I’ve been sharing a lot of ideas for screen-free activities your kids can do this summer, so now it’s time to switch gears a little! Nowadays we have so many different ways to look at screens that it often becomes a solo activity. This is why I love kid-friendly movies that encourage family bonding.
During summer break especially, I find it really helpful to have a list of summer movies for kids you can refer to when they’re asking for screen time or something to watch. Before we get into all of my family’s favorites, let’s talk about how we balance screen time during the summer.
Screen Time with a Purpose: Why We Love Summer Movies for Kids
A lot of feelings can come up when parents talk about screen time, so let me first say — all families are different and there’s no judgment here!
We personally do minimal screen time because my daughters’ school provides them with tablets for classwork, so I feel like they’re on screens enough during the day. This is also why we only give them tablets for road trips and plane rides — and why their screen time is mainly movie time.
Here are a few other reasons we prefer summer movies for kids at home over other forms of entertainment when they ask for screen time:
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Less solo scrolling and more family bonding. Watching a movie with your kids (or at the very least, a movie you’ve seen and can chat about later with them) is a great way to turn solo screen time into family quality time.
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It’s more mindful and intentional. It can be so easy to get sucked into screens during summer break. Having a list of age-appropriate movies for kids to choose from means no mindless scrolling or endless watching.
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They’re easier for parents to monitor. Having a list of summer movies for kids gives both of you control — you provide the choices and they get to pick. This way you know exactly what your kids are watching.
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It’s an actual break with a set time limit. Movies have one story line for kids to focus on with a clear beginning and end, making it obvious when it’s time to stop and step away from the screen.
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They create lasting memories and instill life lessons. There’s a reason why we remember the movies we loved as kids but don’t recall what we looked at on our phones just yesterday!
Ali’s Pro Tip: We typically use movies as a last resort since there are so many other fun activities for kids to do during the summer. If I turned on the TV first thing, my kids would watch all day. But waiting to watch a movie makes it feel more special — and my kids get more excited, too.
Along with balancing screen time during the summer, parents may also need to consider how to balance indoor and outdoor activities. We know that outdoor play has so many benefits for kids, but there are reasons to play inside, too!
Why Kids Need Indoor Activities During the Summer
As much as we try to enjoy the outdoors during the summer, we can’t spend all day outside — especially if you live somewhere that gets really hot. So along with having a summer bucket list, outdoor play ideas, and backyard games on hand, I find it helpful to also plan some summertime activities that kids can do indoors as well. And yes, that includes TV time!
Here are a few other reasons for kids to play inside:
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Kids need downtime. Summertime can get busy quickly! Indoor activities, like watching a movie, give them a chance to slow down, relax, and recharge in the comfort of their home. It gives parents a break, too!
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Avoid the heat. Playing outside can be tough when it’s 90+ degrees outside. You might also want to avoid being outside when UV rays are the strongest (from 10am-4pm).
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It encourages creativity and curiosity. There are certain activities that are just easier to do inside, like crafting, drawing, or building. These activities also allow kids to explore and experiment in different ways than they would outside.
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Sometimes it feels easier. It can feel challenging sometimes to take kids out to public play places, especially if they’re in different age groups. When you’re at home, they can all find things to do in the same space — and you don’t have to pack any bags, chase after anyone, or stop their play to get back in the car.
Now that we’ve gone over all of the benefits to indoor play and why we love movies as our kids’ source of screen time, let’s get to my list of the best summer movies for kids.
Best Summer Movies for Kids: Your Family Watchlist
I love having a ready-made list of summer movies for kids! Think about how many times you’ve wasted 30 minutes just trying to find something to watch on whatever streaming service you use. Having a list stops the endless scrolling, so your family can just grab their favorite snacks, get comfy, and enjoy a beloved movie.
My list of summer movies for kids also includes options for all ages — from toddlers to tweens — so you can choose a movie that’s right for them. As always, you know your kids best.
Now you’re all set for a summer movie marathon! Come back to this blog post whenever you need movie ideas, or just copy and paste them into your notes app.
