Openair Kino (Outdoor Cinema)

About

Munich's Openair Kino transforms the city's most beautiful parks into magical outdoor cinemas every summer, offering families a uniquely German cinema experience under the stars. Kids will love the relaxed atmosphere where they can sit on blankets, enjoy snacks, and watch films in stunning settings like the Englischer Garten and Olympiapark. It's a perfect blend of culture, nature, and entertainment that gives families an authentic taste of Munich's summer lifestyle.

What to Expect

Families arrive as the sun sets to find large screens set up in scenic park locations with both seating options and lawn areas for blankets. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with people arriving early to picnic before the film starts at dusk. Many screenings include both German-language films and international movies, sometimes with English audio or subtitles. Expect a mix of families, students, and locals creating a relaxed, communal vibe where kids can move around more freely than in traditional cinemas.

Highlights for Kids

• Watching movies in iconic locations like the Englischer Garten with views of the Chinese Tower or beneath the Olympic Tower
• The relaxed picnic atmosphere where kids can eat, whisper, and move around more freely than in traditional cinemas
• Experiencing a beloved German summer tradition that locals look forward to all year
• Pre-movie time exploring the park and playing before settling in for the film
• The magical feeling of watching a film under the stars as darkness falls over Munich's beautiful green spaces

Pro Tips for Families

1. Check screening schedules in advance and look for 'OV' (Original Version) or 'OmU' (Original mit Untertiteln - with subtitles) for English-language films, as most screenings are in German
2. Arrive 45-60 minutes early to secure good spots, especially for popular films - bring blankets, cushions, and warm layers as temperatures drop significantly after sunset even in summer
3. Download a translation app or check film summaries beforehand if watching German-dubbed versions to help kids follow along
4. Pack mosquito repellent and a small flashlight for navigating park paths after dark when heading to restrooms or departing

Best Time to Visit

Mid-July through early August offers the most settled weather and warmest evenings. Aim for weekend screenings which sometimes feature more family-oriented films with earlier start times. Thursday and Friday evenings tend to be less crowded than Saturdays. Films typically begin around 9-9:30 PM when it's dark enough, so plan your arrival for 8-8:30 PM to settle in.

Food & Drinks

Most venues have small kiosks selling popcorn, soft drinks, beer, wine, and light snacks like pretzels and candy. However, prices can be high and selections limited, so many families bring their own picnics - this is widely accepted and encouraged. Pack kid-friendly favorites, sandwiches, fruit, and plenty of water. Bring snacks in quiet packaging to avoid disturbing others during the film. Some locations near Olympiapark have nearby restaurants and beer gardens where you can eat beforehand.

Parking & Access

Public transportation is strongly recommended as parking near popular venues fills quickly and can be expensive. The U-Bahn (metro) and trams run until after midnight on weekends, making it easy to get home after late screenings - Englischer Garten venues are accessible via U3/U6 to Münchner Freiheit or Giselastraße, while Olympiapark has its own U3 stop. Paths are generally stroller-accessible though you'll want to carry rather than push strollers once you reach the viewing area. If driving, arrive very early and budget €5-10 for parking.