Free Summer Movies for Kids

The old saying "you can't get something for nothing" doesn't always hold true for families looking for entertainment during the summer. Many movie theaters offer free or drastically reduced rates for kids movies during the summer. Here's what to expect.

- Movies that have already been released to DVD
Your local movie theater will probably be playing the big summer blockbusters, but don't expect them to include these in the free or very cheap summer movie program. Free summer movie programs typically feature G- or PG-rated movies that have already been released on DVD. Some movies that you might see this summer include Alvin and the Chipmunks, Shrek 3, and The Bee Movie.

- Early show times
Free and cheap summer movies for kids are usually shown early in the day to leave the screens available for other movies later in the day.

- Lots of people
Everyone loves free stuff. So if you're planning to take the kids to a free or cheap showing, be sure to get there early. Many summer movie programs are run on a first-come, first-serve basis. Don't miss out by showing up at the last minute.

- Regular prices for everything but the movie
Movie theaters make most of their profits not from ticket sales, but from all the popcorn, soda and candy they sell at the concession stand. So be prepared to shell out the same amount of money for a bag of popcorn during the free show as you would at a showing of the latest Hollywood blockbuster.

Ready? Check out the list below, then grab the kids and have some fun!

Regal has been offering its Free Family Film Festival every summer since 1991. Selected G- and PG-rated movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity.

Visit Regal Cinemas Free Family Film Festival for more information.

Rave Motion Pictures Free Family Film Festival starts June 9 and lasts for eight weeks. Every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 10 am, moviegoers can get free admission to G- and PG-rated movies. Movies are first come, first serve. Movies include Kung Fu Panda, Shrek 3, Madagascar 2, Horton Hears a Who, and more. Visit Rave Motion Pictures Free Family Film Festival for details.

AMC's Summer MovieCamp isn't free, but your $1 donation will go to a good cause. All admission proceeds for their Wednesday morning summer movies for kids will benefit Variety - The Children's Charity and the Will Rogers Institute.

Movies start at 10 am every Wednesday at participating theaters. Scheduled movies for the 2009 summer haven't been released yet. Visit AMC Summer MovieCamp for a complete schedule and participating theaters.

Cinemark offers 10 weeks of nearly free movies during the summer. If you purchase all 10 movies in advance, you'll pay only $5. You can also purchase movies separately at the box office for $1.00 per show. Movies vary by location.

For a list of participating theaters and showtimes visit Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse.

Dickinson Theaters has locations in 11 states and offers eight family-friendly films during its Summer Vacation Movie Series. Depending on your location, films are free or cheap ($10 for 8 movies).

Visit Dickinson Theaters and select a theater to see if it's participating in the program and to get show information.

Starting on June 18, Marcus Theatres will offer $2.50 movies for kids everay Wednesday and Thursday at 10 am. Plus, you can get a free complimentary-size popcorn.

Visit Marcus Theatre's Kids Rule Summer Film Festival for more information.

National Amusements offers discount movies for kids every Saturday and Sunday at 10 am. Tickets are $3.50 per person. Select locations also offer KidToons Storytime following the KidToons movies. Visit National Amusements for complete details.

Harkins Theatres will be offering 10 specially priced movies for kids this summer. If you purchase all 10 movies in advance, you'll pay only $5 total per person, or you can purchase individual movies at the box office for $2 per person. Movies vary by location, but some theaters will offer Kung Fu Panda, Space Chimps and The Tale of Despereaux.

Check out Harkins Summer Movie Fun for showtimes and more details.

Kerasotes Theatres will offer their summer movie program for six weeks and will be offering free admissions on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10 am on specially selected family films. The 2009 summer movies haven't been announced yet.

Learn more at Kerasotes Theatres Summer Movie Program.