Take 'Em Outside to the Movies

Summer brings with it the freedom and warmth for some unusual and memorable activities with the kids, like ballgames, picnic dinners, and watching movies in a group setting, under the great big open theater of the sky.

This month the county has many offerings for family-friendly outdoor film events, that range from no-cost to relatively cheap and inclusive of dinner and games. All the events located are within a short drive of Bedford. Parks passes are not required for these events. Don't forget to bring blankets, bug repellant, flashlights (in some areas), snacks and camp chairs!

Movie: Monsters vs. Aliens (PG - 2009)

Showtime: Movie starts at 8:30 p.m. If cancellation is imminent due to weather, a notice will be posted on the Recreation department website by 6 p.m. on the day under "Updates and Cancellations."

Venue: Crossway Field, at Mamaroneck Rd. and Crossway, Scarsdale. (If driving, parking lot entrance is across from the Municipal Pool Complex at 311 Mamaroneck Rd.)

Details: Free event. Animated. Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, Will Arnett, Kiefer Sutherland, Hugh Laurie, Amy Poehler and Stephen Colbert lend voices to this sci-fi comedy. Susan's perfect life and perfect wedding are going just as they should...perfectly. Then a meteor strikes and everything she knew and loved, including her fiance, freedom, and family, are suddenly gone. It doesn't take long for the fast-growing young woman, soon to be Gigantica, to realize who her friends truly, and what values truly make her who she is as a person.

Movie: Monsters vs. Aliens (PG - 2009)

Showtime: Party begins at 7 p.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m.; wristbands cost $15, and include pool time, and a burgers-and-hot-dogs barbecue. Movie begins at sundown. No swimming is permitted during the movie. Under 3, free.

Venue: Saxon Woods Pool, 1800 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains

Details: See above.

Movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG - 2009)

Showtime: BBQ opens at 7:00 p.m., $15.00 for a bracelet, movie begins at sundown. Bracelets on sale all day at pool. Includes after-hours pool party with "an old-fashioned barbecue of hot-dogs, hamburgers, and salad." Kids under 3, free.

Venue: Sprain Ridge Park Pool, 149 Jackson Ave., Yonkers
(Google maps place it in Hastings-on-Hudson)

Details: Animated. Flint Lockwood is an outcast boy with a mad scientist's streak for inventing useless things. When his island is suddenly in economic crisis after the main employer, a sardine factory, shuts down, one of his inventions may just save everybody. Until, of course, chaos ensues. Voice cast of SNL and comedy favorites Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Will Forte, James Caan, Bruce Campbell, Neil Patrick Harris, Al Roker and Mr. T star.

Movie: Avatar (PG-13, 2009)

Showtime: Park opens for picnics at 5 p.m., a live DJ starts off the night with music at 6 p.m. The movie starts at sundown. Admission and parking is free, but carpooling is suggested. Refreshments and popcorn will be for sale, and in the event of rain, the movie will be canceled.

Venue: Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla. (For web searching directions, try Park Drive East at Bronx River Parkway, White Plains.)

Details: Free event. Standard movie theater format (not 3-D). Disabled Marine Jake Sully (portrayed by Sam Worthington) travels to planet Pandora to become an avatar, ingratiate himself with the natives and help Americans mine lucrative "unobtainium." But he finds himself in an interstellar conflict after falling for Na'vi warrior Neytiri (Zoe Saldana). Running time is approximately 150 minutes.  "Screenings under the Stars" is presented by Westchester County Parks and sponsored by radio stations 100.7 WHUD and 107.1 The Peak, Westchester Magazine, FunTime Amusements, and Friends of Westchester County Parks, Inc.