While summer is typically reserved for playing outside, going on family trips, and spending lazy days at the pool, beach, or lake, your little ones will certainly find themselves in front of a TV at one point. Depending on the summer vibes youâre going for, you may be looking for a summer movie that gives you all the nostalgic feels, a movie to get your kiddo hyped up for their summer camp adventures, or a movie perfect for backyard family movie nights. Or maybe they need a break from the sun or a rainy day has brought them inside, and they are in need of some indoor entertainment. Enter: the best summer movies for kids.
Whatever type of summer movie youâre looking for, weâve got all the best summertime films for toddlers to teens. To help you decide on something new to stream, weâve curated a list of 70 kids movies perfect for summertime viewing. These kid and parent favorite films will surely keep the sunny and fun vibes going as they primarily take place inâyou guessed it, summer!
From classic flicks that weâve loved watching since we were kids ourselves to animated favorites and some newer choices, check out our list of 70 of the best summer movies for kids below.
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The Best Summer Movies for Toddlers (Ages 2-4)
Moana 2 (2024)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 43m | Where to Stream: Disney+
Called by her ancestors, Moana sets out on another voyage to find an ancient island that once connected all the people of the ocean. With a new crew, she seeks the help of her old friend Maui to find it. Join Moana for a wild ocean adventure in this sequel to a Disney fan favorite.
Toy Story 4 (2019)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 40m | Where to Stream: Disney+
While all of the Toy Story movies are great, itâs the fourth installment that gives the perfect summer vibes. In this go around, Andyâs toy gang embarks on an adventure with their new owner, Bonnie, and a new toy named Forky.
Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 31m | Where to Stream: Disney+
If your kids loved the live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, watch the original animation we grew up with. With her big sisterâs help, Lilo adopts a rambunctious dog, Stitchâor so she thinks. Heâs actually an alien experiment thatâs escaped from his home planet. While Stitch overturns their lives, Liloâs sister is at her witâs end, trying to raise her sister as a single parent after their parents passed away. But when the aliens come looking for Stitch, Lilo reminds everyone of a very important lesson.
Luca (2021)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 41m | Where to Stream: Disney+
When you canât actually vacation in the Italian Riviera, you can be transported there through Luca. Follow along with a young boyâs summer of adventures with his best friend until a deep secret threatens all of their summer fun.
More Summer Movies for Toddlers:
- Finding Nemo â G (2003)
- Finding Dory â PG (2016)
- The Pout Pout Fish â PG (2026)
- Cars â G (2006)
- The Secret Life of Pets â PG (2016)
- Moana â PG (2017)
- Zootopia â PG (2016)
- Surfâs Up â PG (2007)
- The Little Mermaid â PG (2023)
- The Lion King â PG (2019)
- Aladdin â PG (2019)
- Shrek â PG (2001)
- Inside Out â PG (2015)
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie â PG (2023)
- Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation â PG (2018)
- A Goofy Movie â G (1995)
The Best Summer Movies for Kids (Ages 5â7)
The Parent Trap (1998)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 2h 8m | Where to Stream: Disney+
We canât have a summer movie list without this â90s movie classic that has never failed to tug on our heartstrings. After being separated at a young age, twins Annie and Hallie reunite by a twist of fate at summer camp. Desperate to know their other parent, the two form a master plan to switch places with the hopes of reuniting their family once and for all.
It Takes Two (1995)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 36m | Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video
Similar to The Parent Trap, this movie offers a classic life swap. Alyssa and Amanda couldnât be more opposite: Amanda is an orphan, and Alyssa is the typical âsad little rich girl.â They have one thing in common, thoughâthey look identical. They meet at summer camp just as their worlds are about to fall apart. The two form a scheme to switch lives and make everything right.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 33m | Where to Stream: Disney+
When the Szalinski kids (and the brothers who live next door) sneak into their inventor dadâs at-home lab to retrieve a rogue baseball, his experimental shrink ray accidentally shrinks them to teeny-tiny size. When Wayne Szalinski returns home, he destroys the device and throws it in the trash in a fit of despairâthrowing the kids out along with it. Now, the four children must survive the treacherous journey back to the house through a yard where sprinklers are more like rainstorms and worms are giant monsters. Talk about a summertime adventure!
