Summer Movies – Your Discounted Ticket for Cool Fun

We didn’t get to go to the movies much when we were growing up.  Money was tight, and going to the movie theater was a real treat.  We got to pick out one small popcorn or one package of candy, one soda (or “pop” as my Midwestern parents called it), and we got to sit in the air conditioning and escape into the fantasy of cartoon-land.  That all changed in summer.

In summer, a local theater offered free movies from year’s past.  I will never forget the excitement I felt when my mom told us it was Movie Monday.  That was the good stuff.  My mom would get a sitter for my baby sister, and we’d get quiet time together, side by side in the dark theater.  I shoved popcorn in my mouth and sipped on the coveted Coke that I was never allowed at any other time.  I still cannot refuse movie theater popcorn.  In fact, I even sent my husband to the theater to buy it for me when I was pregnant.  There aren’t too many folks that pay movie theater prices for popcorn without even going to to the movies. Yep, I blame Movie Monday.

Fortunately, movie theaters still offer Summer Movies for kids.  Generally, they now charge a buck instead of offering them for free (for shame!), but compared to the $10 movie tickets that are the norm, I’d say $1 is quite the bargain.  They do still charge for the snacks, but I’ve been told that some people sneak them in to the movies.  Is that a banana in your pocket or are you just happy to see me??  Sorry, for the pun, I’ve been holding that one in for awhile.

Ok, back to the heart of the matter, the movies.  Yep, $1 movies.  Regal Cinemas and Cinemark are two nationwide theaters that offer these specials all summer long, with both G and PG options.  But, if you Google “free movies” and your area, you’ll likely come up with some independent movie theaters offering deals too.  And although you’ll be paying more than a buck, I thought it would be worth mentioning that select AMC theaters offer movie-goers a Bring Your Baby Matinee and Sensory Friendly Films programs.

So, whatever your needs are, when you need a popcorn fix, a dose of good A/C or an opportunity to hid in the dark for an hour or two, be sure to check out these fun options!