When the summer sun goes down in NYC, the town lights up outdoor movie screens in all five boroughs, and these free outdoor movie screenings are perfect for kids and families.
We keep an eye on these special outdoor summer movie screenings all season long, including the Movies Under the Stars series, which offers screenings in some of our favorite parks and playgrounds in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx, and annual favorites like Bryant Park Movie Nights, the Summer on the Hudson Pier I Picture Show, and Movies with a View in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Read on for our favorite free outdoor summer movies in NYC and bookmark our NYC Kids' Summer Fun Guide for more free things to do with kids all season long.
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Why Outdoor Movies Are Perfect for NYC Families this Summer
Even if your local park is screening a flick you've watched a dozen times before, it's a different experience viewing it in the open air alongside other fans. It's a thrilling, communal event, and a summer rite of passage for New Yorkers of all ages.
Make the Most of Your Outdoor Movie Night
These summer movies usually begin when dusk falls, but plan to arrive early to stake out a good viewing spot, and bring a blanket and some snacks (glass containers and alcohol are no-nos).
Some summer movie series offer extra perks like pre-show games and activities or free popcorn. Amenities like seating and bathrooms vary by location. Outdoor summer movies can be canceled due to bad weather, so make sure you do a last-minute check before heading out—you can click through to each listing for more details!
Latest Videos
Top Free Outdoor Movie Series in Manhattan for Kids
Click through for current films, dates, and locations
All ages
Stars onscreen and in the sky! Cuddle up on a blanket with a pizza or picnic and catch a free kid-friendly flick. NYC Parks' Movies Under the Stars brings classic and animated kid-friendly films to Manhattan parks all summer long. Read More
Mondays from June 9-August 11, 2025
Special features: Hester Street Fair sells movie snacks on the terrace
Ages 10 and up
Classic films under the stars on the big screen are back in Bryant Park, and this summer, the series celebrates its 32nd anniversary. Bring a blanket and sit on the lawn to enjoy great food, friends, and entertainment. Read More
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Ages 8 and up
Randall’s Island Park Alliance hosts a full night of fun celebrating pride at the Urban Farm! Enjoy a queer cocktail night—an evening of farm-fresh cocktails and mocktails, plant-based hors d’oeuvres, crafts and activities, a drag performance, and a sunset screening of Wicked. Read More
Fridays June 27, July 25, and August 22, 2025
Special features: All movies are screened on the flight deck!
All ages
Watch a movie on the ship’s flight deck under the stars! Enjoy views of the Hudson River and city skyline while you watch some old and new favorites on the big screen. This year’s films dive deep into the mysteries of the ocean, inspired by the Museum’s newest exhibition, Mysteries From the Deep: Underwater Archaeology. Read More
Wednesdays from July 9-August 20, 2025
Age varies depending on the film
Settle in for a movie night on the pier! Bring a blanket and a picnic and watch family-friendly flicks with the Hudson River as a backdrop. Seating opens at 6:30pm. The movies start after sunset, around 8:30pm. Read More
Tuesdays from July 15-September 9, 2025
Age varies depending on film
Seaport Cinema screens family-friendly films on the rooftop, featuring themed food, cocktails (for adults), and surprises throughout the season. Read More
Mondays, from July 21 - September 1, 2025
Escape the weather with one indoor option!
The Marriott Marquis is hosting Monday Movie Nights, featuring free screenings of family-friendly films on the giant lobby LED screen. Read More
Friday, July 25, 2025
Bring the whole family and spread a blanket on Litwin Field to enjoy an outdoor movie-going experience under the stars. Read More
Thursdays, July 24 & August 14, 2025
Alamo Drafthouse provides free popcorn, and the movies are PG.
Fosun teams up with Alamo Drafthouse to present FREE films on the giant 40-foot LED screen on the western side of the plaza, with free popcorn courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse. Read More
Thursdays, July 24-August 14, 2025
Age varies depending on the film
Featuring beloved cinematic selections, these free-to-attend outdoor screenings include pre-screening activities, so arrive early and bring your own blankets and snacks. Read More
Wednesdays, August 6-13, 2025
Carl Schurz's all-too-brief foray into outdoor evening films includes two family-friendly favorites this summer. Read More
Thursdays from August 7-August 28, 2025
All ages
Catch a family-friendly outdoor screening, with a cool breeze off the river. Read More
Thursdays, August 28-September 18, 2025
Wollman transforms its scenic overlook into an open-air cinema, giving guests the opportunity to relax under the stars, take in sweeping skyline views, and enjoy a classic movie-night experience in a setting that's uniquely NYC. Read More
Fridays from September 12-October 23, 2025
Special features: Seating is provided
Ages 10 and up
Grab your crew and head to the Big Screen in the Public Square & Gardens, where you can kick back in a lounger (or spread out on a blanket you bring from home) and take in a movie outside while the sun sets. Read More
Top Free Outdoor Movie Series in Brooklyn for Kids
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All ages
Nothing says summer in NYC quite like watching a movie outdoors just after sunset. NYC Parks' Movies Under the Stars brings classic and animated kid-friendly films to Brooklyn parks all summer long. Read More
Select Saturdays, from June 14-August 9, 2025
Age varies depending on the film
Bring your picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and loved ones for an unforgettable summer experience. Read More
Select Wednesdays, June 18-August 13
Great flicks for the younger crowd
Bring your picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and loved ones for an unforgettable summer experience. Read More
Fridays through June 20, 2025
All ages
Enjoy a movie night on select Friday summer evenings at Herbert Von King Cultural Arts Center. Read More
Thursdays from June 26 - July 31, 2025
Movies are free, but you'll want to spring for delicious pastries!
