Boredom Buster: Outdoor Theater

I have seen a few ways to make an outside theater.  The first time I saw it, I fell in love with the idea.  I even want to build a deck in the future,  keeping this idea in mind.  It is less expensive then a drive in and it gets the family outside on these peaceful  summer evenings. 
Outdoor Theater Ideas:

1. Get a video projector, a DVD player, speakers and a white sheet then set them up outside, either in a garden or on a deck.
   
2. Get a flat screen TV, a DVD Player, and Speakers then set the up either in a garden or on a deck.
   
3. My portable, yet smaller version:  We took my 15” laptop onto the back deck and set it up.  Granted its not huge, but until we can afford a different way, that doesn’t tear apart our whole living room, this really does work beautifully.  You could connect the computer up to a set of desktop speakers for a more abundant sound.

My kids wanted so much to watch movies last night, that we set their tent up on the deck.  Then we set my laptop up inside the tent with them (making sure to give the fan clearance not to overheat, we set it on a bed tray) and they had a double feature.  Dampness can ruin electronics, so we brought in my computer and tray after the movies were over.  The kids slept in the tent all night and had a wonderful time.
Without the mosquitos, getting home so late and worrying about driver not seeing kids in the dark, the tent version is a safer and better option to the drive in theater for kids.  They loved it so much that they want to do it again tonight.

• If you have a subscription to Netflix, or Amazon Prime, you could have streaming movies, using the laptop version as well.

I would love to hear your comments, or if you have another way that I didn’t mention, please share.  Have a great summer everyone.