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How to Turn Your Backyard into an Outdoor Movie Theater
Do you like to have movie nights with your family?
It’s one of our favorite things to do together, so I’m always searching for some fun family friendly movies to watch.
We enjoy all kinds of movies, comedies, sports movies, superhero movies, fantasy, and more. No matter what we choose, it’s always fun!
So settle in, grab some movie snacks, pop in a great movie, and get ready for a great family night!
Looking for some creative ways to occupy your household ?
Consider moving your movie night from the couch to the backyard. You can spend time together gathering supplies, setting up the space, and ultimately enjoying a movie in the fresh air.
In this guide, we'll show you how to turn your backyard into a movie theater in a few easy steps. The good news is if you're a camper, you probably have most of the gear you need to pull this off. Let's dive in:
List of Supplies:
We’ll go into detail about each of these items in the body of this article, but here’s a quick run down of the supplies you’ll need to pull off a backyard movie:
For the screen: One lightly colored bed sheet, grommet kit, hammer, two ropes, and a ladder. Amazon offers some as well.
A space for everyone to sit. Think camp chairs, blankets, pillows, etc.
Snacks! (See our ideas below).
Lighting: Grab your BioLite lanterns and string lights to make it easy for the family to move around your space when the sun goes down.
Tech: Scroll to this section to view our favorite speaker and projector.
Finish setting the atmosphere by illuminating the yard with some outdoor string lights and hanging lanterns. Consider keeping bug sprayon hand or adding lighting, like citronella candles and torches, to help keep the mosquitoes and other summer bugs at bay.
Though it takes a little time to set up, hosting a backyard movie night is an easy way to entertain outdoors. You may end up using your outdoor theater on a regular basis.
Ready to get all the supplies you need to host a backyard movie night?
The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.
Now that you have all the supplies, here are 6 simple steps to turn your backyard into a movie theater:
1. The Screen
There are a variety of ways to build an outdoor movie screen - we went with a simple tension route. Grab a ladder, a white (or lightly colored) bed sheet, a grommet installer kit, a hammer, and two ropes. Install grommets on each corner of your sheet. In a pinch you can cut a hole sans grommet but keep in mind not to pull too hard on the sheet as it could rip. Attach carabiners & rope to each corner. Identify your screening wall - with our tension-based set up, spots with access to a tree branch, beam or fence are ideal. Hoisting time! One side at a time (and with the careful use of a ladder), wrap your climbing rope around a tree/branch/beam. Pull simultaneously until you reach a desired height. Secure the rope in place with a slipped overhand knot for easy removal post-movie.
2. The Seats
Head to the gear closet and look for a mix of high/low seating so you can create an indirect version of stadium seating. Near the front, lay out blankets built for the outdoors like Rumpl’s Puffy line. Outdoor blankets can easily be tossed in the wash so don’t be afraid of a little dirt. It’s nice to have a couple extra blankets on hand in case it gets chilly when the sun goes down. For more elevated seating, grab some camp or beach chairs and set them up behind the blankets so everyone can see the screen easily.
3. The Snacks
Once you’re set up it’s likely that everyone (kids especially) will be eager to start the movie but you may need to kill some time while you wait for the sun to set. Occupy their time with an interactive snack bar that allows them to customize their eats. In our setup, we’re re-imagining two campground favorites: campfire and s’mores. The BioLite FirePit’s smokeless flames make it perfect for the backyard (no shuffling around mid-movie to avoid plumes of smoke). The family can gather round to build their own wood-fired treat of s’mores and it’ll be dark before you know it. Looking for a tabletop option for your s'mores? The CampStove 2 is a great way to fire up your snacks with an even smaller footprint.
Our friends over at SMASHMALLOW make s’mores feel brand new again with their unexpected flavors like Cookie Dough, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Strawberries & Cream. (Our favorite? Cinnamon Churro – you’ve been warned).
If you’re looking to make it a dinner and a movie, head over to the recipes section of this blog for some ideas. (Editor's note: Forgot the firewood? The FirePit's dual-fuel system means you can load it in with charcoal and you're good to grill).
4. The Tech
We used Anker’s Nebula Capsule for our projector. It is incredibly easy to use, just set it up on a table in the middle of your seating area making sure it’s just the right distance from your screen. In a pinch, just look for portable projectors on Amazon. If you need to keep it powered up, position a BaseLantern XL nearby to serve as a backup power source.