Charlotte's Patisserie screens films with a touch of magic in the garden, and serves up delicious treats (for a fee) as well. Read More
Thursdays from July 3-August 21, 2025
Ages 10 and up
Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn offers nostalgic classics and feel-good fan favorites for all ages. Showtimes are at sunset; bring a blanket and a picnic. Read More
Mondays from July 7-28
Arrive early. Seating is first come, first served.
The Bond with Brooklyn Movie Series features flicks handpicked to entertain the local Brooklyn community and close out the summer in style. Read More
Thursdays from July 10-August 28, 2025
Age varies depending on the film
Brooklyn Bridge Park brings back Movies with a View for its 25th season. Bring a blanket and a picnic. Sweet treats, savory snacks, and drinks, including beer and wine, are available for purchase. Read More
Fridays from July 11-August 8, 2025
The first two movies in the series are family friendly. The final pair are rated "R" but might be appropriate for mature teens.
SummerStarz is a series of four free, family-friendly movies at Transmitter Park. Arrive early to snag a good spot on the grass, and enjoy the gorgeous Brooklyn waterfront until the movie starts at sunset. Read More
Tuesdays, every two weeks from July 15 - August 26, 2025
Kid flicks are at 4pm, but the 7pm screenings are often great for kids, too.
Domino Square transforms into an outdoor movie theater, with double features of movies set in NYC. The 4pm showings feature family-friendly movies and activities, presented by A Rosie Day. The 7pm showings explore NYC from the 1980s to the 2010s, presented by Nitehawk Cinema, with DJ sets that take you back in time. Read More
Thursdays from July 17-August 7, 2025
Age varies depending on the film
Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn sets up a big screen on the Coney Island Beach. Showtimes are at sunset; bring a blanket and a picnic. Read More
Wednesdays from July 30-August 27, 2025
Special features: RSVP for FREE popcorn and candy
Age varies depending on the film
Snuggle up under the stars for an evening of nostalgic classic cinema and feel-good fan favorites for all ages on Wednesdays in Prospect Park. Showtimes are at sunset; bring a blanket and a picnic. Read More
Top Free Outdoor Movie Series in Queens for Kids
Friday, June 6, 2025
PG-13
The creator of Hamilton and the director of Wicked and Crazy Rich Asians invite you to a cinematic event, where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big... In the Heights. Read More
Click through for current films, dates, and locations
All ages
NYC Parks' Movies Under the Stars brings classic and animated kid-friendly films to Queens parks all summer long. Bring a blanket and a picnic Read More
Various dates in June, August, September & October
Wear a costume to the Beetlejuice screening in October!
Hollywood epics illuminate a 30-foot inflatable screen, with Midtown Manhattan twinkling in the background. Read More
Select Wednesdays from July 9-August 20, 2025
All ages
Catch some of your all-time favorites on Wednesdays at the Center Green. Bring the family, a blanket or chair, and enjoy. Movies start at dusk, but come early to enjoy periodical entertainment. Read More
Monday-Thursday, July 24-August 14, 2025
Films are shown in Cambria/Cabbell, Brookville, Baisley Pond, and St. Albans Parks
ABJ screens feature films for families in parks all over Jamaica, mid-week. The last week of the series serves up rain date showings ,or karaoke fun if the weather's been good. Read More
Fridays, July 25-August 15, 2025
No film on August 1
ABJ screens feature films that focus on Civil rights on King Manor's lawn, giving young activists a bit of history on Friday nights. Read More
Mondays from July 28-August 18, 2025
Age varies depending on the film
Catch a family-friendly outdoor screening, with a gorgeous view of Manhattan and a cool breeze off the river. Read More
Top Free Outdoor Movie Series in Staten Island and the Bronx for Kids
Click through for current films, dates, and locations
All ages
Catch a classic or a recently released kid-flick at one of NYC Parks' Movies Under the Stars screenings, lighting the night sky in Staten Island parks all summer long. Read More
Click through for current films, dates, and locations
All ages
Pack a picnic and head to a local park to watch a favorite kid-friendly flick as the sun goes down. NYC Parks' Movies Under the Stars brings classic and animated kid-friendly films to Bronx parks all summer long. Read More
