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
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have compiled about some of the best of the Buckeye State’s historic drive-ins. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
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.
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.
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.
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.
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