Watching outdoor movies in NJ is one of those fantastic summer experiences you have to do at least once—there’s nothing better than sitting on a blanket during a warm summer night with a favorite family film on the big screen. Luckily, this summer, there are a bunch of outdoor movies you can watch all over the state (and the best part—most are free). Whether it’s on the sand, the grass, or an outdoor amphitheater, bring a blanket, chairs, and snacks to catch one of these flicks under the stars. Looking for more outdoor fun with the fam? Check out our NJMOM summer bucket list for things to do outside this season. (featured photo credit: istock/Vera_Petrunina)
20 Outdoor Movies In NJ
North NJ
Outdoor Movies In The Park, Morris Township
Bring your blankets or lawn chairs to Ginty Field and enjoy their free big-screen outdoor movies in NJ. Smurfs and Zootopia 2 are just a few blockbusters you can see this summer.
Ginty Field, next to Morris Township Municipal Complex, Morris Township, NJ 07960
Movies In The Park, Jersey City
Jersey City hosts family-friendly movies under the stars throughout the city this summer. All movies begin at sunset. Don’t miss Inside Out 2, Wicked For Good, and Lego Batman.
Locations vary
Summer Concert And Movie Series, Fort Lee
Enjoy live bands and movies under the stars in Fort Lee. The movies start at 8:30 PM, and this year’s lineup includes Hopper, Apollo 13, and Father of the Bride.
Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center at 1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Ridgewood Guild’s Movies In The Park, Ridgewood
Sit under the stars on select Wednesday nights in July and August. See movies under the stars this summer and don’t miss the family movie night, featuring dance performances, a Trivia Contest with prizes, and complimentary ice cream and candy.
Memorial Park, 5 Walnut Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Central NJ
Movies In The Park, Beachwood
Grab your blankets and lawn chair and watch a movie along the Toms River. Movies are rain or shine.
401 Beacon Avenue, Beachwood, NJ 08722
Movie Nights By The Bay, Keyport
Bring a chair and set up for a movie night in the park on the third Wednesday of every month in summer. This year’s lineup includes Wicked, Jaws, and Lilo and Stitch 2.
Waterfront Park, American Legion Drive, Keyport, NJ 07735
Movies On The Beach, Point Pleasant Beach
Head to the beach and Jenks every Tuesday this summer to see family favorites like Legally Blonde, Super Mario Galaxy, and Jaws.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Movies On The Beach, Seaside Heights
Enjoy free movies every Sunday near Beach Patrol North Headquarters, Seaside Heights. Movies start at dusk and include Jaws, ET, and How to Train Your Dragon.
Fremont Avenue Beach Entrance, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Outdoor Movie Theater, Highland Park
Highland Park is once again hosting outdoor movies this summer. Vintage cartoons start at dusk, with a movie screening at 9 PM.
Municipal Lot; Raritan Avenue between 2nd & 3rd Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904
Screen On The Green, Summit
On Thursday nights throughout July and August, gather on the Village Green for a movie night. The event features an outdoor LED screen, pre-movie dance parties, and food trucks. This summer’s lineup includes lots of Disney favorites like Moana 2, Snow White, and Mufasa.
356 Broad Street, Summit, NJ 07901
Starlit Cinema, Somerville
In mid-July to mid-August, Downtown Somerville hosts free movies on Division Street. Enjoy a night out with a film on a giant screen with a state-of-the-art sound system under the stars. Watch superhero flicks like Spiderman and Aquaman, along with classics like ET.
Division Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Summer Movies On The Green, Princeton
Palmer Square has a National Treasure movie experience on June 26 as part of their 250th Anniversary Celebration, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on July 17, and The Wizard of Oz on August 14. Come early for dinner, then grab some ice cream for the show, which begins at dusk. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Palmer Square, 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Movies On The Beach, Belmar
You can view movies on Wednesday nights beginning at dusk, weather permitting. The Emperor’s New Groove, A Cinderella Story, and Up will be just a few of the blockbusters to see on the beach this summer.
7th Avenue Beach and Ocean, Belmar, NJ 07719
Downtown Freehold Family Movie Night, Freehold
Start with dinner in downtown Freehold and then make your way to the Hall of Records for an outdoor movie night under the stars. Make sure to bring a chair or blanket.
1 E. Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
South NJ
Free Family Movie Night, Wildwood
Movies will be shown at Bryne Plaza on Pacific Avenue on Tuesday nights starting at dusk. Your littles will love Migration on the big screen.
Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Movies In Knight Park, Collingswood
Spend the night at the movies on Thursdays at Knight Park, located by the Browning and Collins intersection near the gazebo. This event is BYOC (bring your own chair) for family-friendly movies like The Parent Trap, Little Giants, and Back To The Future.
Knight Park, Park Avenue & W. Browning Road, Collingswood, NJ 08107
Free Movies In The Park, Gloucester County
Gloucester County hosts free movies during the summer at different locations on select dates.
Locations vary
Free Family Movies Under The Stars, Sea Isle City
Enjoy a mix of kids’ comedies and classic movies for free. Bring your beach chairs and blankets to Excursion Park in Sea Isle City on Wednesdays to see family favorite flicks like Captain America: The First Avenger, Minecraft Movie, and Bad Guys 2.
Excursion Park; 2 41st Street, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
Movies On The Beach, Cape May
On Thursday nights, head down to the beach beside the Cape May Convention Hall for free movies starting at dusk. Films this year include Miracle, Field of Dreams, and Wonder Woman.
Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Thrilling Thursdays, Margate City
Margate’s “Thrilling Thursdays” lets you watch movies under the stars behind the Bloom Pavilion. Come early for family-friendly activities and giveaways before each flick.
Behind the Bloom Pavilion between Granville and Huntington Avenues, Margate City, NJ 08402
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