Ways to save get top billing at McHenry Outdoor

LAKEMOOR — The big screen will equate with big savings at the McHenry Outdoor Theater this summer.

That’s the word from Joe Cicero, president of marketing and promotions at the Outdoor, located at 1510 N. Chapel Hill Road, east of McHenry.

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“We know that in the world we’re living in right now, everything is expensive,” Cicero said. “We’re trying to give families a chance to do something fun together while also saving some cash.”

To that end, the seven-days-a-week portion of the season, starting Sunday, May 24, will feature specials including: $2 hot dogs on Sundays; the Reel Deal Pizza Meal on Mondays; and $15-per-carload pricing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and, in some cases, Wednesdays, too.

Regular admission is $15 per adult, $10 per child ages 4 to 12 and free for infants to 3-year-olds. The Reel Deal Pizza Meal, available on Mondays, includes an extra-large Jexal’s pizza, four soft drinks, four boxes of popcorn, full carload admission and upgraded parking — all for $59.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, bring an entire carload in for $15. Carload pricing will extend to Project Popcorn Wednesdays for those who name the benefitting nonprofit at the gate. Doing so also will allocate $5 of the $15 admission fee to that nonprofit, Cicero said.

Season passes good through December also remain available. Visit goldenagecinemas.com to check those out.

The Espinosa and Plancon families are among those looking forward to the Outdoor’s added ways to save. Already season pass holders, Taylor and Steven Espinosa and Rachel and Karl Plancon often meet at the theater.

Taylor and Steven Espinosa, introduced to one another by Rachel Plancon, had their first date at the Outdoor. These days, visits typically include their 8-year-old daughter, Rylee, 11-year-old son, Levi, and often their dog, Patch.

Taylor Espinosa said she is especially looking forward to the Monday night pizza deal.

“For basically the same price you’d pay for a family of four to get in on the weekend, you are getting the pizza, popcorn, drinks and upgraded parking,” the Johnsburg resident said. “That’s well worth it.”

The Plancons, of McHenry, typically have their two younger children, Donovan, 10, and Danika, 6, in tow when they arrive at the theater. Occasionally their older son, Dominik, and their mixed lab, Duddley, also attend.

Both moms said they decorate their vehicle interiors with battery-powered strings of lights and bring along folding tables and chairs, card games, coloring books, air mattresses, blankets and more. Few entertainment options compare, as the kids can run and play freely in the large grassy area in front of the towering screen while the adults hang out playing cards or talking in the twilight.

“Being able to spend an entire evening, almost five hours together as a family without a big burden of cost is really great,” Taylor Espinosa said. “Our kids are always excited to go.”

This summer’s movie lineup includes anticipated blockbusters like “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” “Masters of the Universe” and “Toy Story 5” as well as “Minions & Monsters,” the live-action “Moana” movie and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Visit goldenagecinemas.com for show date information and more.