Charcoal Corral and the Silver Lake Drive-In Theater

My family and I always look forward to the warmer weather for many reasons, but one of our favorite activities is heading out to Silver Lake for the drive-in. I know this is not technically in Rochester, but since there are no drive-in theaters in Rochester, and Perry is close enough for most Rochesterians to get to in a reasonable amount of time, I decided to write about them today.

Going to the drive-in is more than just going to the movies, especially when you go to Charcoal Corral and Silver Lake Drive-In. It is an experience that you will likely want to repeat many times. Before the movies begin, you can play miniature golf on the Old West-themed mini-golf course or video games in the arcade. Then swing over to the Charcoal Corral for dinner. The menu includes hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, soup, wings, and a variety of fried snacks like fries, mushrooms, and cheese sticks. Kids meals are also available. Are you more of a pizza person? Not a problem, as there is a pizzeria attached to the Charcoal Corral. For dessert, stop by the attached ice cream parlor for yummy soft serve or scooped ice cream. Then head over to the screens and the kiddies can play on the play grounds while you wait for the movies to start.

On top of all that, they have special activities most nights of the week. Mondays (starting June 14) is Country Line Dancing. Tuesdays (starting June 8) are their Summer Concerts night. Wednesdays they also have an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet and (starting June 16) Karaoke night. On Thursday evenings (starting May 13) you can see all the souped-up cars as this is Cruise Night. Saturday nights (starting May 22) they have a Chicken Barbecue available.

At dusk, the first of two movies begins. You can either sit in your vehicle and tune in the radio for sound or you can throw a blanket or lawn chairs out on the expansive lawn and listen through the large outdoor speakers that are provided. Personally, we like to dress the kids in their pajamas and remove the van seats so they can sit on them in front of the van. We also bring along a wireless speaker that hooks up to our van stereo so they can hear. The concession stand is and restrooms are centrally located for each screen (there are 2) and are clean and well maintained. The concession stand offers typical movie theater fare including popcorn, soda, hot dogs, candy, ice cream, and nachos. After the movie is over, exiting is fairly quick and easy.

I also want to be sure to comment on the prices, as this is one reason we are able to attend as often as we do. The price to see two new movies here is less expensive than seeing one new movie at a traditional theater. Each adult admission is $7, children 10 and under are $3 each and children under 4 are free. For my family of 6 (2 adults, 2 children under 10 and 2 under 4), that is $20, much less than most family activities cost. The food and concession stand prices are also reasonable.

So if you are looking for a fun family activity, a good-natured night out with friends, or even a date activity, be sure to check out Charcoal Corral and Silver Lake Drive-In Theater. It promises to be a night you will not forget.

***This review was written on my own accord and no compensation was received.***