VALI-HI DRIVE-IN

LAKE ELMO, MN
VISIT WEBSITE

You know those memories from your youth that actually played a role in your wanting to have children? The adventures your family took that stick out in your mind as being the coolest adventures of all time? If you’re from Minnesota, two of those memories might include 1) annually attending the State Fair (duh) and 2) spending summer nights camped out in the trunk of the family van enjoying an outdoor movie at a drive-in theater. It doesn’t get much more summery than this here in Minnesota. For some reason, attending a drive-in theater makes me feel like I’m living in the 70s or acting in The Sandlot or channeling my inner Sandra Dee. And it makes me so very happy that Vali-Hi Drive-In is still alive and kickin’ after so many others have closed their figurative doors.

My kids think Vali-Hi is the coolest outing ever and I can only hope they list it as a top memory when they’re older. The Sandlot kids (and their parents) have it figured out! Summer’s all about the freedom to break some rules – and if that means staying up until midnight eating popcorn and hot dogs out of the backseat of mom’s vehicle, so be it.

What is it?
Vali-Hi Drive-In is an outdoor cinema experience that dates back to 1984 but captures an authenticity that cannot quite be put into words. While you still pay per person (not by carload), with kids at only $1, it’s still more affordable and unique than just hitting up your local movie theater with the entire fam. While sometimes you will sit in your car in line to see a pretty stellar lineup of three movies for price of one. And, as of 2013, they are projected in digital – something very few outdoor theaters can say. Vali-Hi can hold up to 800 vehicles (crazy, right?), making it the biggest drive-in theater in Minnesota. There’s a large yard to spend some time before the shows start, you can bring in food, drink (non-alcoholic), grills, frisbees, blankets…live it up! Get cozy – heck, my kids wear their jammies – and turn your radio to 90.1 FM before sitting back with a bucket of their deliciously buttery popcorn and enjoying a memorable night.

Fit for what ages?
As far as age goes, we’ve brought our kids at one year old but obviously have found that it gets more relaxing and fun as they get older. Our 8-year old really loved it this summer because he can stay up later, doesn’t whine that he’s not in his own bed to fall asleep and can actually sit through an entire film without getting ants in his pants. Our 1-year old was a different story and, though he loved running through the grass for an hour before the show, his focus is non-existent. School age kids think it’s super cool to stay out late and wear their pajamas in public and eat pizza and popcorn and pretzels with their friends or, yes, even their parents. It really comes down to you knowing your kids best and understanding what they can handle.

Also, be sure to check which movies are playing. Their website is updated weekly and most of the time there is one child-centric film playing first. You see a slew of minivans bailing after the first movie is over because it’s late and kids are ready to crash, so there’s no obligation to have to stick around any later than everyone can handle. There are some weeks where none of the film selections of kid-friendly, so it’s important to do your research before heading out.

How much are we talkin’?
I’m trying to do some math here…if you go to a big-name indoor theater with three kids and two adults, and everyone gets a bag of skittles and a soda with one large popcorn to share, you’re looking at upwards of $75. When you go to Vali-Hi Drive-In with the same people and get the same stuff, you’ll spend maybe $50.

First things first: THE DRIVE-IN IS A CASH ONLY ESTABLISHMENT

Admission for ages 13+ is $9.50/person and kids ages 6-12 are only $1. Under 6? FREE! For that, you get to watch up to three movies and actually bring in your own food and drinks to save money there. But their concessions are reasonable ($3 for a cheeseburger; $2.50 for french fries; $4 for popcorn; $3.50 for nachos) if you want the full movie-outing experience. And worth mentioning: their hot dogs are always only $1. No. Matter. What. Get three for yourself. Just cuz you can.

Oh, and there’s a very small arcade with some run-down games your kids might enjoy. Each game runs from $.50-$1.00, so something else to consider.

Want some tips?
Because this is such a unique adventure for families, there are definitely plenty of tips to be shared:

• Bring cash. Vali-Hi is a cash-only business, from their admissions to their concessions. There is an ATM on-site in the concessions building if need be.
• While the box office opens at 7 or 7:30, movies do not start playing until dusk which usually doesn’t fall before 9:00.
• Movies play in all kinds of weather – rain or shine.
• Make it the experience it is meant to be: let your babes wear the comfiest pajamas they own, pack fun snacks and load the car with a crap-ton of blankets, pillows and chairs.
• There are bathrooms available behind the concessions building. They are grrrrroooooosssssss. Pee before you get there. Just trust me.
• Bring your own garbage bag. We learned last time that their trash cans aren’t easily accessible and fill up fast, so grab a Target bag on your way out the door.
• Consider bringing a portable radio along if you want to listen to the movie from outside of your car. While Vali-Hi has those fun radio speakers that clip onto your windows, the volume isn’t loud enough to get distance. Listening to your car radio simultaneously worked for us. The radio station you’ll want to turn to is 90.1 FM.

• From personal experience, start your car in between movies. Our car battery died after Minions and that made for some very crabby (overtired) children. After asking around for jumper cables, we were told that they rent them out for free in the concessions building in exchange for your drivers license. *the more you know*
• Vali-Hi lets you bring in plenty of tailgating gear, from mini grills to coolers to frisbees and yard games and hula hoops and footballs. Come an hour or two early and run around the grassy field under the big screen. Cook up a s’more or some veggie kabobs and enjoy a relaxing summer Minnesota evening.
• If you show up early enough, you’ll be sure to snag a front/center spot. Those are obviously the best, but you really can’t go wrong. If you can foresee yourself sneaking out early, maybe park a little closer to the exit (far right if you’re looking at the screen) so you don’t cause a scene.
• Be respectful when driving through lanes. There are a ton of people and they all exceed the width of their parking spot, so just go slow and be patient. Find your own spot and squeeze in and make yourself at home. If you are leaving during a movie, consider leaving your headlights off or dimming them.
• What’s the one word that comes to mind when you hear “watch an outdoor movie in Minnesota in the summertime”? MOSQUITOS. Well, I’m living proof that they actually aren’t that bad here. In fact, the last two times we’ve gone, we didn’t even need repellent. Pack some just in case, but hopefully you have the same kind of bug-luck that we did.
• It can get cold. Pack appropriately.
• Just expect the line for concessions to be long, ok? It always is. I blame the delicious popcorn and $1 hot dogs.

Hours and location
11260 Hudson Blvd. N |  Lake Elmo, MN 55042

Box office opens:
7:00pm Friday and Saturdays
7:30pm Sunday-Thursday

Movies play:
Seven days a week, May through August
Weekends only, April and September

CHECK SHOWS ONLINE BEFORE HEADING OUT

The theater is directly off the highway (you can’t miss the big screen) and there is a dirt path leading you up to the box office. Squeeze into your spot of choice and get comfortable. If you’re planning on leaving early, I suggest parking on the far right of the lot (if you’re facing the screen) since that’s closest to the exit.