Remember when New Jersey was packed with drive-in movie theaters?

Well, the carefree fun times of packing up a picnic basket, putting the kids in their pajamas or heading out with a bunch of friends for a night at the drive-in will return to Somerset County in July, courtesy of the Somerset County Park Commission.

Admission is free to the three movies planned for the park commission's 13th annual Drive-In movies on three consecutive Friday evenings at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater.

The films will be presented on a large screen by the Duke Island Park band shell, with popcorn completing the fun.

Each movie is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m.

Scheduled films are:

July 13 — "Mr. Poppers Penguins" (PG): The life of a businessman begins to change after he inherits six penguins. As he transforms his apartment into a winter wonderland, his professional side starts to unravel.

July 20 — "RIO" (G): When Blu, a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota, meets the fiercely independent Jewel, he takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janeiro with this bird of his dreams.

July 27 — "We Bought a Zoo" (PG): Set in Southern California, a father moves his young family to the countryside to renovate and re-open a struggling zoo.

Refreshments will be available and families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, for an enjoyable evening of family entertainment under the stars. A call to 908-722-1200, ext. 351 will provide weather updates during the evening prior to the show.  Information on Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found online.