Free Movies for Kids
Looking for something to do with the kids this summer? Many movie theater chains offer free (or pretty darn cheap!) summer movies for families. Here is a list of some movie theater summer programs and what to expect.
What to Expect from Free and Cheap Summer Movie Programs
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 Cinemas Free Family Film Festival
Free summer movies every Tuesday and Wednesday
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
Eight weeks of free summer movies
Rave Motion Pictures Free Family Film Festival starts June 10 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 Surf's Up, Shrek 3, Charlotte's Web, The Bee Movie, and more. Visit Rave Motion Pictures Free Family Film Festival for details. AMC Theatres Summer MovieCamp
Summer movies every Wednesday for $1
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.This year the program will run from June 25 - August 6. Movies start at 10 am every Wednesday at participating theaters. Scheduled movies include Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Water Horse:Legend of the Deep, and others. Visit AMC Summer MovieCamp for a complete schedule and participating theaters.
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse
Pay as little as 50 cents per movie
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. Some films scheduled at various theaters are The Ant Bully, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Over the Hedge, and Ice Age: The Meltdown.
For a list of participating theaters and showtimes visit Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse.
Dickinson Summer Vacation Movie Series
Free or cheap summer movies
Visit Dickinson Theaters and select a theater to see if it's participating in the program and to get show information.
Marcus Theatres Kids Rule Summer Film Festival
All seats $2.50 for family movies
Visit Marcus Theatre's Kids Rule Summer Film Festival for more information.
National Amusements KidToons & Bookworm Wednesdays
Free and cheap movies for kids
Harkins Theatres Summer Movie Fun
10 movies for $5
Check out Harkins Summer Movie Fun for showtimes and more details.
Kerasotes Theaters Summer Movie Program
Free kids movies on Wednesday or Thursday
Kerasotes Theatres will offer their summer movie program for six weeks, from June 18 - July 31. The theater will be offering free admissions on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10 am on specially selected family films such as Night at the Museum, Surf's Up and The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything.Learn more at Kerasotes Theatres Summer Movie Program.
Netflix Movies
If you can't make it to the theater, there are also a number of great family films available on DVD. Sign up for a two-week free trial at Netflix and you can watch some of the movies shown below at no cost. You'll even get free shipping both ways!
- 001- Night at the Museum
Chaos reigns at the natural history museum when night watchman Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) accidentall...- 002- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
Based on C.S. Lewis's classic novel, this enchanting tale follows four London children who are sent...- 003- Cars
Prepare to peel out with this revved-up animated adventure featuring classic automobiles, plenty of...- 004- Ratatouille
Brad Bird (The Incredibles) co-directs this Oscar-winning Pixar offering, following the antics of a...- 005- Happy Feet
Living with his colony in the Antarctic, young emperor penguin Mumble is aptly named: While his frie...- Try Netflix free for 14 days
More Fun for Kids (and Adults, too!)
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Choo Choo Soul
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Choo Choo Soul is a children's music act featuring singer Genevieve Goings as a singing, dancing train conductor and her partner D.C. as a train engineer. My daughter absolutely loves their short music videos on Playhouse Disney, so this lens is for...
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Elf Yourself, Become an M&M or Turn Into a Simpsons Character
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Elf yourself! Become an M&M. Turn yourself into a Simpsons character. Star in your own animated e-card. It's fun to create a virtual alter ego online!
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Send Free Photo ECards
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Why settle for a generic electronic card? These sites offer free photo greeting cards that you can personalize with your own digital photos.
What's Your Favorite Children's Movie?
Let us know or just say hi!
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TrishH
My kids love the summer movie specials. We have been going every week. It is really fun and free activity. Posted July 04, 2008 |
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sara08852
I didn't even know there's such a thing as Free Summer Movies for Kids. Great resource. Posted June 20, 2008 |
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sara08852
I didn't even know there's such a thing as Free Summer Movies for Kids. Great resource. Posted June 20, 2008 |
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CarmineT
these are some classic kid movies!! Posted June 19, 2008 |
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beachbum_gabby
so many favorites, but my best are: Ice Age I & II, Monster Inc., Chicken Little and Toy Story. Posted June 10, 2008 |
My 7 year old just told me E.T. (which she just saw) is her favorite movie. Looks like it stands the test of time. She also loves Polar Express and all the Shreks.
Posted June 03, 2008
Movie Mom Reviews
You won't find the summer's hottest movies showing during the free family film festivals, but if you can't wait for the latest blockbuster and want to know if it's appropriate for your kids, check out MovieMom. Here are a few recent reviews from Movie Mom Nell Minow.
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