Last Saturday, my sister and I decided to pack up the kids (ages 5, 3 1/2 and 2 1/2) and check out the McAllen Movies in the Park. We took blankets, snacks and drinks and arrived at 8:00pm. Monster’s University was the movie of the night. When we walked up to the gate we were met by some very nice people who gave us all tickets for door prizes that would be given away before the movie started.

As we walked further we were stopped by a couple of other ladies who told us that face painting for the kids was available. We walked onto the softball field and found a spot to call ours. Since popcorn and pickles are a must while watching movies, I paid a visit to the concession truck who had many movie snacks to choose from. After several door prizes were given out, the movie started at sundown, about 8:30pm.

There were over 1,000 people there that night and I am pretty sure that no matter where you sat, you would have been able to see the large screen very well. We sat towards the middle of the field and did not any trouble hearing the movie either. We had a great time.

The kids were happy because they were outside and watching one of their favorite movies. My sister and I were happy because the kids could fidget and roll around and it was o.k. We also loved it because it was a fun and free thing to do and we could take our own drinks and snacks for the kids.

Next time, I will probably take our own popcorn and pickles though. I highly recommend checking it out at least once this summer.

If you are not in the McAllen area then see if your city hosts a movies in the park. I know there are several that do, including Weslaco on Thursday nights. We will definitely be going back. Hope to see you there!

Here are some things to know before you head out:

• Where: Westside Park, 1000 S. Ware Rd.
• Doors open at 7:00pm and there is a pre-movie party.
• Take a blanket or chair and any snacks or drinks you like when you watch a movie.
• Concessions are available but I found that they are limited.
• The movie starts at 8:30pm. I advise getting there early for parking and to find a good spot on the field.
• Be sure and get your door prize tickets at the gate.
• Pets and alcohol are not allowed in the softball complex.

Movie schedule (McAllen)

June 21 – Iron Man 3
June 28 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
July 5 – Turbo
July 12 – Frozen
July 19 – Thor: The Dark World
July 26 – The Croods
August 2 – Lego Movie

Movie schedule (Weslaco)

300 N. Airport Drive – Weslaco, Texas
Thursdays at 8:00 PM
Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs
Free admission
June 19 – Ice Age: Continental Drift
June 26 – Frozen
July 3 – GI JOE: Retaliation
July 10 – Monsters University
July 17 – The Little Giants
July 24 – Thor The Dark World
July 31 – The Croods
August 7 – Nacho Libre

Printable Movie Guide:

Links and Resources:

McAllen – Movies at the Park

Weslaco – Movie at the Park Summer Series