Big Movie Locations Private Tour in New York with Local Guide

If you’re a fan of the classic film “Big” and want to see its filming locations around New York City, this Big Movie Locations Private Tour offers a personalized experience for $195 per person. Lasting approximately 4 hours, the tour provides flexible start times, private walking routes, and expert local guidance. You’ll visit both famous spots and hidden corners featured in the film, making it ideal for Tom Hanks enthusiasts and anyone interested in NYC’s cinematic history. The tour includes hotel pickup and the use of subway transportation, streamlining your journey from stop to stop.

While the tour emphasizes authenticity and expert storytelling, it doesn’t include food or drinks, but the personalized itinerary and local insights add great value. With plenty of stops—from Cliffside Park to Times Square—you get a comprehensive, off-the-beaten-path look at locations that played a role in the movie. This tour suits those who enjoy walking tours and want to see NYC through the lens of cinema.

Key Points

• Private, customizable tour with local guide and multiple start times
• Visit filming locations from “Big” in New York and nearby Cliffside Park
• Approximately 4 hours long, covering key movie scenes and hidden spots
• All transportation included, with hotel pickup and subway use
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• No food or drinks included, but plenty of photo opportunities and historical insights

Visiting Josh’s House in Cliffside Park, New Jersey

The tour begins at Greenmount Avenue in Cliffside Park, where Josh’s house appears in the film. The guide points out the exact address, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of Tom Hanks’ character. Although the street exudes a rural charm in the movie, it’s a busy neighborhood today, which can make photo-taking during rush hour a bit challenging. Still, the walk along this picturesque street offers a genuine connection to the movie’s setting.

The neighborhood atmosphere combines serenity with traffic, emphasizing the contrast between film visuals and real life. The stop lasts about 15 minutes and is free of charge, giving you time to appreciate the location’s significance.

Exploring Anderson Avenue’s Authentic Charm

Next, the tour moves to 666 Anderson Ave, a notable filming spot retained with its original brickwork and convenience store still operating. This location appears frequently on movie websites as a classic “Big” scene setting. Despite small updates to doors and windows, the timeless charm remains, offering a nostalgic connection to the film.

This stop also lasts about 15 minutes and is free, offering a perfect chance for photos and to appreciate the neighborhood’s character. The authenticity of the building helps visitors picture the movie scene and see the location as it has remained over the years.

Visiting School #6 in Cliffside Park

Just a few blocks from the homes of Josh and Billy, the tour visits School #6, where the ball game scenes took place. The schoolyard continues to look very similar, even after a 2000 addition and a 2015 dedication to James P. Colagreco. While the school has modernized with a new wing, the boundary of the original school still marks the scene’s location.

This 15-minute stop offers a walk through a neighborhood filled with small details that connect to “Big” and its characters. Visitors can identify the original schoolyard and imagine Josh and Billy’s playful scenes.

The Ross Dock Picnic Area and the Amusement Park Scene

A highlight of the tour is the Ross Dock Picnic Area in Fort Lee, NJ, where Josh races through the streets during his overnight transformation. The guide discusses the scene’s significance, including how the amusement park near the dock vanished, which added to the film’s bittersweet tone.

This 15-minute stop invites you to notice the landscape details and recall the moment when Josh’s world changes. It’s a pivotal scene that captures the magical realism of the movie.

The St. James Hotel on W 45th Street

The St. James Hotel, located at 109 W 45th Street, features in the scene where Billy guides Josh to this historic hotel for their brief stay. Originally an apartment hotel, the St. James remains operational today and retains its historic charm. The guide shares stories of its century-long history, including its reputation as a luxurious refuge in NYC’s Theater District.

This 15-minute stop offers a glimpse into Times Square’s past, with interesting anecdotes about the hotel’s past residents and role in the city’s urban fabric.

Visiting Novel Pinball at 600 10th Avenue

At 600 10th Ave, the tour visits a quaint video game retailer associated with the scene where Josh and Billy look for Zoltar. The sign “Novel Pinball” above the entrance remains visible, emphasizing the location’s authenticity. Though the actual Zoltar machine is no longer there, the shop’s history, including its mention in 1989 American Photography Showcase, adds a layer of historical intrigue.

This stop offers an insight into NYC’s niche arcades and vintage gaming culture and lasts about 15 minutes with free admission.

The City Building at 141 Worth Street

The tour pauses at 141 Worth Street, where the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza remains visually unchanged. The façade and building number are still visible, making it easy to identify the location from the film scene. The removal of pay phones on the sidewalk reflects urban changes following a $7 million restoration in 2001.

This 15-minute stop offers a look at NYC’s evolving architecture and the enduring nature of “Big” filming spots.

