6 Must-See Summer Themed Movies for You and Your Kids

Summertime usually means fun in the sun, but rainy days don’t always pay attention to what humans want. If you’re looking for movies that can entertain the kids even when they’re stuck inside, here are six flicks that will bring the sun and the surf to you.

Moana (PG)

Moana is one of the latest hits from Disney, and since it is set in the Pacific Islands with a rollicking cast of crabs, stingrays, ocean spirits and pet pigs, it’s a great summertime movie. Kids will love the bright colors, and mom and dad will love the moral messages as young Moana tries to save her village.

The Parent Trap (PG)

When long-lost twins meet each other at summer camp, they hatch a plan to get their parents back together so that they won’t be separated again. The Parent Trap is both funny and full of heart, so it’ll be a delight to watch with the kids. Just remember that there are two versions of the film: the 1998 remake and the 1961 classic.

Holes (PG)

Holes tells the story of a young boy who is sent to a detention camp to dig holes under the hot sun all day. He’s told by the adults that it’s a character-building exercise, but as the summer wears on, he starts to realize that he’s digging for something much more important.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (PG-13)

This swashbuckling adventure is more suited to middle schoolers than kindergartens, but it’s still a Disney flick without any content that would seriously scandalize parents. It’s also a genuinely fun story that combines everything from cursed gold medallions to skeleton pirates fighting with swords. Even movie reviewers liked Pirates of the Caribbean, and they weren’t expecting anything worthwhile from a movie based on an amusement park ride.

Camp Rock (G)

Perfect for kids of all ages, Camp Rock tells the story of a young girl who goes to music camp with dreams of becoming a professional singer. It’s basically the summer vacation version of “High School Musical,” and it will have your little ones singing all of the songs for weeks on end.

Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown (G)

This 1977 classic Charlie Brown film features the title character and his pals as they head off for summer camp. When the group arrives at camp they find that the most important event is a river race, where three bullies claim to be the reigning champs. As the gang splits up and the race begins, each character has run-ins with various hilarious challenges. As you would expect with a Charlie Brown movie, this film isn’t short on goofs about Linus’ blanket, Snoopy’s silly antics, and Lucy’s controlling demeanor.

These are just a few films that embody the spirit of summer. Whether you’re looking for classic comedies or thrilling tales of adventure, these movies can keep the kids from going crazy when they’re stuck indoors over the summer break.

By Anica Oaks

Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She recommends checking with movie reviewers to decide if a film is appropriate for your family.