Warmer weather is just around the corner, and that means spending a lot more time outside! Whether you like to spend your Spring and Summer days sprucing up your garden, soaking up the sun, or running around with the kids, there’s no bad excuse to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
But, if you’re already trying to plan some exciting family events for the season, why not consider an outdoor movie night? No, that doesn’t mean hauling the television outside. Actually, turning your backyard into a mini-movie theater for the evening isn’t as difficult as you might think. With a little time, effort, and creativity, you can host a movie night for your family that will quickly become a regular tradition.
Let’s go over some tips you can use to put together the ultimate outdoor movie experience right in your own backyard.
Choose the Right Projector
The projector is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need for a quality movie night. It makes the difference in making it feel like you’re really going to a movie theater, or just watching a movie on a TV.
The best home projectors can vary quite a bit when it comes to cost. They can cost anywhere from $50-$5000, but don’t worry – you don’t have to break the bank in order to have a perfectly good projector for your family. The more expensive ones tend to feature 4K displays and more bells and whistles than you’ll ever need.
So, do your research on projectors and decide what would fit your needs best. If you do want to make movie night a regular event for your family, it can be worth it to invest in a quality projector that will withstand the test of time.
Create the Best Sound System
One of the best parts of seeing a movie in a theater is that you’re experiencing it in surround sound. It’s what gets your heart pumping during an action scene or gets you completely invested when a character is delivering a heartfelt monologue.
Thankfully, you don’t have to rely on the speakers from your computer to deliver sound for your movie. Using outdoor Bluetooth speakers, you can set them up all around you. Create a theater-like experience by using them in the front, sides, and back, and you can fully immerse yourself in the movie even if there are other noises going on outside.
Like the projector, it can take some research to find the right speakers to fit your needs. Sites like maxyourhometime.com can help, since they feature a lot of speaker reviews and ideas on how to best use certain ones within the home.
Setting Up the Screen
You have several different options when it comes to putting up the screen for your movie. If you really want a DIY experience and you’re on a budget, a bed sheet will actually do the trick! Make sure it’s wrinkle-free, and hang it up as taut as you can, and it’s really an effective and inexpensive way to make a movie screen at home.
If you want to invest in something a bit more stable, you can actually purchase an outdoor projection screen that is already on a fixed frame. They can be pricey, but again, they can be worth it if your movie night becomes a regular thing!
Creating the Perfect Environment
Once you have the technical aspects of your movie night ready to go, it’s time to have some fun! The sky is truly the limit when it comes to your setup. You can keep it simple and set out a few blankets outside in front of your screen. Or, you can make it a camping experience and pitch a tent, watching through the open door. You can even set out lounge chairs and small tables with snacks for everyone to enjoy.
One of the great things about having an outdoor movie night regularly is that it can expand beyond your family. It’s a great way to be neighborly and social. Everyone loves movies, and a simple movie night can turn into a neighborhood event by inviting a few people over. Ask them to bring their favorite snacks, or host a “pot luck” before each movie to give everyone a chance to talk.
Setting up the perfect movie night takes a bit of time and a little bit of investment into the right equipment. But, with the average American household spending nearly $3,000 going to the movies each year, it may actually end up saving you money to watch more of them at home! Plus, it’s a great way to create lasting memories with your family, and build new traditions that your kids can continue on with as they get older.