The Job Listing Scene at 78 8th Avenue

The stop at 78 8th Avenue features the diner scene, where Josh and Billy look at job postings. Though the original location has since changed, the guide encourages you to imagine the scene and compare what once was to today’s streets. This spot highlights how NYC’s neighborhoods evolve over time, yet remain part of the film’s legacy.

Toy Company Headquarters at 40 W 23rd Street

At 40 W 23rd Street, the tour introduces the story behind the Hasbro toy company’s early 1990s headquarters. The building’s history as the International Toy Center and its connection to the film’s toy scenes add context to the city’s toy industry. Though the office has changed, the location’s significance as a toy hub prevails.

The Former Crossland Savings Bank at 3 W 57th Street

Standing outside 3 W 57th Street, visitors see the site of the bank where Josh and Billy emerge wealthy after the bank merger scene. The building’s façade remains the same, helping to visualize the cinematic moment. The bank’s history reflects NYC’s financial landscape’s evolution, with mergers and closures shaping its skyline.

The FAO Schwarz Store and the “Walking Piano”

In Manhattan, the tour visits FAO Schwarz, famous for the “Walking Piano” scene. The store relocated to 767 Fifth Avenue in 1986, but its legacy as an iconic toy store endures. The exterior and historic significance make it a must-see for “Big” fans. The store’s role in the film added to its fame, drawing crowds for decades.

SoHo and the Water Balloon Fire Escape Scene

At 83 Grand St, the tour stops at the fire escape location where a water balloon cascade takes place. This spot captures the playful energy of Josh and Billy in SoHo, a neighborhood celebrated for art, architecture, and urban charm. Visitors walk around the landmarked district and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that complements the scene’s fun.

The Café Society at Broadway and 915

The Café Society, at 915 Broadway, features in the office party scene. The neon-lit, Art Deco venue embodies NYC’s nightlife scene of the era. The guide shares insights into its history, and visitors can imagine Josh’s first steps into the city’s vibrant nightlife.

The Park at Spring & Thompson Streets

The Spring + Thompson Condominium area hosts the paddleball scene between Josh and Paul Davenport. The guide helps pinpoint the exact entrance and play area, providing context for the film’s lively scene. Recognizing the specific location adds a personal touch to the experience.

Asti Restaurant and the Final “Big” Moments

Finally, the tour visits Asti, an iconic Greenwich Village restaurant. Though it closed in 1999, Asti was featured in “Big” and famous for operatic performances by waitstaff. The walls, adorned with autographed photos, evoke the restaurant’s storied past. Tour participants learn about its role in film history and its importance in NYC’s dining scene.

Playland Amusement Park and the Zoltar Machine

The last stop is Playland Park in Rye, NY, where Josh finds the Zoltar machine. Although the original Zoltar is no longer on site, the location’s carnival atmosphere and mention of its history make it a fitting end to the tour. The guide explains where the Zoltar machine was located and what became of it.

Practical Details and Overall Experience

This private tour includes hotel pickup, use of subway, and expert advice on what to do after the experience. The customizable itinerary allows for flexibility in start times, making it convenient for different schedules. The tour does not include food or drinks, but the personal attention and insider knowledge compensate well for a $195 fee.

The tour is accessible via public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level as the tour involves walking between stops. It’s a private experience, so your group will be the only participants, ensuring personalized storytelling.

Big Movie Locations Tour in New York: Final Thoughts

This tour offers a detailed, location-specific journey through “Big”‘s filming sites across NYC and nearby in Cliffside Park. Its private format and local guides make it an attractive choice for film buffs and NYC enthusiasts seeking an up-close look at the city’s cinematic landmarks.

While it focuses heavily on film authenticity and hidden sites, it does not include food, and some locations have changed over the years. Nevertheless, the attention to detail and rich storytelling make this tour a valuable, enjoyable experience for those interested in the city’s role in cinema history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is accessible for most, but participants should have a moderate physical fitness level due to walking.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is approximately 4 hours.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
No special preparation is needed, but advance booking is recommended to secure a preferred start time.

What locations will I visit?
You’ll visit Cliffside Park, Anderson Avenue, School #6, Ross Dock Picnic Area, Times Square at W 45th St, 600 10th Ave, 141 Worth Street, 78 8th Ave, 40 W 23rd St, 3 W 57th St, FAO Schwarz, 83 Grand St, 915 Broadway, Spring + Thompson Streets, Asti Restaurant, and Playland Park in Rye.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included.

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a private tour, with only your group participating.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What makes this tour different from a regular city walk?
The cinematic focus on “Big” filming locations, insider stories, and personalized attention set this tour apart from standard sightseeing routes.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour features use of subway and hotel pickup for easy navigation between stops.

How do I find the meeting point?
The tour offers meeting in the hotel lobby, making it convenient to start your experience smoothly.