How To Host A Movie Night Outside
Your next outdoor movie night, made.
Your next outdoor movie night, made.
With summer vacation in full swing, are you scrambling to find new ways to entertain the kids? If you’re anything like us, you’re always on the lookout for something new to do with the whole family. Up next on our activity list: a DIY backyard movie night.
How do you build an outdoor cinema for friends and family, and what technology and other essentials should you “add to cart?” From fire pits to outdoor projector screens and more, we’ve got all the backyard movie night ideas you need, right here.
From a spare extension cord to a Wi-Fi enabled security camera, setting up an outdoor movie theater is easier than you think. The hardest decision you’ll make for the evening? What movie to pick. Whether you choose an old favorite or a blockbuster new release, here are the essentials you’ll need:
A projector with a wide reach is a must for any outdoor movie night. Playing a movie on your laptop might work for a couple of guests, but the longer the guest list, the larger the screen should be. Pick a high-quality projector with strong resolution, built-in speakers, and remote-control capabilities. Make sure the projector is compatible with an SD card or laptop so you can watch movies on the go.
A portable, mountable screen is key for clear viewing. Make sure your screen is height adjustable and wind-resistant. No screen at hand? No problem. Depending on your backyard setup, you can project the movie on the side of your house or garage. If you’ve got textured siding on the side of your roof, you can hang a white sheet or spare drop cloth on a couple of hooks on the wall for easy viewing.
Protect your property and guests with a smart, powerful floodlight. Set the mood with string lights or mini-lanterns on nearby tree branches, but don’t forget to illuminate walkways and dark alleyways, too. The last thing you want is your guests tripping over spare branches on the way back to the house.
A floodlight can enhance security even at night. Invest in a floodlight camera like the Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Floodlight Camera. It has all-in-one security to illuminate a wider perimeter, while color night vision helps you see the full picture when it’s dark.
Now that your screen is set up, you can focus on seating. Arrange your patio furniture so everyone has an unobstructed view of the movie. If you don’t have dedicated lounge chairs, consider setting out pillows and blankets for your guests. People can even bring along their favorite blankets or pillows from home to lounge on, too.
Whenever you host outdoors, it can be hard to keep an eye on the backyard while handling all of the other tasks that come with hosting. With the right security camera set up, you can see if the kids are out of popcorn from the comfort of the couch.
Invest in an outdoor camera to help you monitor your space 24/7. A powerful camera like the Arlo Pro 5S 2K offers state-of-the-art features like 2K HDR video, color night vision, 12x zoom and a 160° field of view. Simply pair with the Arlo Home Security System for a better connection with SecureLink™.
Your backyard should be a relaxing gathering place for the whole family. Be sure to prioritize safety, security, and don’t forget to test the projector before guests arrive. As you press play on your next movie, keep a close eye on your property with the right home security system and accessories.
High-resolution cameras including the Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera have a 150 degree motion detection to capture any movement in the backyard. If your neighborhood is prone to inclement weather or blackouts, the Arlo Go 2 always has you covered regardless of power outages.
Grab some popcorn, sit back, and roll the credits. We’ll take it from here. (Just don’t forget your favorite movie theater candies.)
