Looking for free movies during summer at movie theaters or cheap kid movie ticket prices? We’ve put together a huge list of free and cheap movies for kids (think dollar summer movies!) for frugal family summer fun! Great to save money during summer with kids or if you’re having a summer staycation!
Free Summer Movies In Theaters and Cheap Summer Movies For Kids
If part of your summer plan is to see kids movies in theaters, you know that it can quickly become expensive or even out of budget for a family. Here’s how you can get in on super cheap and free outdoor films, free movies at the movie theater, and bargain kids summer movie series!
What free movies are available?
Cheap and free movies this summer at the following theaters:
- AMC Theaters
- Regal Cinemas
- Studio Movie Grill
- Harkins
- Cinemark
- Megaplex
- Classic Cinemas
- Alamo Drafthouse
- Marcus Theaters
- Summer Movies In The Parks
- Libraries
- Your backyard!
Some theaters offer a short period of time with specific days, like free Wednesday movies or free movies on Tuesday mornings. (Yes! There are still movie theaters for a dollar!) Check with your local cinemas for free and cheap flicks!
Keep scrolling for the full fun list of summer movies for kids, cheap summer themed movies, and theaters that offer free movie summer programs.
FRUGAL PARENTING TIP: Search free summer movies near me, cheap movie theaters near me, or free movies near me to see what local theaters, parks, and beyond are offering free movies and/or cheap movie tickets for kids and parents for this summer movies.
What day is cheapest to go to the movie theater?
The cheapest day to go to the movies will vary by movie theater and their special programs. For example, AMC Theaters has Discount Tuesday with discounted tickets, popcorn, and ICEE drinks. So, check with your local theater for cheaper days.
Is it cheaper to go to the movies early?
Yes, in most theaters it’s cheaper to go to movies earlier in the day. Keep it to morning or afternoon viewings because those movie tickets are often cheaper than evening movies, making it a more affordable family activity.
Why are matinees cheaper?
Matinees are typically cheaper than evening shows because they are held earlier in the day, during non-peak hours when there is less demand for tickets. Movie theaters often use discounted matinee tickets as a way to attract audiences who may not be able to afford the higher prices of evening shows or who prefer to watch movies during the day.
If they aren’t free movies theaters, you may be able to find super cheap daytime movies — especially for summertime movies and summer movies deals for children’s movie tickets!
Search movie matinee near me for deals!
How do you go to the movies on a budget?
- Look for summer free movies programs: Many theaters today have free summer movies or cheap movies for summer (like $1 movies or $2 movies), which means you can add a lot of movies to your summer kids activities!
- Look for special promotions and discounts: Many movie theaters offer special promotions and discounts, such as discounted tickets for matinee showings or student discounts. Check your local theater’s website or sign up for their email newsletter to stay informed about these deals.
- Attend weekday or early bird showings: Movie theaters often offer discounted tickets for weekday or early bird showings. These showings are typically less crowded and can be a great way to save money, so look out for daytime cinema showing discounts!
- Bring some of your own snacks: Movie theater concessions can be expensive, so consider bringing your own snacks and drinks from home. Just be sure to check the theater’s policy on outside food and drink before you go.
- Join a loyalty program: Some movie theaters offer loyalty programs that reward frequent customers with discounts or free tickets. Check with your local theater to see if they offer such a program.
- Use movie subscription services: There are some theater chains that offer significant savings for frequent moviegoers, allowing you to see multiple movies per month for a flat fee.
- Search for free movies at theaters near me.
Ultimate List Of Free Summer Movies 2024
We’ve listed general summer movie programs for these theaters. However, often local branches of these movie theaters are given the choice whether they want to participate in the summer movie program. Be sure to check with your own local movie franchise / branch before heading out to the movies!
NOTE: These movie deals and summer free movie programs have been updated for the current year, but theaters may change their summer movie programs, prices, and offerings, so they may differ than those listed here. If you know of changes or additions to this summer movie list, let us know!
AMC Free Summer Movies 2024
AMC Theatres offers a summer movie program called Summer Movie Camp.
During this program, participating AMC Theatres offer a kid-friendly movie and a KidsPack (popcorn, drink, and fruit snacks) for only $4 per person on Wednesday mornings.
The movies are usually rated G or PG.
AMC theater has locations throughout the United States.
Check with your local theater to see if they’re participating in the free summer movies AMC program.
