When the sun goes down, the city parks become urban drive-in (or rather stroll-in) theaters. Below is a roundup of this year’s outdoor family films. So forget cozying up in the back seat of a car — those days are behind you anyway. Just bring a blanket, a killer picnic and of course, the kids.
Riverflicks for Kids
In addition to gentle river winds and a view of the New Jersey skyline, Pier 46 is also the spot for Friday night family films and free popcorn. This includes films like Bee Movie and Shrek.
When: Through 8/22, movies begin at dusk around 8:30pm; Free (beverages and snacks are available for sale; bring something to sit on).
Where: Hudson River Park at Pier 46, Charles & West Streets, hudsonriverpark.org.
Movies with a View
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s series offers a collection of films for adults and kids. Some of the films may not be child-friendly (The Shining), but you can bring the little ones along for a viewings of Wallace and Gromit: Curse Of The Were Rabbit (July 24). The fun starts at 6pm with music from some of New York City’s best DJs. Local eatery Rice offers dinners on site. All this, plus spectacular views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and the downtown skyline.
When: Thurs., through 8/23; movies begin around 8:30pm; Free.
Where: The Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, Brooklyn, between the Brooklyn & Manhattan Bridges, enter off of Water Street, or at Main Street in Dumbo, brooklynbridgepark.org.
Movies Under the Stars
Yes, you’ll have to leave the city for this one, but the quick and breezy ferry ride to Hoboken is all part of the adventure, not to mention a great way to beat the heat on a sticky Wednesday evening. The summer schedule is chock-full of family fare, with Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix and Surf’s Up on the schedule. Bring a blanket or low-backed beach chair, and enjoy the best of the Garden State.
When: Wed., through 8/27, around 9pm in July, 8pm in August; Free.
Where: Pier A Park, First & Frank Sinatra Drive (east end of Park on the Great Lawn), Hoboken, NJ, 201-420-2207, hobokennj.org. For NY Waterway Ferry schedule, go to nywaterway.com.
HBO Summer Film Festival
You may have to get a sitter to see the grown-ups-only flicks at Bryant Park’s Monday-night tradition. Highlights from this year’s lineup include The Apartment and Arsenic and Old Lace. The park opens at 5pm so you can stake out a spot for your blanket. Throw in a picnic and a bottle of wine, and you and hubby can enjoy a (cheap) date night. Or, have him watch the kids and meet up with friends like you used to.
When: Mon., through 8/18; movies begin at dusk (8-9pm); Free.
Where: Bryant Park, bet. 40th & 42nd St. and 5th & 6th Ave., bryantpark.org.
