Valle Drive In Opens for 2021 Season in Newton

Who else is ready for the drive-in? If your family is ready to watch movies together outdoors, look no further than the Valle Drive-In in Newton, Iowa

Valle Drive-In in Newton, iowaImage Courtesy of Twokidsandacoupon.com

One of my favorite family memories from growing up was going to drive-in movies. My parents loaded up my sisters and I in the station wagon and we attended all night marathons of whatever the latest kid-friendly flicks were of the summer. It was always a lot of fun, and as we now all have children of our own, it’s fun to take them to have the same experience as well.

We’ve been to many drive-in theaters around the country, and a local central Iowa favorite is the Newton Valle Drive-in. Located just a few minute drive outside off I-80 in Newton, this is one of just a couple remaining Iowa Drive in theaters. It’s a popular stop for Des Moines area residents and movie fans from around the metro will be pleased to know that the theater is opening for the season this weekend.

One of only five remaining drive-in movie theaters in the state, the Valle is the oldest remaining Drive-In movie theater in Iowa. It opened in 1948 and the teasers shown at the beginning of the movies are from when it originally opened. The neon Valle sign, snack shack and popcorn maker are also authentic from when the theater opened.

While drive-ins don’t offer the same luxury and accommodations an indoor theater does, it does offer a more informal setting which is great when you have kids. It’s a good way especially to catch flicks with young children who aren’t ready to sit through a film in a regular theater. The Valle Drive-in offers simple restrooms and concessions, but that’s all that’s really needed .

Overall, the drive in movie is a cool part of American culture that’s dwindling away. They are one of my favorite things of childhood. You just don’t find them that often anymore and they’re diminishing in numbers every year. It’s a cool outing that’s great for family memories and well worth the drive from Des Moines or surrounding areas to make an evening of it, and if you’re not in Iowa – be sure to check out the drive-ins in your area.

Because the Newton Valle Drive-In can get busy, I’d recommend getting there early for getting the best viewing location (gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at dusk). This means a couple hour wait till the movie, so be sure to bring some activities to keep the kiddos entertained until the movie starts. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, snacks and a radio. The days of the little boxes on poles are long gone and the movie sound is broadcast via radio now. If you run your car radio, be sure to start your vehicle periodically and run it to avoid killing your battery. If your battery does die, the folks at the concession stand do have a charger. You’ll just have to wait until all the features are over before you can use it. We always bring a boombox radio to use instead — just in case.

Reservations are required

The Valle Drive-In is now on a reservation system. Reservations and ticket purchases must be made online in advance. Reservations must be made no later than 6:00 pm. Attendees must reserve a spot for your vehicle and purchase tickets for all attendees. Fees are as follows.

• $5 Reservation fee per vehicle. Tickets will be added during the checkout process.
• $8 Adult tickets (ages 12+)
• $5 Child tickets (ages 5-11)
  

Reserved tickets can and do sell out, often early in the week, so I would recommend reserving your tickets early in the week before you visit on the weekend. Check out the concession combos at the snack bar for best savings on purchased snacks and drive-ins are always great for bringing your own snacks as well. Due to safety concerns, grilling is prohibited

The Valle Drive-In is located at 4074 Hwy F48 in Newton, Iowa 50208. For more information and to see upcoming features, visit www.valledrive-in.com or call 641-792-3558.

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