Kids can go apple picking near NYC at Alstede Farms, where low-to-the-ground trees are perfect for little pickers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Apple Picking near NYC: Best Apple Farms and Apple Festivals for Kids
Try your hand at corn husking and more analog entertainment during the Corn Fest at the Queens County Farm Museum. Photo courtesy of the Queens County Farm Museum
Best 2025 Fall Festivals and Fairs in NYC this September and October
The Bronx Zoo celebrates Boo at the Zoo with family activities all October long. Photo by Julie Larsen Maher
Best Halloween Events in NYC 2025 for Kids and Families
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2025
All aboard for a day of fun when vintage transit vehicles take over Brooklyn Bridge Park for the New York Transit Museum's annual bus festival. Photo courtesy of the museum
22 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids September 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Italian pride—and tasty eats—are on the menu at the annual Feast of San Gennaro, which takes over Little Italy in September. Photo by Jody Mercier
61 Free Activities in NYC September 2025 for Kids
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
Tom's Restaurant is situated on a fairly sleepy corner in Morningside Heights despite its high-profile turn in Seinfeld. Photo by Jody Mercier
Lights, Camera, New York! Where to Find Iconic NYC Movie Sites with Kids
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Harvest Glow is one of two big seasonal events opening at the Bronx Zoo this weekend. Photo by Terria Clay/courtesy of the Bronx Zoo
Harvest Glow, Ragamuffin Parade, and More Things To Do this Weekend in NYC with Kids

Free Outdoor Movies in NYC Summer 2025 for Kids

Enjoy the popular Movies With a View series at Brooklyn Bridge Park in July and August. Photo by Etienne Frossard
Enjoy the popular Movies With a View series at Brooklyn Bridge Park in July and August. Photo by Etienne Frossard
6/6/25 - By Drew Kristofik

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.

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Be sure to bookmark this page, because we update it constantly!

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!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Top Free Outdoor Movie Series in Manhattan for Kids

Movies Under the Stars: Manhattan

Multiple Manhattan Locations
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

Bryant Park Movie Nights

Midtown West
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

Movie Night on Randall's Island: Wicked (Pride after Dark)

Randall's Island
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

Intrepid Summer Movie Series

Midtown West
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

Summer on the Hudson: Pier I Picture Show in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
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

Seaport Cinema at Pier 17

Seaport
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

Monday Movie Nights at the Marriott Marquis

Midtown West
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

Asphalt Green Movie Night: Sonic 3

Upper East Side
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

28 Liberty Family Movies at Fosun Plaza

Financial District
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

Movies in the Square at Union Square

Union Square
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

Sunset Film Festival in Carl Schurz Park

Upper East Side
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

Movies on the Waterfront in Riverside Park

Harlem
Thursdays from August 7-August 28, 2025
All ages
Catch a family-friendly outdoor screening, with a cool breeze off the river. READ MORE

Movie Nights on the Overlook at Wollman Rink

Central Park
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

Fall Movie Nights at Hudson Yards

Midtown West
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
Enjoys a night with rides, food, and a film at Coney Island's Flicks on the Beach. Photo by Alexander Thompson/NYCGo
Enjoys a night with rides, food, and a film at Coney Island's Flicks on the Beach. Photo by Alexander Thompson/NYCGo

Top Free Outdoor Movie Series in Brooklyn for Kids

Movies Under the Stars: Brooklyn

Multiple Brooklyn Locations
Click through for current films, dates, and locations
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

Red Hook Movies in the Park in Valentino Pier Park

Red Hook, Brooklyn
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

Red Hook Movies in the Park in Coffey Park

Red Hook, Brooklyn
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

Movie Nights at Von King Cultural Center

Bed-Stuy
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

Thursday Movie Nights at Charlotte's Patisserie

Greenpoint
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

Paramount+ Movie Nights in Fort Greene Park

Fort Greene
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

Bond with Brooklyn Outdoor Movies in Pacific Park

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
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

Movies With a View in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Dumbo
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

SummerStarz Movies in Transmitter Park

Greenpoint
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

Nitehawk Cinema Movies on the Waterfront in Domino Square

Williamsburg
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

Paramount+ Movie Nights in Coney Island Beach

Coney Island
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

Paramount+ Movie Nights in Prospect Park

Prospect Park
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

Rooftop Movies: In the Heights in Travers Park

Jackson Heights
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

Movies Under the Stars: Queens

Multiple Queens Locations
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

Movies on the Waterfront: Hunters Point Park

Long Island City
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

Movies on the Green at the Shops at Atlas Park

Rego Park
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

A Better Jamaica Family Movies in the Park

Jamaica
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

A Better Jamaica Film Fridays in Rufus King Park

Jamaica
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

Central Astoria Summer Movies in Astoria Park

Astoria
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

Movies Under the Stars: Staten Island

Multiple Staten Island Locations
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

Movies Under the Stars: The Bronx

Multiple Bronx Locations
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

Places featured in this article:

Various locations in Manhattan
Various locations in Brooklyn
Von King Cultural Arts Center
Various locations in Queens
Various parks in Jamaica, Queens
King Manor Museum in Rufus King Park
Various locations on Staten Island
Various locations in the Bronx

About the Author

Drew Kristofik
Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.
Recent Articles By Drew Kristofik:
Read more articles by Drew Kristofik.