I Love Kansas City – The Boulevard Drive In

Last weekend, Lulu, Tate and I arrived home after our morning activities and I was amazed to realize we had absolutely nothing else planned. The entire weekend was clear! That hasn’t happened in almost six years, people! After I promptly ordered everyone to take a nap (c’mon, naps rule) we sat around trying to decide what else to do with our day. I remembered a story I had heard on my wonderful local NPR station (shout out to Steve Kraske!) about our lovely drive-in movie theater having a “superhero day” to celebrate The Avengers, which is opening later this week. Along with activities for the kids, they would air a triple feature of Thor, Captain America and Iron Man.

We are regular customers at the Boulevard Drive-In, a place we visited many times last summer after my good friend Nicole recommended it. The drive-in is perfect for our little family, since Lulu gets pretty afraid of movies and Tate is, well, Tate. The outdoor atmosphere makes it easier for Lu to relax and Tate can scream and cry and no one gets all upset. In fact, I spent many a night last year walking in and out of cars rocking Tate to sleep while watching a movie.

We actually didn’t end up sticking around for the movie this time, since they were a bit age inappropriate for my sensitive five year old, but we did spend most of the afternoon. For $25 per carload, you got access to all three movies (if you made it that long, unlike us) plus all sorts of extras. They had clowns making balloon animals, three blow up jumping areas / obstacle courses, laser tag and video game trailers. They even had some crazy centrifuge ride and giant hamster balls that kids could get in and run around.

They also had a couple of face painters, who were clearly a hit with the kid and adult crowds.

The big surprise of the day was a performance by Mr. Stinky Feet, a local children’s musician who plays at tons of events around the city and nationwide. Even though we’d been at events with Mr. Stinky Feet before, this was the first time we were so up close and personal. Lulu loved singing and dancing with the crowd and Tate thought the whole ordeal was the funniest thing he’d ever seen.

Usually when we visit the drive-in, we bring our own picnic dinner and drinks, and this was no exception. After we enjoyed some food in the back of our car, we headed over to the concession stand, where we got snowcones and popsicles, just because. (They also serve adult drinks for those of you who aren’t alone with a couple little ones…)

Along with all the extra entertainment, the kids also had a blast on the playground that is right in front of the big screen. The equipment appears to be circa 1965, but that doesn’t seem to matter to any of the little ones. With the car speakers in the parking lot and the playground, the plays feels like a time warp.

Even though we didn’t stay for the movie this time around, I can highly recommend watching films here. It’s best to go in spring or early summer, before it gets too hot. Most people turn their cars around and watch from the back end of their vehicles, and some bring chairs like they’re at a tailgate. Last year there was a van in front of us with four kids sitting on the roof. It’s the kind of place where I imagine childhood dreams are created. A little piece of Americana still alive in our city.

The theater has been opened every summer since 1950, and the original owner, Wes, can still be seen when you visit, walking around with his toolbelt. Movies are shown as double features, and usually start at dusk. This year the Boulevard upgraded their system to a 4K Digital Cinema, which means the screen is four times the resolution of your Blu-Ray player at home. It’s pretty rad. You can find more info on the Boulevard Drive In on their website or on their Facebook page. Since this was a special event, the cost was $25, but the regular cost per person is $10. Just remember it’s cash only, so bring your bills and leave the debit card at home!