Family Movie Night in Aurora: Movies in the Sandbox
Looking for an easy, screen-at-home alternative this summer? A family movie night in Aurora at The Sand Place pairs barefoot sandbox play with a kid-friendly film, so the whole crew unwinds in one calm, climate-controlled evening.
Key Takeaways
- Movie Night runs one Friday a month at The Sand Place, 16677 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Aurora, CO 80015.
- Doors open at 5:00 PM and the film starts at 5:15 PM, so kids get sandbox play first, then settle in for the movie.
- This July, the feature is The Secret Life of Pets on Friday, July 10.
- Standard admission applies: $20 for the first child, $18 for the first sibling, $16 for additional siblings, and adults play free. Infants under 12 months are free.
- Add a Pizza and Drink Combo for $5, or a single pizza slice for $2. Bring a blanket for movie time.
- All ages are welcome. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are preferred.
- Membership is $60/month per child for unlimited play, and the venue is built for ages 0-12. Questions? Call (303) 942-1014.
What Is Movie Night in the Sandbox?
Movie Night is a monthly evening event where our giant indoor sandbox becomes a cozy theater for the night. Kids play first, then everyone spreads out on blankets to watch a family-friendly film together. It is the same clean, construction-themed sandbox you know by day, just with the lights low and a movie glowing on the screen.
Because it happens once a month on a Friday, a family movie night in Aurora gives parents a simple plan for the end of a long week. There is no driving from activity to activity and no cooking. You arrive, the kids burn off energy in 40 tons of silica-free sand, and then they wind down with a movie while you actually sit and relax.
The Sand Place is the only indoor sand playground of its kind in the Denver metro, so Movie Night is not something you can find anywhere else nearby. Families come from across Aurora, plus Parker, Centennial, and Greenwood Village, for an evening that feels different from the usual bounce house or play gym.
This Month: The Secret Life of Pets on July 10
This July, the feature is The Secret Life of Pets, screening on Friday, July 10. It is a bright, funny, all-ages movie about what our animals get up to when we leave the house, and it is an easy crowd-pleaser for toddlers and older siblings alike.
Summer weeks can get loud and unstructured fast. So instead of fighting the chaos at home, trade it for a couple of hours of sandbox play, a movie, and a low-key evening with the family. The film is a great fit for our core ages of 0 to 7, and there is plenty for older kids up to age 12 to enjoy too.
How a Family Movie Night Works
The evening is built to flow from active play into quiet wind-down, which is exactly the order most kids need before bedtime. Here is how a typical Movie Night runs at The Sand Place.
Doors open at 5:00 PM
Arrive at 5:00 PM and let the kids dig in right away. The first stretch is open sandbox play, so little builders can drive the diggers, fill the dump trucks, and get the wiggles out before the movie starts.
The film starts at 5:15 PM
At 5:15 PM, the movie begins. Kids settle onto their blankets, the room calms, and parents finally get to sit down. Because the sand is soft, silica-free Baha Play Sand, the whole space stays comfortable for lounging and watching.
What to bring
Bring a blanket for movie time and comfortable clothes that can get sandy. Kids play barefoot, so you can leave the shoes at the door. Everything else, from the sand to the trucks to the screen, is already set up for you.
Why Parents Love a Low-Stress Movie Night
Movie Night was designed with tired parents in mind, not just the kids. The whole point is to give you an evening that runs itself so you can breathe.
You can actually relax
Our parent seating area has cafe tables overlooking the sandbox, comfortable seating, and free Wi-Fi. While the kids watch the movie, you are a few feet away with a clear view, not chasing anyone around a giant warehouse.
It is calm, clean, and climate-controlled
The facility is climate-controlled year-round, so a July evening stays comfortable no matter what the weather is doing outside. The sandbox is sanitized every single night, and the sand is allergen-free and dust-free, which matters for kids with allergies, asthma, or sensory sensitivities.
It is a real break from screens at home
A movie at The Sand Place feels social and shared in a way that a tablet on the couch never does. Kids play together, watch together, and connect with other families. For many parents, that is the difference between passive screen time and a genuine outing.
Make Every Visit Count With Membership
If your family loves Movie Night, you will probably be back for daytime play too. A membership turns frequent visits into the easiest yes of the week.
- $60/month per child – unlimited play sessions with no blackout dates
- Pays for itself fast – after just three visits a month it costs less than paying per visit
- Birthday perks – members save $25 to $50 on birthday parties
- No contracts – month-to-month, cancel anytime
What Does Family Movie Night Cost?
Movie Night uses standard admission, so the pricing is simple and the same as a regular play visit. Movie Night is not included in membership, so standard admission applies to everyone, including members.
- First child: $20
- First sibling: $18
- Additional siblings: $16 each
- Adults: free
- Infants under 12 months: free
Hungry? Add a Pizza and Drink Combo for $5, or grab a single pizza slice for $2. That makes dinner part of the night, so you can skip the kitchen entirely. You can see full pricing on our prices page before you come.
What’s New This Summer
Movie Night is just one part of a busy summer at the sandbox. A couple of fun things are happening right now that are worth knowing about.
Help us pick the next movie and playlist
We want the sandbox to feel like yours, so we are asking families two quick questions: which songs should play while you play, and which films we should screen next. It takes about a minute, and your picks genuinely shape future Movie Nights. Ask our staff about the survey on your next visit.
A cool new toy is on the way
We are adding a brand-new feature to the sandbox in the coming weeks. We cannot spill the sand on it just yet, but it is a fun one. Follow along on our Instagram to catch the big reveal first.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next family movie night in Aurora?
Movie Night happens one Friday each month at The Sand Place, 16677 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Aurora, CO 80015. The July screening is The Secret Life of Pets on Friday, July 10. Doors open at 5:00 PM and the film starts at 5:15 PM. Call (303) 942-1014 to confirm dates.
How much does Movie Night cost?
Movie Night uses standard admission: $20 for the first child, $18 for the first sibling, and $16 for additional siblings. Adults and infants under 12 months are free. You can add a Pizza and Drink Combo for $5 or a single slice for $2.
Do I need a reservation, or can we walk in?
Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are preferred because seating fills up, especially in summer. Reserving a day or two ahead helps your family settle in together near the screen. All ages are welcome at every Movie Night.
Is Movie Night included in my membership?
No. Movie Night is a special event, so standard admission applies to everyone, including members. Membership covers unlimited regular play sessions for $60/month per child, which is a great value if your family visits often during normal hours.
What should we bring?
Bring a blanket for movie time and comfortable clothes that can get sandy. Kids play barefoot, so shoes come off at the door. Everything else is provided, from the silica-free sand and construction toys to the screen and the seating.
What ages is Movie Night good for?
The Sand Place is designed for ages 0 to 12, and it is an ideal fit for children 0 to 7. Movie Night welcomes all ages, so older siblings and parents are part of the fun too. The films are chosen to be family-friendly for the whole crew.
Plan Your Family Movie Night in Aurora
A family movie night in Aurora is one of the easiest ways to end a busy summer week: barefoot sandbox play, a kid-friendly film, pizza if you want it, and a calm, climate-controlled space where parents can finally sit down. Bring a blanket on Friday, July 10 for The Secret Life of Pets, and let us handle the rest. Find us at 16677 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Aurora, CO 80015.