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 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 Twp
Bring the whole family and your blankets or lawn chairs to Ginty Field and enjoy their free big-screen outdoor movies in NJ. Moana 2 and Paddington in Peru are just a few blockbusters you can see this summer.
Ginty Field, next to Morris Township Municipal Complex, Morris Twp, 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 Detective Pikachu at City Hall, Inside Out 2 at Pershing Field Park, and Monsters University at Boyd McGuiness Park.
Locations vary
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 Footloose, E.T.- The Extra Terrestrial, and Mamma Mia. Seating is limited, so please bring lawn chairs or blankets.
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 June, July, and August. See movies like Ghostbusters and Batman, along with their special Lion King event.
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. A concession stand will also be available. Movies are rain or shine.
401 Beacon Avenue, Beachwood, NJ 08722
Movie Nights By The Bay, Keyport
The Borough of Keyport and the Keyport Recreation Committee present Free Summer Outdoor Movie Nights by the bay featuring a lineup of Mufasa – The Lion King, Scooby Doo, Elf.
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 Moana 2, Wicked, and Despicable Me 4.
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, Transformers One, and Sonic 3.
Beach Patrol North Headquarters, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
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.
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.
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.
Division Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Summer Movies On The Green, Princeton
Palmer Square has a Ratatouille movie experience on July 18, Shrek on August 1, and D2: The Mighty Ducks on August 15. 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. Shrek, The Princess Diaries, and Inside Out 2 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 at Pacific Avenue on Tuesday nights starting at dusk, between 7:45 PM and 8:30 PM. Your littles will love Kung Fu Panda 2 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 Night at the Museum, Elf, and Encanto.
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 Despicable Me 4, Sonic The Hedgehog 3, and Moana 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 IF, Moana, and Little Giants.
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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