Ali's Pro Tip: Before watching a new movie with your kids, I always check Common Sense Media reviews to ensure the content aligns with our family values. I recommend this practice for all parents navigating entertainment choices. And while this list of summer movies for kids leans toward what my girls love, these movies are great for any kid.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me continue sharing helpful parenting tips with you!
50 Best Summer Movies for Kids
Best Summer Movies for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 3-6)
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The Bad Guys (2022, PG)
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Charlotte's Web (2006, PG)
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Encanto (2021, PG)
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Finding Nemo (2003, G)
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Finding Dory (2016, PG)
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Frozen (2013, PG)
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Frozen II (2019, PG)
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Lilo & Stitch (2002, PG)
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Luca (2021, PG)
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The Lion King (1994, G)
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The Little Mermaid (1989, G)
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The Little Mermaid (2023, PG)
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Moana (2016, PG)
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Paddington (2014, PG)
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Paddington 2 (2017, PG)
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Sing (2016, PG)
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Sing 2 (2021, PG)
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Toy Story (1995, G)
Top Summer Films for Elementary Kids
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Angels in the Outfield (1994, PG)
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Back to the Future (1985, PG)
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Back to the Future Part II (1989, PG) *we don't love this one but friends do!
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Back to the Future Part III (1990, PG)
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Beethoven (1992, PG)
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Camp Nowhere (1994, PG)
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Flipper (1996, PG)
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Freaky Friday (2003, PG)
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Free Willy (1994, PG)
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Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989, PG)
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Hook (1991, PG)
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The Incredibles (2004, PG)
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The Little Rascals (1994, PG)
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The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021, PG)
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The Sandlot (1993, PG)
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Spy Kids (2001, PG)
Must-Watch Summer Movies for Tweens
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Fever Pitch (2005, PG-13)
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The Goonies (1985, PG)
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Grease (1978, PG)
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Guardians of the Galaxy (2014, PG-13)
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High School Musical (2006, G)
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Jumanji (1995, PG)
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Jurassic Park (1993, PG-13)
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The Karate Kid (1984, PG)
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A League of Their Own (1992, PG)
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Mamma Mia! (2008, PG-13)
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National Treasure (2004, PG)
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The Parent Trap (1998, PG)
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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003, PG-13)
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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005, PG)
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Troop Beverly Hills (1989, PG)
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Young Woman and the Sea (2024, PG)
FAQ: Summer Movies for Kids
What are some good summer movies for kids to watch?
Some of the best summer movies for kids include Moana, The Sandlot, Luca, and Back to the Future. These family-friendly picks are perfect for a cozy movie night or an afternoon cool-down indoors.
How do I choose age-appropriate summer movies?
Start by checking the movie’s rating, then look it up on sites like Common Sense Media. You know your kids best—pick something that matches their maturity level and that you'll feel comfortable watching together.
Are movies better than other screen time options for kids?
Movies offer structured entertainment with a clear beginning and end, making screen time easier to manage. They encourage family bonding and create shared memories—plus they give everyone a break from summer heat while still being purposeful screen time.
What are some classic summer movies every kid should see?
Timeless picks include The Sandlot (1993) for baseball fun, The Goonies (1985) for adventure, Back to the Future (1985) for sci-fi excitement, and The Lion King (1994) for Disney magic. These movies have entertained generations and my kids adore them.
Where can I watch summer movies for kids?
Check your streaming services first (Prime, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc.), then try your local library for DVD collections. Many libraries also offer free streaming services. You can rent or purchase movies through platforms like Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or Google Play.
More Ideas for Summertime Fun
Love these summer movies for kids? Share your personal favorites — or what movies your kids plan to watch this summer — with me in the comments!
For more movie ideas, check out the best family sports movies, non-animated movies for kids, and our favorite tween girl movies.
If you need more support this summer, I’ve got you! Here are a few posts to help make summertime feel simpler: Easy Summer Dinners and Summer Bucket List for Kids.
We’re all about community here, so tell me, what movies are YOUR kids watching this summer?
