A Bucket List Experience at the Valle Drive-In
Drive-in movie theaters are few and far between. In Iowa, there are only five including the Valle Drive-In located in Newton, Iowa. My parents remember clearly going to the drive-in theater. Myself on the other hand only experienced it through Grease, one of my all-time favorite movies.
This summer I knew I would rectify that experience. We grabbed the kids so they could cross off this bucket list experience and headed to Newton, Iowa to see Secret Life of Pets 2.
The Valle Drive-In is not located far from Des Moines, about 45 minutes. We loaded the car with our necessities and headed out for the evening. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. daily. We arrived around 6:45 p.m. and were able to grab a spot in the front row. We went on a Wednesday night, but I had many people tell me that busier nights, it fills up fast. If you are wanting a front spot on the weekends, go early!
Every night there are two showings. The feature and the co-feature. The first movie does not begin until dusk (about 9:15 p.m.) which was plenty late for us so we did not stay for the second feature. The second feature ends at about 1:30 p.m.
If you arrive early at the drive-in you will have plenty of time to kill. If you grab the first row there is a huge green space where several kids were out running and playing. We made sure to pack a soccer ball, games, bubbles and glow sticks which kept the kids occupied until the movie started.
We also made sure to pack plenty of snacks, bug spray, drinks, pajamas, sweatshirts (depending on the night), and blankets. Some kids brought their sleeping bags, which I thought was a great idea!
The Valle Drive-In does have a concession building that offers popcorn, snacks, drinks, and more. On Tuesday nights they offer free, unlimited popcorn with admission!
Need to use the restroom? Porta potties are available. They were kept very clean!
The best way to keep track of what movies are showing is by checking their website or following Valle Drive-In on Facebook.
Our family had a wonderful time crossing off this bucket list item. If you are looking for something fun to do this summer, head to the drive-in!
Address
4074 Highway F48 W, Newton Iowa
Phone: (641) 792-3558
Admission
$8 – 12 years and older
$5 – 5 to 11 years
Free – 4 years and under
Looking for some more Summer fun ideas? Take a look at our Summer Guide.