Once you’re squared away on the visuals, you need a speaker so everyone can hear the film. Outdoor Tech’s Turtle Shell 3.0 was built for nights just like this. One of the best parts of this speaker is that it's scalable: you can daisy chain multiple Turtle Shells together for surround sound, perfect for larger groups or if you've got some competing ambient noise like a nearby street. (It’s also ideal for listening to music before the movie starts).
5. The Lights
Before the sun goes down, take a bit of time to set up the right area lighting so the night goes off without a hitch. We chose to hang up SiteLight Minis around the movie screen. String lighting not only sets the ambience but also helps people navigate their way to and from their seat without fumbling around or using their phone’s flashlight. After the movie starts, place a few SunLights into party mode on your snack table so friends can see the snacks they are grabbing without being disruptive. While you’re at it, place a BaseLantern XL in the middle of a group hangout area to make it easy for everyone to find their way back to their seats.
6. The Film
Thanks to Anker's projection technology, you can easily stream from Netflix, giving you a huge library to choose from; here's a list of some of the best outdoor/adventure films available for streaming right now
Top Family Friendly Movies
No matter what type of movie your family likes to watch, I’ve got some great suggestions for you. Pick a topic, click through, and you’ll find some great family movies my family recommends. Maybe not everything will be a great fit for your family, but I can guarantee you’ll find some great choices to have an awesome family movie night.
Top Ten Musicals
If your family loves musicals, here are 10 fun family movies you’ll love.
Rewatch a favorite or find a new movie from these Top 10 Family Friendly Musicals.
Fun Sports Movies
Do you have a family full of sports fans? Or do you just love inspiring movies?
Then, you’ll want to fire up one of these suggestions from this list of Ten Sports Movies for Families.
Family Movies on Amazon Prime
You don’t have to look far to find a great choice for movie night. Try one of these great Family Movies on Amazon Prime.
Disney Classic Live Action Movies
I grew up watching many of these Disney classics and now I love to share them with my kids. They’re fun and all are very kid friendly. Check out my 10 Favorite Disney Classic Live Action Movies for families at this list.
Superhero Movies
We love action and adventure in good superhero movies. These are often our top choice for family movie night. If your family loves superheroes too, you’ll love the choices from this list of Top 10 Superhero Movies for Families.
Winter Movies
Make a batch of hot cocoa and cuddle under blankets to watch one of these Winter Family Movies for the coziest movie night on a cold, snowy day.
Halloween Movies
It’s always fun to have a theme night during holiday time. So once October rolls around, you may want to try a fun and spooky family friendly movie.
So, check out this list of 10 Fun Halloween Movies for Families so you can have an awesome Halloween movie night.
If you have a little one you’re watching movies with, you’ll find some great suggestions with these fun Halloween Movies for Toddlers.
Are you ready to choose a fun family friendly movie for your next movie night? Are you going to try a musical, a sports movie, or something else?
Whatever you choose, I’m sure it’s going to be fun and you’ll have plenty of quality time with your family.
And, don’t forget the snacks! Try one of these yummy popcorn treats for family movie night for anyone that has the munchies.
Recommended Family Movie Night Resources:
If you’ve got Amazon Prime, it can be so easy to have a fun movie night. They’ve got so many family friendly movies available via streaming (in addition to other great benefits). You can sign up for Amazon Prime via this link.
You may also like one of these family fun ideas:
10 Fun Walk Ideas for Families
Easy to Play Card Games for Family Game Night
4 Ways to Stream Movies Outdoors
How to Stream Movies Outdoors Guide
Want to turn your backyard into a private cinema? With the right streaming setup, you can enjoy your favorite movies under the stars, no matter where you are. Whether it’s a cozy night for two or a neighborhood gathering, streaming movies outdoors has never been easier. Advances in technology have made outdoor movie nights more accessible and fun than ever before. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best way to stream your movies outside ?
In this guide, we will explore four different methods to stream movies outdoors, each tailored to different needs, setups, and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a simple solution or the latest tech, there’s something here for everyone.
One of the most popular ways to stream movies outdoors is by using a streaming device like a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Chromecast paired with a projector. These devices are compact, easy to set up and give you access to all your favorite streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
Streaming Setup and Tips: Connecting the Device: Simply plug your streaming device into the projectors HDMI port.
Most modern projectors come with multiple HDMI ports, making it easy to switch between devices if needed.
