Gather the family, pack your blankets and lawn chairs, and head downtown for free Movies in the Park every Thursday night this fall! From September 3 through October 29, American Gardens will transform into an open-air cinema with local food and drink vendors, kid-friendly pre-show activities, and a movie under the stars. Arrive at 5:30pm to enjoy snacks, drinks, and activities before the movie begins at 6pm.

Families will especially want to check out the kid-friendly favorites, including The Parent Trap on September 3, Monsters, Inc. on October 8, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial on October 15, Back to the Future on October 22, and Hocus Pocus on October 29. Other screenings include Chariots of Fire on September 10, Father of the Bride on September 17, and The Rookie on September 24. Movies in the Park is free and open to all ages. There will be no movie on October 1.

If you want to make a full family night out of it, there are several easy, kid-friendly food options within walking distance of American Gardens. It looks like there will be options on site for dinner. But you could also grab takeout from Bar Taco, which has a great menu and is just about a five-minute walk from American Gardens. You can also stop by the Pineapple Hut for soft serve and excellent allergy-friendly ice cream. If you don’t mind walking another few blocks, head to Big Gun Bar and Burgers on Calhoun Street for burgers, fries, and shakes.

The best part is that you can park once, grab dinner or dessert within about a 10-minute walk, and then stroll over to American Gardens for a picnic-style dinner while you watch the movie with your kids under the stars. It’s an easy way to turn Thursday night into a fun, low-key family outing without having to get back in the car!