Little Giants (1994)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 46m | Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video
Sibling rivalry always makes for a good story, and Little Giants may be one of the best. Danny has always felt inferior to his football star brother, Kevin. But when Kevinâs youth football team rejectâs Dannyâs daughter, heâs gone too far. So Danny organizes a rival football team comprised of local misfits and the teams go head to head.
Spy Kids (2001)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 27m | Where to Stream: Paramount+
Siblings Carmen and Juni never thought theyâd become spies. But when their former spy parents need saving, the only ones who can help them are their own kids. Find out if Carmen and Juni live up to their parentsâ names as they venture across the world.
Holes (2003)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 58m | Where to Stream: Disney+
If your kiddos havenât seen this one yet, itâs a summer must-watch (and rewatch for the parents!). In the wake of a family curse, Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake as a punishment. He and the others at âcampâ must dig mysterious holes in the desert day in and day out⊠and no one knows why. When Stanley starts questioning the routine, he realizes he may have made a grave mistake.
Cheaper By the Dozen 2 (2005)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 34m | Where to Stream: Disney+
Whatâs meant to be a carefree summer vacation for the extra-large Baker family quickly goes south when they arrive to find theyâre placed in the dingiest unit of their lakeside resort. Being a âhandyman,â dad Tom takes it upon himself to make some necessary updates. To make matters worse, his worst enemy, Jimmy, and his equally large family are staying at the same resort. Jimmyâs family challenges the Bakers in more ways than one in this fun summer comedy.
Camp Rock (2008)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 37m | Where to Stream: Disney+
The summer camp of every kidâs dreams came to life in this 2008 Disney Channel Original Movie. Mitchie Torres wants to spend the summer at a rock camp, but the only way to get in is to work in the kitchen. When pop star Shane Gray overhears her singing, he goes on a mission to find the girl behind the voice.
Teen Beach Movie (2013)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 36m | Where to Stream: Disney+
In this Disney Channel Original Movie, McKenzie and Brady find themselves transported into a 1960s beach musical. When their presence sends the plot of the musical into chaos, they have to find a way to return home.
More Summer Movies for Kids
- Inside Out 2 â PG (2024)
- The Little Rascals â PG (1994)
- The Adventures of Milo and Otis â G (1989)
- Homeward Bound â G (1993)
- Free Willy â PG (1993)
- Rip Girls â G (2000)
- Charlotteâs Web â G (2006)
- The Cheetah Girls 2 â G (2006)
- Daddy Day Camp â PG (2007)
- Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer â PG (2011)
- Oceans â G (2009)
- Johnny Tsunami â TV-G (1999)
The Best Summer Movies for Tweens (Ages 8â12)
The Goonies (1985)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 49m | Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video
Before their homes are demolished in exchange for a country club, a group of boys known as âThe Gooniesâ didnât expect theyâd set out on an adventure of a lifetime. In this beloved summer classic, The Goonies find a map that could lead them to hidden treasure and potentially save their homes. Finding this treasure doesnât come with ease, though. From booby traps to walking the plank to encountering a family tied to crimes, find out if the group can escape everything that comes their way in order to save the âGoon Docks.â
The Sandlot (1993)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 41m | Where to Stream: Disney+
Nothing says summer quite like baseball. And baseball is exactly what the kids of San Fernando Valley bond over in The Sandlotâand itâs especially important to the new kid, Scotty Smalls. Rewatch their heartwarming adventures and the trouble that ensues when Smallsâ stepdadâs prized Babe Ruth-signed baseball gets lost over a fence.
Baby-Sitterâs Club (1995)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 34m | Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video
Babysitters: theyâre what every parent needs, especially during the summer. When a group of girls comes together to run a day camp for kids, itâs filled with obstacles and problems they didnât foresee. Can the babysitterâs club make it through the summer in one piece?
My Girl (1991)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 42m | Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video
Perhaps now is the perfect summer to introduce your kiddos to the movie that so many of us loved during our childhoods. Vada lives with her funeral director father and spends her days with her best friend, Thomas Jay. In this sweet coming-of-age story, Vada learns about love, loss, and growing up.
Note for Parents: This movieâs theme surrounds the loss of a parent and a childhood friend, so please keep that in mind when viewing with younger kids or anyone who may feel triggered by this emotional topic.