Projector Placement: Position your projector on a stable surface like a table or tripod, ensuring it’s level with your screen. Depending on the size of your backyard, you may need to adjust the distance to achieve the desired screen size. A good rule of thumb is to place the projector about 10-15 feet away from the screen for a 100-inch image.
Optimizing Streaming Quality: Outdoor streaming sometimes suffers from weak Wi-Fi signals. Consider using a Wi-Fi extender to boost your signal strength, or opt for a wired connection via an Ethernet cable if possible. This ensures smoother playback and reduces buffering, especially if you’re streaming in high definition.
Using a streaming device with a projector offers a familiar, user-friendly experience. It's perfect for those who already have a streaming device at home and want to take their movie nights outdoors without investing in additional equipment.
If you don’t have a streaming device, don’t worry your laptop or tablet can do the job as well. This method is straightforward and versatile, allowing you to stream from various platforms, including those that might not be available on certain streaming devices.
Connecting to a Projector or Screen: Most laptops and tablets can be connected to a projector via HDMI, USB-C, or VGA, depending on the model. Ensure you have the correct cables or adapters on hand. If you’re using a tablet, you might need a specific adapter, like a USB-C to HDMI, to connect it to the projector.
Wi-Fi Considerations: Like streaming devices, a strong Wi-Fi connection is crucial for a seamless experience. If you’re streaming from a laptop, position it close to your Wi-Fi router or use a mobile hotspot as a backup.
Battery Life Management: Streaming can drain your device’s battery quickly, especially if you’re using a tablet. To avoid interruptions, ensure your device is fully charged before starting the movie, or keep it plugged into a power source. For added convenience, consider using a portable power bank if your setup is far from an outlet.
This method is ideal for those who prefer flexibility and don’t want to invest in additional gadgets. It's also great if you have a large media library stored on your laptop to share with others.
Smart projectors are a game-changer for outdoor movie enthusiasts. These all-in-one devices have built-in streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, eliminating the need for separate streaming devices or laptops.
Smart Projector Setup and Tips:
Ease of Use: Smart projectors are incredibly user-friendly. Once powered on, you can navigate through the projector’s interface to access your favorite streaming apps directly. Most smart projectors also come with remote controls, making it easy to browse and select content from a distance.
Portability: One of the biggest advantages of smart projectors is their portability. Many models are compact and lightweight, making them easy to move around or even take on the go. Some even come with built-in batteries, allowing for a completely wireless experience.
Outdoor Performance: When choosing a smart projector for outdoor use, look for one with high brightness (measured in lumens) to ensure a clear picture even in low-light conditions. A projector with at least 2,000 lumens is recommended for outdoor settings. Additionally, consider the projectors resolution with Full HD is ideal for sharp, detailed images.
Smart projectors offer a seamless and convenient way to stream movies outdoors. With everything you need built into one device, you can set up and start watching in minutes, making this a great option for those who value simplicity and portability.
In today’s connected world, your smartphone can be a powerful tool for outdoor movie streaming. Whether using Bluetooth, screen mirroring, or a direct connection, streaming from your smartphone offers a highly portable and accessible option.
Wireless Streaming Setup and Tips:
Screen Mirroring: Many smartphones support screen mirroring, allowing you to cast your phone’s screen directly to a projector or smart TV. This feature is available on most Android devices and iPhones, though the exact method may vary.
For Android, you might use Chromecast, while iPhones can use AirPlay.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Some projectors and smart TVs support Bluetooth, enabling you to stream audio and video directly from your phone without cables. This can simplify your setup, but make sure your Bluetooth connection is strong enough to handle video streaming.
Enhancing the Experience: To improve the viewing experience, consider using a phone stand to keep your device stable. Additionally, connecting your smartphone to external speakers can enhance audio quality, especially in open outdoor spaces where sound can dissipate. For the best results, ensure your phone is fully charged or connected to a portable charger.
Streaming from a smartphone is perfect for those who value convenience and flexibility.
No matter your setup or budget, there’s a way to bring the magic of movie theaters to your backyard. By choosing the right method for your needs, you can create unforgettable outdoor movie nights all summer. Whether it’s a family movie night, a romantic evening, or a gathering with friends, streaming movies outdoors offers a fun and immersive way to enjoy cinema under the stars.
So, for your next outdoor movie night , try one of these methods and see how easy it is to bring your favorite films to life in the great outdoors. Don't forget to share your outdoor streaming setups in the comments below, and explore other posts on our blog for more outdoor entertainment ideas.
Make it a Party
Use movie themed menus like these