Free Summer Movies At Regal Cinema
Regal Cinemas offers a summer movie program called Summer Movie Express as part of their free summer movies Regal program.
During Regal cinema free summer movies, participating Regal Cinemas offer select G and PG rated movies for only $2 per ticket on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer.
In the past for the Regal Summer Movie Express program, a portion of the proceeds went to the Will Rogers Institute.
Regal Cinemas have locations throughout the United States
Check with your local theater to see if they’re participating in the Regal Cinemas free summer movies program.
Free Summer Movies At Cinemark
Cinemark Theatres offers a summer movie program called Summer Movie Clubhouse.
During this program, participating Cinemark Theatres offer 10 movies for only $5 (if purchased in advance) or $1 per show.
The movies are usually rated G or PG, which make them great movies for toddlers, preschoolers and all family members!
Cinemark Theatres is a movie theater chain with locations throughout the United States.
Check with your local theater to see if they’re participating in the Free Summer Movies Cinemark program.
Megaplex Theatres
During the summer months, Megaplex Theatres typically offers free and discounted movies for kids as part of their Kids Summer Movies program.
The Kids Summer Movies program features a selection of family-friendly films that are shown on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00 am. Admission to these movies is free for kids and adults, but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The movies shown during this program are typically rated G or PG.
In addition to the Kids Summer Movies program, Megaplex Theaters in the past has offered a Summer Passport promotion.
With the Summer Passport, guests can purchase a booklet of ten movie tickets for $10 (*check current price).
Each ticket can be redeemed for one admission to any movie showing before 1:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Megaplex Theatres is a movie theater chain with locations throughout Utah.
Specific movies and showtimes for the Kids Summer Movies program may vary by location. Be sure to check with your local Megaplex Theatres theater.
Harkins Theatres
Harkins Theatres offers a summer movie program called Summer Movie Fun.
During this program, participating Harkins Theatres offer a kid-friendly movie each week for 10 weeks, with tickets costing only $2 per person.
The movies are usually rated G or PG for family viewing.
Harkins Theaters have over 30 locations throughout these states, with the majority of them located in Arizona.
Harkins Theater Locations:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Oklahoma
- Texas
You can find specific theater locations and showtimes on the Harkins Theatres website.
CHECK OUT MORE SUMMER FUN IDEAS FOR FAMILY
Classic Cinemas
Classic Cinemas typically offers free and discounted movies for kids as part of their Wednesday Morning Movie Series.
The Wednesday Morning Movie Series features a selection of family-friendly films that are shown on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am.
Admission to these movies is only $1 per person, and the movies are typically rated G or PG.
In addition, each location may offer discounted concessions on select items during the movie.
Classic Cinemas has also previously offered a Tuesday Morning Movie Series for adults during the summer months, with tickets priced at $5 per person.
Specific movies and showtimes for the Wednesday Morning Movie Series may vary by location, so it’s always best to check with your local Classic Cinemas theater for the most up-to-date information.
Classic Cinemas is a movie theater chain with locations throughout Illinois.
Studio Movie Grill Free Movies
During the summer months, Studio Movie Grill typically offers cheap and free movies for kids as part of their Children’s Summer Series.
The Children’s Summer Series features a selection of family-friendly films that are shown on weekdays at 11:00 am.
Admission to these movies is $1 for kids and $2 for adults, and the movies are typically rated G or PG.
Additionally, the theater offers a special concession deal during the Children’s Summer Series, such as $1 popcorn or drinks.
In the past, Studio Movie Grill has also offered a Movie Pass program for the summer months.
With the Movie Pass, guests can purchase a booklet of ten movie tickets for $5. Each ticket can be redeemed for one admission to any movie showing before 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
The Movie Pass is valid at all Studio Movie Grill locations and can be purchased at the box office, but be sure to check with your local theater to see if this still applies (or if they’re participating in the program).
Studio Movie Grill is a movie theater chain with locations in several states, including Indiana, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Specific movies and showtimes for the Children’s Summer Series may vary by location, be sure to check with your local Studio Movie Grill theater for their summer movies.
Marcus Theaters
The Marcus Theatres SuperSaver Value Days is a special promotion that allows moviegoers to see select movies at a discounted price. The program typically runs during the summer months and features a selection of popular movies that have already been released in theaters.
SuperSaver tickets are priced at $5 per person and are available for shows that start before noon.