The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 35m | Where to Stream: Disney+
While your kiddos may not have grown up watching Lizzie McGuire on TV, that doesnât mean they wonât fall in love with her post-middle school graduation adventures abroad. When Lizzie meets a famous pop star whose estranged singing partner is practically her twin, he enlists her help to save the duoâs career. Lizzieâs educational summer in Rome quickly turns into a whirlwind adventure as she pretends to be an international pop sensation.
Sleepover (2004)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 25m | Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video
Whatâs more âsummerâ than having a sleepover (or a sleep under!) with friends? In the summer before high school, four best friends plan to have a normal sleepover. What starts as a night of gossiping and nail painting quickly turns into a competitive scavenger hunt against the popular girls in school.
More Summer Movies for Tweens
- The Karate Kid â PG (1984)
- Rookie of the Year â PG (1993)
- Camp Nowhere â PG (1994)
- Troop Beverly Hills â PG (1989)
- A League of Their Own â PG (1992)
- Flipper â PG (1996)
- Now and Then â PG-13 (1995)
- High School Musical 2 â G (2007)
- Because of Winn-Dixie â PG (2005)
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days â PG (2012)
- Kangaroo Jack â PG (2003)
- What a Girl Wants â PG (2003)
- Aquamarine â PG (2006)
The Best Summer Movies for Teens (Ages 13+)
Grease (1978)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 50m | Where to Stream: Paramount+
While much of this movie takes place during the school year, the epic last scene perfectly captures the feeling of the end of the school yearâand graduating! Plus, all that talk of âsummer lovin'â makes this a perfectly fitting option for a list of summer movies. When a wholesome foreign student, Sandy, enrolls at Rydell High, Dannyâs rebellious reputation is at stake. The two shared a romance over the summer, but will it last through the school year?
Note for Parents: Though this movie is rated PG, it includes suggestive dialogue and many adult themes (including violence, sex, pregnancy, drugs, and alcohol) that may be inappropriate for younger kids. We suggest watching this movie with kids above age 13.
Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 2h 9m | Where to Stream: Disney+
Spider-Man like youâve never seen him beforeâon a European summer vacation! Peter Parkerâs plan to hang up his cape for a few weeks is compromised when Nick Fury needs his help. Together, they take on an elemental creature attack that may turn out to be more than high school student Peter bargained for. If you canât get enough Spider-Man, watch 2021âs Spider-Man: No Way Home next.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 58m | Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video
When a group of high school best friends go their separate ways during one summer vacation, theyâll do whatever it takes to stay united. Following their individual stories as they stay in touch by sharing a pair of jeans that magically fits all of them perfectly.
The Last Song (2010)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 49m | Where to Stream: Disney+
Nicholas Sparks books and movies are the epitome of summer with their dreamy love stories (seriously, have you rewatched The Notebook lately?!). This particular flick starring Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth follows a young girl who begrudgingly spends the summer with her father in the Carolinas. If she had her way, sheâd be back in New York with her friends, yearning to attend the prestigious Juilliardâthat is, until she meets an unlikely companion in the beach town.
More Summer Movies for Teens
- Dirty Dancing â PG-13 (1987)
- Jungle Cruise â PG-13 (2021)
- Blue Crush â PG-13 (2002)
- Mamma Mia! â PG-13 (2008)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl â PG-13 (2003)
- Jurassic Park â PG-13 (1993)
FAQs
What are the best summer movies for toddlers?
The best summer movies for toddlers include Lilo & Stitch, Moana, and Moana 2.
What are good nostalgic summer movies for families?
Nostalgic summer movies for families include Little Giants, Now and Then, and The Sandlot.
What are the best PG summer movies?
Summer movies to watch that are rated PG are The Sandlot, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, High School Musical 2, and The Goonies.
What movies are good for backyard movie night?
If youâre having a backyard movie night, consider featuring The Parent Trap, The Sandlot, Grease, and Cheaper by the Dozen 2.
What are the best summer camp movies for kids?
The best summer camp movies for kids are The Parent Trap, Troop Beverly Hills, Camp Rock, and It Takes Two.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Former Assistant Editor
As a former Assistant Editor, Brett worked with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. Sheâs also a baby names and family movies expert!
Patty Schepel, Associate Editor
As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymomâs team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Pattyâs passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
