Taking your kids to the drive-in sounds like a fun adventure. Until you factor in the late night and lack of sleep for all. It is one summer bucket list item that I just can’t check off. Lucky for my girls we threw a drive-in movie playdate. They were each able to invite a friend, have a fun time, and everyone was home in time for bed. Now that’s how you do a drive-in movie.
Invite friends! We took each invitee one of these color your own box costumes and a package of markers for them to color the cardboard with. We added in a little note that each girl wrote, telling them the details. Mainly date, time, location and to bring their cardboard vehicle colored and ready for the drive-in. 
Set up the popcorn bar. You can read the full tutorial on everything you'll need for a popcorn bar. 
When the guests arrive you can take their cardboard vehicles and park them in front of the screen. We also gave each child three white tickets at this time so they could get into the movie, get popcorn and a drink. 
Aren't these so cute? 
Have the children begin to make their very own DIY license plates for their cardboard vehicles. You can find more details on this project on my DIY license plate for kids post. They can do this while you finish getting everything ready for the movie. This was a great way for them to get out extra energy before the movie. Once their license plate is dry, attach to their vehicles. I used double sided tape. 
Scoop up popcorn into bags for each kid. Then let them go through the popcorn bar to make their own snack. The kids really liked this part as well. We made sure to plan this for right after lunch so we didn't spoil any appetites. 
Help each child settle into their vehicle. We found the movie night snack trays came in handy here. Each child was able to find a place on their costume box where the trays fit nicely. This helped keep down on messes. Although with kids and popcorn some messes are bound to happen! 
Start the movie and let your children enjoy their play date at the drive-in. 
Make sure you check out my DIY License Plate for Kids and Drive-In Movie Playdate Popcorn Bar posts for more inspiration.