In addition to the discounted ticket price, SuperSaver moviegoers can also enjoy special concession deals, such as $2 off popcorn and $2 off fountain drinks.
Marcus Theaters also now have a Marcus Passport where you pay $30 for a passport and you can see every movie in a movie series at any theaters.
Again, specific movies and showtimes included in these programs may vary by location.
Additionally, Marcus Theatres may offer other summer promotions or events, so it’s always best to check with your local theater for the most up-to-date information.
Showcase Cinema
Showcase Cinemas have previously offered summer movie program called Bookworm Wednesdays.
During this program, participating Showcase Cinemas offer a free movie ticket to a select G or PG rated movie for kids who present a book report at the box office.
ALSO CHECK OUT WHERE KIDS CAN GET FREE STUFF FOR SUMMER READING
Accompanying parents or guardians can purchase tickets for a reduced price.
Showcase Cinemas is a chain of movie theaters with locations primarily in the midwest and eastern United States.
Alamo Drafthouse
Alamo Drafthouse offers a summer movie program called Alamo Kids Camp.
During this program, participating Alamo Drafthouse locations offer select G or PG rated movies for a donation of $1, $3, or $5 per person.
All ticket sales go to local nonprofits.
Most of the Alamo Drafthouses are located in Texas, but there are some locations in other states.
Premiere Cinemas
Premiere Cinemas offers a summer movie program called Summer Kids Fest.
During this program, participating Premiere Cinemas offer select G and PG rated movies for only $1 per person on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.
Premiere Cinemas is a chain of movie theaters primarily located in the southern United States in states like Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and more.
As always, check with the your local cinema to see if they are participating in the program.
Bow Tie Cinemas
Bow Tie Cinemas offers a summer movie program called Kids Club.
During this program, participating Bow Tie Cinemas offer select G and PG rated movies for only $2.50 per person on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Bow Tie Cinemas are located mainly on the East coast.
Cobb Theatres
Cobb Theatres offers Free Summer Kids Shows as part of a summer movies theater programs.
During this program, participating Cobb Theatres offer select G and PG rated movies for free on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.
Cobb Theatres is a cinema chain with locations primarily in the southeastern United States, which a large concentration of locations in Florida.
MOVIE TIP: Search cheap movie theatre near me (or cheapest movie theatre near me) to see if there are any in your local area that aren’t mentioned here.
Drive In Movie Theaters
If you have drive-in theaters near you, definitely check them out for summer discounts.
Many outdoor theaters will have special car prices (like $20 for a carload) and you can get the entire family into the movies for a low price and see 2 – 3 movies for the night!
(Plus, a drive in theater is a super fun experience for kids, especially if they’re cheap discount summer movies!)
MOVIE THEATER TIP: Pack your own snacks to save money! (But buy popcorn there to support the theater!)
Military Movie Discounts
Many theaters have military movie discounts for families and they may have package discounts at your summer movie theater.
If you are active military personnel with valid identification you may be able to watch movies at a discount.
Check with movie theater military discounts with your local theaters!
Free Summer Movies In The Park
Don’t forget about local and state parks for a free movies summer program! If you can’t find free movies in theaters near you, definitely check local parks and local businesses.
Many local area parks and businesses will offer free summer movies or cheap summer movies outdoors on big blow up screens.
(If you’ve never been to one, it’s a lot of fun!)
Where free movies are offered will depend on your local area. Search movies in the park [your city], like movies in the park Indianapolis.
PARENTING TIP: Search free outdoor summer movies near me to find what movies are offered in your area!
Free Library Movies
Go beyond free movies at cinema and check it with your local library! Throughout the summer (and other months) local libraries often offer free indoor family movie and outdoor family movies and is a great experience for all ages!
Also, don’t forget that you can rent free movies (including pretty current movie titles) and have your own free movie marathon at home.
It’s a great alternative to free movies in cinema locations.
Free Streaming Movies
You can even host a free summer movie party for friends and have a pitch in dinner and a movie.
Use free online movie apps (like Freevee TV) or use your current streaming apps to have regular movie marathons during the summer.
And, even better, you can even project the movie for an outdoor movie party! (This makes a super fun outdoor movie night kid party with a cheap digital movie stream!)
You can create your own backyard cinema!
Learn how to have your own outdoor summer movies party.
What did we miss in our bargain summer movies list (movies for cheap) and cinema free movies? Let us know and we’ll add those movie deals to the list!
Have fun with these cheap and free movies during summer for families!
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