This August 2025, Burnaby’s Summer Cinema brings free outdoor movie nights to families at Civic Square and Confederation Park. Open to all ages — just bring a blanket, a comfy chair and your imagination.
There’s something magical about watching a movie outdoors on a warm summer night — Just picture: the sky turning deep blue, a blanket tucked around your shoulders, some yummy snacks in hand and a story unfolding on the big screen under the stars.
These movie nights aren’t just entertainment — they’re opportunities to inspire curiosity, imagination, and learning. You can spark conversations about storytelling, characters, emotions, and even encourage reading at home.
The Summer Cinema Lineup
Civic Square (Fridays at ~8:30 PM)
- Aug 22 – The Tiger’s Apprentice: A boy discovers his destiny with the help of a shape-shifting tiger and ancient Chinese magic.
- Aug 29 – If: A magical journey into the world of imaginary friends.
(Note: The Aug 15 showing of A Minecraft Movie was cancelled due to weather.)
Confederation Park (Saturdays at ~8:15 PM)
- Aug 16 – Dog Man: A superhero dog and his kitten sidekick save the day.
- Aug 23 – Moana 2: Moana sets sail on a new mission to unite the ocean’s people.
Tips for Turning Movie Night into a Family Literacy Moment
Watching a movie is one way kids engage with narratives, characters, and emotion — just like reading a book. Summer Cinema can be a shared experience that supports literacy in a fresh and exciting way.
After the movie, try this,
- Ask short or open-ended questions, like:
- Who was the main character?
- What problem did they face?
- How did the story end?
- What would you have done if you were the main character?
- Spot the story structure: Identify the beginning, middle, and end together.
- Connect it to real life: Relate themes from the movie to your child’s experiences.
- Create something together:
- Draw a favourite character or scene.
- Make a “new ending” or imagine a “sequel” for the story.
These conversations help kids build language skills, emotional awareness, and critical thinking. Ask questions about characters’ feelings, choices, or lessons learned.
From Screen to Page: Explore Related Books for Young Movie Lovers
Many outdoor movie picks are based on — or connected to — books. Reading before or after movie night keeps the excitement alive and deepens the connection to the story.
Here are some ideas:
- The Tiger’s Apprentice (ages 8–12) – Read Laurence Yep’s original novel series for a richer dive into Chinese folklore and adventure.
- If – Try books about imagination like Not a Box (ages 1–6) by Antoinette Portis or Journey (ages 4–8) by Aaron Becker.
- Dog Man (ages 6–9) – Enjoy Dav Pilkey’s hilarious Dog Man graphic novels, perfect for reluctant readers.
- Moana 2 – Explore Polynesian myths and legends through beautifully illustrated children’s books like The Shark God (ages 3–7) by Rafe Martin.
Tip: Find these and more at Burnaby Public Library or your nearest branch— investigate related books and keep the storytelling going!
Whether on the screen or on the page, stories spark curiosity, build empathy, and create lasting family memories. They give children ways to explore the world, connect with others, and grow as thinkers.
So next time you’re under the stars at Summer Cinema, remember — it’s not just a movie night, it’s a literacy moment, too.
Related Links:
Summer Cinema Event Information