Free and Discounted Family Summer Movies 2008

So, summer vacation has just started and the kids are already saying, "Mom, there's nothing to do". Sound familiar?

Many movie theatre chains offer a low cost (or FREE) solution to beating summer boredom. Such major chains as AMC and Regal, as well as many smaller chains, offer special Family "Summer Camp" showings of rated G / PG movies. Even some small, local theatres offer a discount or free movie morning through the summer. These discounted family showings are usually mid-week and in the morning.

It seems everyone loves something for free (or even $1) so be prepared for a crowd. Seating is limited to the theatre size so be sure to get there early if you want to ensure a seat. A few of the theatres offer a special on popcorn and sodas, but be prepared to pay regular concession rates at most theatres. Avoid paying for snacks by eating before heading to the theatre. Or pack along some empty plastic baggies and divide one large popcorn tub into small packets for each child. This is much cheaper than purchasing a small popcorn for each.

Either way, a movie for free or even $1 is a great way to get out of the heat and spend a few hours on a summer morning.

Check each theatre for the movies they are offering and any program specifics. Not every theatre in a specific chain will be offering the special so be sure to check with your local theatre for participation.

Here are some of the chains offering a summer family special:

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (Austin, TX)- June 9 - August 21, Monday through Thursday 11 am. Free. The movies include Iron Giants, Spy Kids, Zathura, and Dreamer.

AMC Theatres- June 25 - August 6, Wednesday 10 am. $1 per person. They also offer a discount on their Kid's Snack Pack; only $3 during the special showing. The movies include Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, The Water Horse, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Shrek the Third.

Cinemark Theatres- Day of week varies by theatre location. $1 per person per movie or purchase a card for all 10 movies for $5. The movies include Shrek the Third, Jumanji, Hook and Happy Feet.

Classic Cinemas- June 11 - August 6, Wednesday 10 am. $1 per person. The movies include Bee Movie, Surf's Up, Firehouse Dog, and Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Clearview Cinemas- June 26th for 8 weeks, Thursday 10:30 am. Free. The movies include Bee Movie, Curious George, Water Horse and Shrek the Third.

Georgia Theatre Company- June 10 - July 31, Tuesday and Thursday 10 am. Free. They are also offering $1 kid's drinks and $1 kid's popcorn during this show time. The movies include Alvin and the Chipmunks, Ant Bully, Everyone's Hero, and Night at the Museum.

Harkins Theatres- Day of week varies by theatre location. $2 per person per movie or purchase all 10 movies for $7 in advance. The movies include Surf's Up, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Nancy Drew, and Flushed Away.

Kerasotes Theatres- June 18 - July 31, Wednesday and Thursday 10 am. Free. The movies include Night at the Museum, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Shrek the Third, and Horton Hears a Who.

Marcus Theatres- June 18 - August 14, Wednesday and Thursday 10 am (excludes July 2 and 3). $2.50 per person (includes free complimentary size popcorn). The movies include Alvin and the Chipmunks, Nim's Island, Kung Fu Panda and Kit Kittredge: An American Girl.

Rave Motion Pictures- June 10th for 8 weeks, Tuesday and Wednesday 10 am. Free. The movies include Surf's Up, Firehouse Dog, Shrek the Third, and Charlotte's Web.

Regal Theatres- June 18 - July 31, Wednesday and Thursday 10 am. Free. The movies include Nancy Drew, Bratz, Flicka and Stuart Little.

Cobb Theatres, Grand Theatres, and Malco Theatres are also offering specials but they vary depending on the location. Check with your local theatre for programs they are offering.