Kids' birthday parties idea

Backyard movie night

A backyard movie night party for older kids sets a projector and screen on the lawn, a popcorn machine, blankets and bean bags, and string lights for after the film. Below you will find the palette, backyard and indoor setups, activities, props and the rentals for 30 guests with live Chicago prices, ready to open in the free planner.

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Clear-top tent reception at twilight, styled at an event (AI-generated example)

The look

Palette and decor

Midnight #1B2A4APopcorn #F7E3A1Red #C0392B

Ticket-stub invitations
Popcorn boxes
String lights
A marquee 'Now showing' sign

Setup ideas

How to set it up

Backyard or tented lawn

Screen at the far end with the sun behind it, blankets and kids' chairs in front, the popcorn machine near the house.

Indoors or a rented room

A basement or garage with the screen on one wall.

Activities and games

Things for guests to do

Outdoor movie
Projector, screen and speaker.
Rent: Projector ($110), Projection screen ($55), Portable PA system ($110)
Popcorn bar
Popcorn with toppings.
Rent: Popcorn machine ($82.50)

Props and DIY

What to buy or make

Blankets and pillows
Popcorn boxes
Toppings
Glow sticks

These aren't rentals: they're the finishing touches most hosts buy or make.

Rent the look

Rentals for a backyard movie night

Quantities shown for 30 guests. In the planner they adjust to your guest count, and you can change or remove anything.

Add to my plan

Projector

LCD projector, 1,200+ lumens

$110each

× 1 for 30 guests. Projector.

Projection screen

8' x 8' tripod screen

$55each

× 1 for 30 guests. Screen.

Portable PA system

Powered speakers with a microphone, for toasts and announcements

$110each

× 1 for 30 guests. Sound.

Popcorn machine

8 oz kettle with cart, supplies extra

$82.50each

× 1 for 30 guests. Popcorn.

Each kids' white folding chair provides seating for young guests at dining tables inside an ornate, chandelier-lit ballroom during a formal wedding reception

Kids' chair

Child-size folding or Chiavari chair, seat height 12-14"

$3.30each

× 30 for 30 guests. Seats for the kids.

Bistro string lights

Per 100 ft strand, LED globe bulbs

$82.50per 100 ftEst.

× 2 for 30 guests. Light after the movie.

These add-ons for 30 guests, before delivery, setup and tax

$621.50

Prices are based on local rental companies' published rates plus our booking fee. Your final quote is confirmed by the rental company for your date and venue.

Questions

Backyard movie night FAQs

When does it get dark enough for an outdoor movie in Chicago?

About 30 minutes after sunset: around 9 pm in June and July, 8:30 pm in August and 7:30 pm in September.

How many kids' chairs and tables do I need?

One kids' chair per child and one kids' table per six. Add adult chairs for about half the parents.

Is a bounce house safe in a backyard?

On level grass with stakes, away from fences, trees and power lines, with an adult supervising and no more kids inside than the unit's limit. Inflatables come down in winds over about 15 to 20 mph.

Can I rent everything for a kids' party in one order?

Yes. Pick the rentals from this page or the planner and send one free quote. We book them with Chicago-area rental partners and list delivery, setup, a damage waiver and sales tax line by line before you pay anything.

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