One of my favorite summer family memories was seeing E.T. on the Intrepid. The lines were (super) long, but it was worth the wait for such a memorable way to introduce my kids to one of my favorite movies as a child. Below are my top 9 picks for free outdoors movie series that the entire family can enjoy in NYC this summer:
1. Coney Island Flicks on the Beach (Brooklyn)
Movies are shown at dusk on Monday nights in July and August at this beachside film series in Coney Island. There is a 40-foot inflatable screen at West 10th Street. Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Inside Out are a couple of the movies on the remaining line-up.
2. Hudson RiverFlicks, Family Fridays (Manhattan)
You can take the family to enjoy kid-friendly flicks at dusk (8:30pm) on Fridays from July 10th to August 21st at Pier 46. The movies are a combination of new and classic films. Penguins of Madagascar and Goosebumps will be shown as part of this season. Free popcorn is also served.
3.Intrepid FREE Summer Movie Series (Manhattan)
Bring your chairs or blankets and a meal for a fun, family dinner. Access starts at 7:00pm and the Friday night films begin at sunset. Plan on arriving early though, because seating is on a first come, first serve basis…and this is a VERY popular film series. Star Trek and Big Hero 6 are a couple of the movies that are still on the schedule through August 5th.
4. Movie Night in Astoria Park (Queens)
Monday nights on July 25th and in August, family-friendly films will be shown in Astoria Park (on Shore Blvd. between Hell Gate Bridge and the Pool) at 8:30pm. Big Hero 6 and Minions are part of the line-up for this year.
5. Movies Under the Stars (All Boroughs)
There will be 300 films shown throughout various parks and neighborhoods in all five boroughs through the The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. A combination of classic films (Casablanca, Moonstruck, etc.) and new movies (Star Wars – The Force Awakens, Inside Out, etc.) will be shown. Visit their site for the updated schedule of screenings and locations.
6. Red Hook Flicks (Brooklyn)
Take the family to see these movie screenings at Valentino Pier in Red Hook, Brooklyn on Tuesdays in July and August around 8:30pm (or when it gets dark). Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Lego Movie are a part of the schedule.
7. RCN Monday Night Movies at Waterside Plaza (Manhattan)
Enjoy watching free movies and nibbling on free popcorn outside on the Plaza at dusk (8pm to 8:30pm) on Mondays in August. Seating is limited so arrive early. August 15th is Family Movie Night so be sure to set aside that date.
8. Roosevelt Island Outdoor Summer Movie Series (Queens)
On various Saturdays through August 19th, several kid-friendly movies will be played at Roosevelt Island’s Firefighters Field beginning at 7pm. Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark are on the schedule.
9. Summerstarz 2016 (Brooklyn)
On Fridays through August 12th, several popular family films will be shown at Transmitter Park in Brooklyn beginning at sunset. Antman, Zootopia and Star Wars: The Force Awakens are on this year’s line-up.
Definitely let me know if I missed any of your favorites. Thanks!