Colorado still has a handful of drive-in theaters where you can watch a new movie from your own car, with the kids in pajamas and the snacks within easy reach. Some sit in mountain valleys, some date back to the 1950s, and a few let little ones in for free, which makes family movie night a lot easier on the wallet.
Each one on this list has its own story, from the highest drive-in in the country to a three-screen classic that has been running since 1951. Count how many you have visited, then plan a summer trip to the rest before the season ends.
1. Holiday Twin Drive In Theatre, Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins families have an easy answer when someone asks for a double feature. Holiday Twin sits at 2206 S Overland Trail on the west side of town, with the foothills rising behind the screens.
The big draw is value and variety. Holiday Twin runs first-run double features, so one trip gets you two current movies instead of one.
The setup feels old-school, but the tech does not. The screen and projection hold up well against modern indoor theaters, and the soundtrack plays right through your car, so everyone can stay comfortable in the back seat or the open hatch.
The snack bar covers the classics, and hot chocolate is on hand for cooler evenings. Dogs are welcome too, so the whole crew can come along.
Gates open at 7 PM most nights and 6 PM on Fridays and Saturdays during the season. Saturday nights draw the biggest crowds, so I would save a Monday through Wednesday visit for a quieter show.
Call 970-221-1244 or check holidaytwin.com for the current lineup.
2. Mesa Drive-In Movie Theater, Pueblo, CO
Back in 1951, the Mesa Drive-In started showing movies in Pueblo, and it is still at it today. That kind of staying power is rare for any business, let alone a drive-in.
Three screens with two movies each give families six options on a single night. That means the kids can pick a cartoon while the grown-ups argue over the action movie, and everyone still parks in the same lot.
Here is the part parents will appreciate. Kids under 12 get in free, and the concession prices stay friendly, so a full night out does not take a big bite out of the budget.
Audio comes through your AM/FM radio, so the soundtrack plays inside your car. Dogs are allowed, and active military members get a discount.
The Mesa runs Friday and Saturday nights from 6:30 to 11:30 PM, located at 2625 Santa Fe Dr. Saturday is the busy night, so arriving early helps if you want a good spot.
3. Comanche Drive-In Theatre, Buena Vista, CO
At about 8,000 feet, the Comanche Drive-In is known as the highest-elevation drive-in theater in the country. Bring a jacket, because mountain evenings cool off fast.
The setting steals the show before the movie even starts. Buena Vista sits in the Arkansas River valley, and the screen has a mountain backdrop that few theaters anywhere can match.
Don’t let the small-town size fool you. The Comanche shows current films on a modern picture and sound system, and the concession stand serves a themed food menu at fair prices.
The whole place has a friendly, retro charm that feels a bit like stepping back to the 1980s. It is also one of only a little over 300 drive-ins left in the United States, which makes a visit feel like a small piece of history.
I would pair this one with a summer road trip through the Collegiate Peaks area. The theater also hosts private events.
Find it at 27784 Co Rd 339, and call 719-395-2766 or visit comanchedrivein.com for showtimes.
4. Star Drive-In Theatre, Montrose, CO
Burgers and fries might be the real headliner in Montrose. The Star Drive-In is a seasonal, family-owned theater with a concession stand known for cheeseburgers and fries at reasonable prices.
The vibe is relaxed and retro. Families pull in, set up lawn chairs in front of the car, and settle in for the show.
Good outdoor speakers mean you do not have to run your car to hear the movie. That small detail makes a long night easier on your battery and much more comfortable outside.
Kids tend to make good use of the open space below the screen before the movie starts. The grounds are clean, the screen is large, and the views around the lot are a nice bonus on summer evenings.
Find the Star at 600 Miami Rd. Call 970-249-6170 or visit stardrivein.com for the season schedule.
5. Tru Vu Drive In Café & Movie Theater, Delta, CO
More than 70 years of movie nights have played out at the Tru Vu in Delta. Few businesses in any small town can say that, and it still runs as a seasonal family favorite.
Part of the appeal is the price. Kids get in free, and admission stays easy on families, which makes it a smart pick for a cheap weekend outing.
The Tru Vu goes beyond a standard double feature. It has offered 3D movies and live performances, and the snack bar keeps everyone fed between films.
Active military members get a discount here as well. The grounds are well kept, and it works just as well for a date night as for a carload of kids.
The entrance sits across from Advance Auto Parts at 1001 CO-92. Showtimes run Friday through Sunday starting at 6:30 PM, so check truvudrivein.com or call 970-874-9556 before heading out.
6. The 88 Drive-In Theatre, Henderson, CO
Churros might not be the first thing you link with a movie night, but they are a favorite at the 88 Drive-In. The snack bar is a big part of the fun here.
This is the Denver area’s classic summer drive-in. It shows first-run movies all season, with updated digital projection and FM audio for clear sound in your car.
Families tend to get creative with seating. Some bundle up in pickup beds with blankets, while others pull out chairs behind an SUV with the hatch open.
The pricing makes it easy to bring the whole crew. Kids 12 and under get in free, and one ticket covers multiple movies, so the evening stretches a long way.
Find it at 8780 Rosemary St in Henderson, north of Denver. Saturday nights are the busiest, while Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be calmer.
Check 88drivein.net or call 303-287-7717 for the current schedule.
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