessential summer activity, and there are loads of family-friendly events that the kids will love. Here’s our pick of the best kid-friendly outdoor cinemas in Sydney.

The Best Kid-friendly Outdoor Cinemas in Sydney.

1. Openair Cinema Camperdown

Sydney University Outdoor Cinema
The perfect kid-friendly outdoor cinema in Sydney, we can't wait for another season of Openair Cinemas in 2023!


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
Location: Cadigal Green, Sydney University, Camperdown 

2. Moonlight Cinema Centennial Park

Moonlight cinema Centennial Park
An oldie, and a goodie! Moonlight Cinema offers a great outdoor cinema experience in Sydney.


The original and one of the best! Moonlight Cinema in beautiful Centennial Park is one of the most popular outdoor cinema experiences in Sydney. With films running every night excluding Mondays, it sells out fast and is almost always busy. Avoid the queues by booking online and bringing a picnic. Don’t forget a blanket and some comfy cushions too, or get in early to grab some Bean Beds—they sell like hotcakes! 

When: Keep an eye on the website for details on the 2023 season
Location: Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park

3. Openair Cinema Bondi

Openair Cinema Bondi
Do outdoor cinema scenes get much better than this? 


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 2023 program
Location: Dolphin Lawn, Bondi Beach 

4. Mov'In Boat Floating Outdoor Cinema

Mov'In Boat Cinema
Mov'In Boat Cinema.


Amidst the buzzing atmosphere of Darling Harbour, Mov’In Boat is a spectacular outdoor floating cinema that will blow your usual movie night out of the water!  You can hire a row boat on the water or a day bed on the pontoon, splurge on the VIP package, or even BYO boat.

When: Keep an eye on the website for details on the upcoming 2023 season and schedule
Location: Darling Harbour

5. Westpac Open Air Cinema

Westpac Open Air Cinema
Outdoor cinemas don't get much better (or more iconic!) than this.


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: Jan - Feb 2024, keep an eye on the website for details
Location: Mrs. Macquarie's Chair

6. Sunset Cinema

Sunset Cinema North Sydney
North Sydney 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 Greens' epicurean onsite menu, which includes options for the kids, not to mention boutique wine, craft beer, and a little something for your sweet tooth.

When: Keep an eye on the website for more information about the 2023 program.
Location: North Sydney Oval, Cnr Miller and Ridge Streets, North Sydney

7. Moonlight Cinema Western Sydney Parklands

Moonlight Cinema Western Sydney
Moonlight Cinema Western Sydney Parklands


The original Moonlight Cinema is bringing the quintessential summer experience to a brand new Western Sydney location for a limited season at Moonlight Cinema Western Sydney Parklands. The biggest blockbusters, new releases, and cult classics will be showcased at the fabulous Lizard Log Amphitheatre for night after night of cinematic splendour and family-friendly entertainment under the stars. Prepare a picnic and your favourite treats or indulge in the on-site licensed bar and candy bar.

When: Keep your eyes peeled on the website for details on the upcoming program
Location: The Amphitheatre at Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands

8. Strathfield Movies in the Park

Strathfield Movies in the Park
Strathfield Park is a fun place to head for a free, family-friendly outdoor cinema experience.


Catch FREE outdoor movies in Strathfield Park on selected Saturday nights through summer. Make the most of the cinema experience and pack a picnic, bring a blanket or chairs, and your friends and family to enjoy the great entertainment and kid-friendly film highlights.

When: Keep an eye on the website for updates on the dates of the 2023 season
Location: Strathfield Park, Between Homebush and Chalmers Roads, Strathfield

9. Skyline Drive-In Cinema

Skyline drive-in Blacktown
It doesn't get more retro than Skyling Drive-In Cinema Blacktown!


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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