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 has a bunch of outdoor movies you can watch all over the state (oh, and did we mention they’re 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? Make sure you check out our NJMOM summer bucket list for things to do outside this season. (featured photo credit: istock/Vera_Petrunina)
Outdoor Movies in NJ
North NJ
Outdoor Movies In The Park, Morris Twp
Bring the whole family and your blankets or lawn chairs to Ginty Field, and enjoy their free big-screen outdoor movies in NJ. Soul and Luca are just a few blockbusters you can see this summer.
Address: Ginty Field, next to Morris Twp. Municipal Complex, Morris Twp, NJ 07960
(973) 326-7400
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 Frozen 2 at Riverview Fisk Park, The Bad Guys at Columbia Park, and Soul at Arlington Park.
Address: Locations vary
(201) 547-6921
Movies Under the Stars, Hoboken
One of our favorite spots to watch a free movie in the summer is Pier A Park, with stellar NYC skyline views. Movies are on Wednesdays and begin at 9 PM in June and July and 8:30 PM in August. Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris, Turning Red, and Super Mario Bros are just some outdoor movies shown this summer. New this year is the addition of a popcorn bar to enjoy while you watch the film with the fam.
Address: Pier A Park, 100 Frank Sinatra Dr, Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 420-2000
Movies Under the Stars, Sparta
Movies on the jumbo screen start at dusk, approximately 8 PM. Come early to enjoy the DJ, glow sticks, stickers, and popcorn.
Address: Dykstra Park, Sparta, NJ 07871
(973) 729-2383
Summer Concert and Movie Series, Fort Lee
Enjoy live bands and movies under the stars in Fort Lee, NJ. The movies start at 8:30 PM, and this year’s lineup includes Elvis, Dirty Dancing, and Puss In Boots. Seating is limited, so please bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Address: Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center at 1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
(201) 592-3500
Central NJ
Moonlight Movies in the Park, Sayreville
Come for a free, family-friendly night at Kennedy Park at dusk. The original Space Jam will be the movie showing on July 15.
Address: Kennedy Park, 4441 Bordentown Ave., Sayreville, NJ 08872
(732) 390-7096
Movies in the Park, Beachwood
Grab your blankets and lawn chair and watch a movie along the Toms River. A concession stand will also be available. Movies are showing Friday nights through October 13.
518 Bayside Ave., Beachwood, NJ 08722
(732) 286-6000
Movie Nights at the Waterfront, Keyport
The Borough of Keyport and the Keyport Recreation Committee present Free Summer Outdoor Movie Nights at Waterfront Park. The Parent Trap, Lyle Lyle Crocodile, and Minions Rise of Gru are just some movie choices this summer.
Address: Waterfront Park, American Legion Drive, Keyport, NJ 07735
(732) 739-3900
Movies on the Beach, Point Pleasant Beach
Head to the beach and Jenks every Tuesday this summer to see family favorites like Encanto, Lightyear, Hocus Pocus, and Elf.
Address: Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Ave, Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 892-0600
Movies on the Beach, Seaside Heights
Enjoy free movies every Sunday at Fremont Avenue Beach, Seaside Heights. Movies start at 8:00 PM and include Rise of Gru, Lightyear, and Puss in Boots.
Address: Fremont Avenue Beach, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
833-4SEASIDE
Outdoor Movie Theater, Highland Park
Highland Park is once again hosting outdoor movies this summer. Vintage cartoons will be screened at dusk, with a movie screening at 9 PM. Don’t miss titles like Moonstruck and Alien.
Address: Municipal Lot; Raritan Avenue between 2nd & 3rd Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904
(732) 985-5571
Screen on the Green, Summit
On Thursday nights throughout July and August, gather on the Village Green to enjoy a movie night experience, complete with an outdoor screen, cinema sound, and a Blu-Ray player. There is a dance party before the movie too.
Address: 356 Broad Street, Summit, NJ 07901
(908) 277-2932
Starlit Cinema, Somerville
Every Thursday in July, Downtown Somerville hosts free movies. All shows start at 8:30 PM 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.
Address: Division St, Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 524-0104
Summer Movies on the Green, Princeton
Palmer Square has a Freaky Friday movie experience on July 14 you won’t want to miss. 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.
Address: Palmer Square, 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
(609) 921-2333
Summer Movie Series, Fanwood
Enjoy a night at one of these outdoor movies in NJ all summer, watching Hollywood’s latest family-friendly flicks on Fanwood’s state-of-the-art, 16-foot-wide outdoor movie screen.
Address: LaGrande Park, LaGrande Avenue, Fanwood, NJ 07023
(908) 370-7092
Movies on the Beach, Belmar
View movies on Thursday nights beginning at dusk. All movies are weather permitting. Finding Nemo, Encanto, and Inside Out will be just a few of the blockbusters to see on the beach this summer.
Address: 7th Avenue Beach and Ocean, Belmar, NJ 07719
(732) 681-3700
Summer Drive-In Movies, Barnegat
Enjoy a drive-in movie in NJ at the shore. With titles like Puss in Boots and E.T., your little ones will have the best time stocking up the car with yummy treats for a family-friendly flick beneath the summer night sky.
Cost: Free
Barnegat High School,180 Bengal Blvd, Barnegat, NJ 08005
(609) 698-0080 x122
Mercer County Free Movie Nights, Mercer County
Nothing to do Saturday nights this summer? In various parks around Mercer County, let your little ones sit in the wooden-painted cars they have available and watch fun movies on the big screen.
Address: Various locations
(609) 303-0700
South NJ
Free Family Movie Night, Wildwood
Movies will be shown at Bryne Plaza at Pacific Avenue on Tuesday nights starting at dusk, around 8:30 PM. Your littles will love Scooby Doo and Tinker Bell on the big screen.
Address: Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 523-1602
Movies in Knight Park, Collingswood
Free movies Thursdays at Knight Park. The screen is located by the Browning and Collins intersection near the gazebo. This event is BYOC (bring your own chair) to see Moana, Encanto, and Elf.
Address: Knight Park, Park Ave. & W. Browning Road, Collingswood, NJ 08107
(856) 854-0720
Free Movies in the Park, Gloucester County
Gloucester County hosts free movies during the summer at different locations on select dates.
Address: Locations vary
(856) 853-3200
Movies under the Stars, Sea Isle City
Enjoy a mix of kids’ comedies and classic movies for free. Don’t forget your beach chairs and blankets to bring to Excursion Park in Sea Isle City.
Address: Excursion Park; JFK Blvd. & Pleasure Ave, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
(609) 263-8687
Movies on the Beach, Avalon
Check out the free movies on the beach every Tuesday at Avalon’s 30th Beach Street. Movies begin at dusk, and the films are moved to Wednesday if it rains.
Address: 30th Street and the beach, Avalon, NJ 08202
(609) 967-3066
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. Don’t forget your beach chair and blanket. Films this year include Moana, The Mighty Ducks, and JAWS.
Address: Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-5508
Thrilling Thursdays, Margate City
Margate’s “Thrilling Thursdays” lets you watch movies under the stars behind the Martin Bloom Pavilion. Free recreational cornhole is available before the film at 6:30 PM.
Address: Martin Bloom Pavilion between Granville and Huntington Avenues, Margate City, NJ 08402
(609) 822-2285
Are you planning on seeing any outdoor movies in NJ this summer?
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
