Going to the movies is always a favorite activity among families, but with the longer days and warmer weather, it can be hard convincing a group to stay indoors rather than enjoy the summer climate. Luckily, New York City never experiences a shortage of activities, and the summer is no exception. If you’re itching to see that film everyone is talking about, but would rather spend your time gazing at the stars instead of sitting in a dark movie theater, you can have your cake and eat it too this summer. Just head to one of New York’s many outdoor movie series venues to relax and watch a movie with your family while taking in all that nature has to offer. If this sounds like your kind of scene read on because it gets even better. Most venues offer free movies, so you can save a few bucks while you experience the best view in town.
Regardless of the day of the week, there’s guaranteed to be a movie showing somewhere. Check out our list below detailing where you can catch your favorite outdoor flick whenever the urge strikes.
Sundays
Habana Outpost Movie Night, Habana Outpost, 757 Fulton Street
Take a night off in the kitchen and head to Habana Outpost on Sundays for delicious Cuban and Mexican cuisine and a free screening of a classic film. This family-friendly restaurant located in Fort Greene, Brooklyn offers movie screenings every Sunday night at 8 now until October 26.
Mondays
HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, Bryant Park
One of New York’s favorite parks transforms into an outdoor movie theater every Monday night from June 16 to August 18. On the schedule is The Mark of Zorro (June 23) and The Karate Kid (August 4.) The lawn opens at 5 and the movies begin at sunset.
Tuesdays
Rooftop Films Free Summer Movie Series, Bronx Terminal Market, 610 Exterior Street
If you would like to add some more elements to your outdoor movie experience, stop by the Bronx Terminal Market every Tuesday beginning at 7 pm on June 24 for fun and games before a rooftop film viewing. Not only do you get to experience the city from a rooftop location, but also the kids are kept entertained all night long with pre-screening activities, prize giveaways, music, and more!
NYRP Summer Movie Night, Various Locations
The NYRP offers you the best of both worlds this summer—watching a movie while aiding the environment. Grab a blanket and set up a picnic while enjoying complimentary popcorn served in compostable bags during a kid-friendly film shown under the stars at a New York garden every Tuesday night at 8pm beginning July 1.
Movies at Crocheron Park, 35th Avenue and Cross Island Parkway
This outdoor movie series begins its schedule on Fridays in May, but transitions to Tuesday night showings on August 12, continuing until August 26. Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and show up for a free showing of Despicable Me 2 (August 12,) Monsters University (August 19,) or Europa Report (August 26) at 8 pm.
Wednesdays
Summer on the Hudson: Pier I Picture Show, Pier I in Riverside Park South
Each summer the Pier I Picture Show selects a theme for its outdoor movie series, and this summer it’s Riverside Park’s staff favorites. This theme opens the door to a variety of films that have become famous over the years, such as Clueless (July 9) and The Outsiders (August 13.) Make sure you catch one of these films while taking in the view of the Hudson at dusk (8:30 pm.)
SummerScreen: Brooklyn’s Free Film and Concert Series, McCarren Park, corner of North 12th St. and Bedford Ave
This outdoor movie series offers a viewing experience by providing food vendors and live music beginning at 6 every Wednesday night. The series kicks off with a showing of Back to the Future at sundown on July 9, and culminates with an audience pick on August 13.
Front Row/Cinema, South Street Seaport
Starting early with a live DJ at 5 pm, Front/Row Cinema offers movie showings every Wednesday night at 8pm beginning with The Princess Bride May 28.
RiverFlicks Big Hit Wednesdays, Hudson River Park, Pier 63
Hudson River Park is offering two days of film showing this summer, and Wednesday’s theme is Big Hits. The series runs every Wednesday night from July 9-August 20 and features films such as Iron Man 3 (July 9,) The Lego Movie (July 30,) and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (August 13.)
Thursdays
Syfy Movies With a View, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn
Syfy’s outdoor summer movie series is back with a loose animal themed schedule of films this year. This summer series has every detail planned out, as they begin with a DJ at 6 pm and offer free bike parking while you enjoy a screening of films like Sharknado (July 17) or Beetlejuice (July 31) while overlooking the East River and Lower Manhattan.
Intrepid Free Summer Movie Series, Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum Flight Deck
For the sixth year in a row, Intrepid is hosting its free summer movie series every Thursday night from July 10 to August 14. Doors open at 7:30 and close by 8:30, so make sure you’re prompt to catch their great schedule of films, including Independence Day (July 10,) Gravity (July 17,) Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (July 24,) and culminating with the much talked about Captain Phillips on August 14.
Fridays
RiverFlicks Family Fridays, Hudson River Park, Pier 46
The second day in the RiverFlicks outdoor summer series is specifically targeted at families and children of all ages. With its consistent Friday night showings beginning July 11 with Despicable Me 2, following with Ghostbusters July 18th, Ghostbusters II July 25, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 August 1, Groundhog Day August 8, Smurfs 2 August 15, and The Wizard of Oz August 22, this series is a perfect activity to start the weekend off right while enjoying a PG blockbuster hit under the stars.
Movies at Crocheron Park, 35th Avenue and Cross Island Parkway
This summer movie series begins on Fridays starting May 30 through June 13 before taking a respite and then starting up again on Tuesdays beginning August 12. Bring your family to catch fun family flicks at 8 pm, such as Super Buddies (May 30,) Brave (June 6,) and Tangled (June 13.)
Saturdays
Front/Row Cinema, South Street Seaport
In addition to their Wednesday night showings, Front/Row Cinema’s summer series is screening films every Saturday night as well. The same event details apply, but different movie options are offered like Jaws (May 31,) The Avengers (July 5,) and Pitch Perfect (August 16.)
Special Festival
Central Park Conservatory Film Festival, Central Park landscape between Sheep Meadow and the 72nd Street Cross Drive
In order to celebrate filmmaking in New York City, the Central Park Conservatory Film Festival will take place from August 18-22. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy films from the very location in which they were shot, and arrive early at 6:30 pm to dance to a DJ until the music stops and the movie begins at 8.
