Ohio Drive-In Movie Theaters

Ohio is home to 24 drive-in movie theaters, making it the third-largest state for drive-ins in the country.
Written by Allison Stone
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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When you’re in America’s Heartland, what better to do than take a trip to one of
Ohio
’s drive-in movie theaters for a nostalgic, all-American experience? The state has a total of 24 drive-ins, but here we’ll focus on three highlights near Cleveland and Columbus. 
Drive-ins are a great family-friendly destination—and you can often bring your furry friend too! They’re also a great deal, with many showing double features for a single rate.  
Read on below to see what the experts at
car insurance
comparison and broker app
Jerry
have compiled about some of the best of the Buckeye State’s historic drive-ins.  
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Skyview Drive-In Theatre

Address: 2420 E Main St, Lancaster, OH
Schedule: Skyview generally operates from April through October. The ticket office and gates open at around 7:00 pm and close at 9:30 pm.
Ticket prices: $8 for adults, $6 for police, fire, and military with ID, $4 for kids ages 4-11, and free for children ages 3 and under. An additional $5 is charged per car if you bring your own food and beverage. 
Number of screens: 1
Pet-friendly? Yes, but they must be on-leash at all times. 
Established in 1948,
Skyview Theatre
is a longstanding Lancaster institution with over 70 continuous years of outdoor entertainment under its belt. Just 40 minutes outside of Columbus, Skyview was the first Ohio drive-in to install HD pictures and sound. 

Movies

Skyview shows an eclectic mix of old classics, seasonal favorites, and new releases. While Skyview aims to provide affordable entertainment for the whole family, the movie selection is not limited to any one genre or age group. 
Because Skyview shows two or sometimes three features per evening, there is something suitable for everyone’s tastes and maturity levels. 
The Skyview schedule is updated weekly on their
website
under the “movies” tab and the Skyview Drive-in
Facebook page
While tickets can be purchased at the gate, it is recommended that guests secure tickets online through the theatre’s website to guarantee entry. All ticket sales are final. 

How to hear the movie

While Skyview does have some car speakers available for use by guests, most guests will need to tune into 88.5 FM on your car’s radio. 

Snacks

While the full official menu including prices is not listed online, interested visitors can get an idea of what to expect from the “concessions” tab on the Skyview website. 
Specialty options include homemade fishtails, pork tenderloin, and shredded chicken sandwiches, as well as classic movie theater treats such as popcorn, hot dogs, french fries, and much more. 
If you’re planning on bringing some snacks of your own, be sure to get a $5 outside food permit when purchasing the rest of your tickets. 
Pro Tip: Provided it is not obstructing anyone else’s view, theatergoers are welcome to get comfortable and watch the movie in lawn chairs behind or in front of their vehicle, from the bed of a pickup truck, or in the back of a hatchback. However, you must be in a vehicle to enter. 

Springmill Drive-In Theater

Address: 1040 Springmill Road, Mansfield, OH
Schedule: Open March or April through October 
Ticket prices: $10 for adults 12 and older and $5 for children ages 3 through 11. Outside food and beverage permits are $10 per vehicle. 
Number of screens: 2
Pet-friendly? Yes
Visitors to the
Springmill Drive-In Theater
might feel like they’ve been transported straight back to the heyday of drive-in movies, thanks to this outdoor arena’s classic vintage look. 

Movies

While the theater itself has been in operation since the 1950s, the movie selection at the Springmill is anything but dated. Guests choose between two screens, each one playing a unique nightly double-feature of first-run new releases. 
Occasionally, the theater runs triple features at no extra charge. Check out
what’s showing
on Springmill’s website. 
If you plan to hang out in the back of a hatchback, just be sure that the hatch is tied level with the roof of the car, or park in the back row where no other moviegoers’ view will be obstructed.    

How to hear the movie

The sound is broadcast over FM radio, so moviegoers must bring a portable radio or tune in to their vehicle’s built-in stereo. 

Snacks

The Springmill provides a full concession stand for your enjoyment with weekly specials including $1 off fountain drinks on Thursdays and $1 off pizza on Sundays. 
Outside food and drink are permitted provided guests purchase a $10 outside food permit. 

Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In

Address: 33395 Lorain Road, North Ridgeville, OH 
Schedule: Open from early April to late September, 7 days a week. 
Ticket prices: $10 for adults age 12 and over and $5 for children. 
Number of screens: 2
Pet-friendly? No
The Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In
was opened in 1965 by the Sherman family in North Ridgeville, Ohio. Three generations later, the Sherman family is still proudly operating one of the longest-standing drive-ins in the Cleveland area. 
You can even buy merchandise such as shirts and sweatshirts from the Aut-O-Rama
online shop
to commemorate your experience. 

Movies

The Aut-O-Rama is by and large a first-run theater. During the summer months, it is even more likely that two first-run films will be shown in a double feature. This venue offers a selection of movies appropriate for families and movie lovers of all ages. 
During the season, movies and showtimes can be found under the “Now Showing” tab on the drive-in’s
website

How to hear the movie

Movie audio is broadcast over FM radio, which you can listen to in your car or on a portable stereo. A limited amount of portable stereos are available to rent from the concession stand for a fee.
When available, movies shown on Wednesday nights will be accompanied by open captions. 

Snacks

Outside food is typically not allowed at Aut-O-Rama, but as of the 2021 season, the theater has made a temporary exception to promote social distancing. A full concessions
menu
with prices is available on the Aut-O-Rama website. 
Offerings of the Aut-O-Rama concession stand include sweets, fried foods, grill items, popcorn, ice cream, nachos, sandwiches, candy, and more. Guests can even enjoy a large 16-inch pizza with their choice of toppings. 
Pro Tip: If you wish to rent out the theater for a private event, submit an
inquiry form
through the drive-in’s website. In the off-season (October through mid–March) the Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In also rents out its marquee for special occasions, such as birthdays and graduations.

How to find affordable car insurance

The more money you save on car insurance, the more money you have to spend on doing the things you love—like spending a night at the drive-in with the whole family. 
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