Free Outdoor Movies for Kids in NYC This Weekend June 13-June 15

If you’re a parent Googling "things to do with kids in NYC this weekend"...hi, welcome. You’re not alone.

The good news? The NYC Parks Department and The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment are bringing Movies Under the Stars to save your evenings with free outdoor films, many of them family-friendly, all of them a low-effort win!

This weekend (June 14-16), NYC Parks is screening everything from Moana 2 to The Super Mario Bros. Movie in parks across all five boroughs. Bring a blanket, pack some snacks, and let the kids stay up late for once.

If you're Citibiking to a park movie, be sure to go early! The nearby docking stations will fill up fast and it may be hard to find a place to dock your bike.

Here’s what’s playing and everything you need to know to make it work with young kids.

Movie Nights for Kids This Weekend

Wednesday, June 11

• Transformers One – Charles Young Playground, Manhattan
  Rating: PG | Ages: 8+
  The robot prequel your child will over-explain to you afterward. Metal-on-metal drama with explosions reminiscent of screamo dubstep.

Thursday, June 12

• The Karate Kid – First Park, Manhattan
  Rating: PG | Ages: 8+
  Watch a bullied teen become a legend with waxing on and waxing off. Bonus: post-movie crane kicks.
• Moana 2 – First Park, Manhattan
  Rating: PG | Ages: 3–9
  Your toddler’s queen returns. She sings, she sails, and she will absolutely enjoy the next 3 weeks of karaoke at bath-time.
• Wicked (2024) – Maria Hernandez Park, Brooklyn
  Rating: PG | Ages: 10+
  Musical theater kids who are now parents. This is your moment. It's SHOW TIME!!!

Friday, June 13

• Moana 2 – Harding Park, Bronx
  Rating: PG | Ages: 3–9
  Yes, again. Yes, we’re going. No, she still doesn’t need Maui. She’s got this.
• Wonka – Robert Moses Playground, Manhattan
  Rating: PG | Ages: 6–11
  Watch the Lisan al-Gaib aka Timothee Chalamet's whimsical chocolately origin story.
• Despicable Me 4 (2024) – Garfield Lawn, Brooklyn
  Rating: PG | Ages: 4–10
  Minions, again. Bananas, again. You’ve lost control of the household, again.
• SpongeBob: Sponge Out of Water – Walker Park, Staten Island
  Rating: PG | Ages: 5–9
  This is NOT a drill. SpongeBob hits land. And your kid will quote this until September!!!
• Despicable Me 4 – Colden Playground, Queens
  Rating: PG | Ages: 4–10
  Didn’t catch it in Brooklyn? No problem. The minions have been franchised!

Saturday, June 14

• IF – Saw Mill Playground, Bronx
  Rating: PG | Ages: 6–10
  Imaginary friends. Real feelings. Your kid will love it. You will cry and claim iT'S aLleRgiEs.
• Onward – Naples Playground, Staten Island
  Rating: PG | Ages: 7–12
  A wizard-quest to hang out with dad one last time. Emotions? I'm already crying!
• Inside Out 2 – Cherry Tree Park, Manhattan
  Rating: PG | Ages: 6–12
  New emotions have entered the chat. Expect your kid to say “I have anxiety too” before the credits roll.
• Despicable Me 4 – Playground Ninety, Queens
  Rating: PG | Ages: 4–10
  Repeat after me. Gru is inevitable.

Bathrooms, Accessibility & What to Pack

Bathrooms

Most parks have public bathrooms open until dusk—some even later during events. Tip: bring wipes, hand sanitizer! You know the drill.

Accessibility

Events are generally wheelchair-accessible. For specific concerns, contact NYC Parks at accessibility@parks.nyc.gov or (212) 360-1430 at least 48 hours in advance.

What to Bring

• Blankets or low chairs: the grass can get damp, and comfort is key for a 2-hour movie
• Snacks and water: no concessions available, but outside food and a visit to the very persistent helado lady is welcome
• Light jackets: temperatures drop after sunset and it miiiiiiiight rain this weekend
• Entertainment for early arrivals: movies start at dusk, so bring quiet activities for kids

What NOT to Bring

• Glass bottles are strictly prohibited for "safety" reasons
• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at family events
• Large umbrellas can block views for families behind you

Accessibility Information

The NYC Parks Department is committed to making movies accessible to all families. For specific accessibility information:

• Contact (212) 360-1430 or accessibility@parks.nyc.gov
• Most park locations offer wheelchair-accessible viewing areas
• ASL interpretation may be available upon advance request
• Service animals are always welcome

Weather Policies

Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate, but NYC Parks has you covered:

• Rain Policy: Heavy rain or extreme weather will cancel screenings
• Decision Timeline: Cancellations are announced before the scheduled start time
• Where to Check: Visit nycgovparks.org or call 311 for updates
• Backup Plan: Have indoor activities ready for kids

Want more free events like this?

Summer in NYC is short and sweet, so don't miss out on this incredible free family entertainment.

Check out the full lineup at CityCub Events and follow us on Instagram or TikTok for more events happening throughout the week!