Trying to find activities to keep your kids entertained during the summer can be chore in itself. If you don’t want to hear those dreaded words, “I’m bored” this year, you need to have a plan. Going to the movies is a favorite summer pastime for many. It gives you an excuse to get out of the house, the theaters are always cool and movies can keep your little kidlets busy for at least an hour and a half.
But if you are like a lot of families, you don’t have tons of money to throw at entertainment let alone the concession stands. Fortunately, a lot of movie theaters have got your back providing cheap movies every week this summer.
Now, you won’t find first run movies on the list and you aren’t going to find any Disney or Pixar flicks, and unlike other years, every movie offered this summer is animated one. Fortunately, the vairety of movies playing this summer is varied and fairly wholesome. Most are rated PG but there are a few G-rated films being shown as well.
Every theater chain has different offers and showing different movies at different times. Some are cheaper than others and you’ll need to check with your own local theaters for the week’s offerings and prices, but we’ve got the general scoop on a lot of what’s playing this year.
Cheap Movie Titles Playing This Summer
Here is what’s playing this summer. To learn more about what the story is about and if it is right for your family, click on the movie’s title below which will bring you to the movie’s official website.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
Where the Offers Are
Here’s our extensive list of theaters offering cheap movies this summer and what they are offering.
Regal Summer Express
Regal theaters are offering two movies on two days every week this summer with both films being shown on both days. Most showings are at 10:00 a.m., but days and times do vary. Tickets are just $1 each with a portion of the proceeds going to the Will Rogers Institute so it’s a win-win.
AMC Summer Movie Camp
All summer movie camp films are being offered at 10:00 a.m. every Wednesday all summer long (except for the 4th of July). Tickets for all of the kid-friendly flicks are $4 each, but get this – every ticket comes with an AMC KidsPack which includes popcorn, a drink and FrootiTooti fruit snacks.
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse
Cinemark is offering $1 movies each week this summer. Days and times vary by location.
Paragon Theaters Free Kids Movies
This may be your best bet if you live nearby one of the Paragon theaters who are offering free movies three days each week this summer.
Hawkins Summer Movie Fun
Hawkins is offering family-friendly films each week for ten weeks this summer with many titles being shown on multiples days each week. While the 10-week series began in May, $7 for the series is still a great deal even if you only attend two showings.
Classic Cinemas’s Wednesday Morning Movies
A new movie is being offered every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at all Classic Cinemas locations for just a buck per person.
Metropolitan Theatres Summer Film Series
It’s $2 Tuesdays at Ten at Metropolitan Theatres. (Some locations are offering $2 movies on Wednesdays as well.)
Ultra Star Cinemas Kids Summer Series
Another round of $1 movies offered at 9:30 a.m.
MegaPlex Theatres Kids Movies
If you live in Utah, take advantage of the ten-movie passes which are available for $10 or see each film alacart for $1.50 each at MegaPlex Theatres. Showtimes are 10:00 a.m. and sensory-friendly showings at 10:30 a.m. Days of the showing vary by location.
Phoenix Theatres’ Free Family-Friendly Movies
Phoenix Theatres are offering free movies on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. each week.
BONUS Entertainment
Drive-In Movie Theaters Did you know that there are still over 300 drive-in movie theaters in operation across the U.S.? Providing affordable tickets (you usually only pay per car not per person) and a variety of meals/snacks, drive-in movie will provide a uniquely fun and special experience for the entire family.
Children’s Theaters often offer discounted or free plays for young audiences. Find more information at tyausa.org or see Kids Night On Broadway (New York and National events) at kidsnightonbroadway.com.
Looking for more affordable things your family can do together? Check out our list of Free and Low Cost Summer Fun Activities!
Happy Summer!
Latest posts by Jeff Totey, Dad's Pop Life and Northwest Entertainment & Lifestyle Contributing Columnist (see all)
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