OUTDOORS
Brave the heat this for these outdoor screenings of old favorites and next-big-things.—Heather Corcoran
THE BRYANT PARK SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL
The Lawn at Bryant Park
On Mondays from June 18 through Aug. 20, head to Bryant Park for free movie night. Bring your own popcorn – and a blanket – for al fresco showings of retro favorites in the heart of the city. The series starts off with Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall.” What could be more New York than that?
Picks: “Annie Hall,” June 18; “Casablanca,” Aug. 13; “Psycho,” Aug. 20
bryantpark.org
RIVERFLICKS
Hudson River Park
The twice-weekly film festival plays popular favorites for kids and adults, with free popcorn. Bring the little ones to Pier 46 (at Christopher Street) on Fridays, but hire a babysitter on Wednesday, when the grown-ups head to Pier 54 (West 14th Street).
Picks: “The Matrix,” July 25; “Superman Returns,” Aug. 22
Family Picks: “Back to the Future,” July 27; “Wizard of Oz,” Aug. 13; “Willy Wonka,” Aug. 24
hudsonriverpark.org
RIVER TO RIVER FESTIVAL
The Elevated Acre (55 Water St.)
Each Tuesday in August, head all the way downtown to catch landmark black-and-white films. Each screening includes a feature and related short films, plus plenty of big stars like Audrey Hepburn and Marlon Brando.
Picks: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Aug. 14; “On the Waterfront,” Aug. 21; “The Apartment,” Aug. 28
ROOFTOP FILMS
Open Road Rooftop Project (Grand Street at Essex Street)
Starting June 2, catch music and “amazing but under-seen” films on rooftops in Brooklyn and Manhattan. In this 11th season, home base is the Lower East Side’s Open Road Rooftop Project, where director-submitted documentaries and short films will be screened weekends through Sept. 22.
rooftopfilms.com
INDOORS
Stay inside and soak up the air conditioning with this summer’s blockbusters. The great selection of new releases is sure to satisfy all your cravings.—Jessica Wang
FAMILY PICK: HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX
Directed by: David Yates
It’s Harry Potter’s (Daniel Radcliffe) fifth year at Hogwarts, and he returns to find that Professor Dolores Umbridge had been appointed to the infamous position of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Potter and his fellow schoolmates organize a “Dumbledore’s Army” to protect themselves against the ominous dangers that lie ahead. Opens July 13.
HAIRSPRAY
Directed by: Adam Shankman
Based on the 1988 John Walters film and subsequent Broadway musical, “Hairspray” narrates the story of Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky), a teenager who auditions and wins a spot on the local dance program, “The Corny Collins Show.” She instantly becomes a huge celebrity and teams up with her friends and family to fight against the ruling queen of the show, Amber von Tussle (Brittany Snow), and her obnoxious anti-integrationist mother Velma (Michelle Pfeiffer). Opens July 20.
I KNOW WHO KILLED ME
Directed by: Chris Sivertson
Sivertson, the director of “Lost,” presents this psychologically complex thriller where Aubrey Fleming (Lindsay Lohan) manages to escape from being brutally murdered by a serial killer. However, after regaining consciousness she claims to be a different woman and convinces authorities that the real Aubrey is still in danger. Opens July 27.
BECOMING JANE
Directed by: Julian Jarrold
Anne Hathaway plays renowned novelist Jane Austen in this romantic historical drama that captures events from the author’s life. Jane resists her parents’ matchmaking efforts for her to wed the wealthy but uninspiring Mr. Wisley (Laurence Fox) and instead engages in an affair with a poor but charming apprentice lawyer, Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy). Opens Aug. 3.
THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM
Directed by: Paul Greengrass
In the third film of the Bourne series, Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), who had lost his memory and his girlfriend, travels the globe to determine his true identity while struggling to avoid those that are after him—cops, federal authorities and the very people who made him what he is. Opens Aug. 3.
Family Attractions
When school’s out for summer, kids can stay busy at these family-friendly attractions.—J.W.
Bear Mountain State Park
Rockland County, N.Y.
Organize a family day trip to the Bear Mountain State Park, where visitors can hike, fish and camp on more than 5,000 acres of wooded lands.
New York Aquarium
Surf Avenue at West 8th Street, 718-265-3474
Feed sharks and watch dolphin and sea lion shows at the New York Aquarium, which is located just yards away from the beach and Coney Island.
Riverside Park
Riverside Drive between 72nd and 153rd Streets
Your kids will love the spacious themed playgrounds at Riverside Park, which offer climbing, sandboxes, swings and animal-shaped sprinklers. Riverside Park also features a skate park equipped with five ramps.
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Pier 61 (23rd Street at Hudson River), 212-336-6100
Cool off at this year-round indoor skating rink. Sky Rink also offers a variety of sport programs including ice hockey and figure skating for both kids and adults.
Waterside Swim & Health Club
35 Waterside Plaza, 212-685-7019
Unlike most luxury recreational centers, the Waterside Swim & Health Club is kid-friendly and features a 12-yard lap pool, saunas and a weight room.
