Where to See Free Summer Movies in NYC for an Outdoor Movie Night

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
5/21/23 - By Drew Kristofik

New York City screens tons of FREE outdoor movies each summer, and many of them are just 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, Bryant Park Movie Nights, and Sidewalk Cinema.

Movies usually begin when evening falls, but plan to arrive early to stake out a good viewing spot. Even if your local park is screening a flick you've watched a dozen times before, it's a totally 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. Speaking of summer, find all our seasonal must-dos in our Summer Fun Guide for NYC Kids.

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Note: Movies Under the Stars, hosted by NYC Parks Department, requires online registration so be sure to click through to the website for the movies you want to see and secure your spot.

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More Free Activities in NYC this Summer

Free NYC Summer Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals

Best Street Fairs and Summer Festivals in NYC in August

100 Free Things To Do in NYC this Summer with Kids

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Various locations

Multiple locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn

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Various locations

Various locations