It’s that time of year again! The kids are out of school, and you are desperate to fill up all that free time (ideally, in some air-conditioning,) without breaking the bank. Fortunately, Triangle area movie theaters have you covered with free and low cost family friendly films all summer long.
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North Raleigh’s Marquee Cinemas will offer free double features every Tuesday and Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Films run from June 24 through Aug. 13 and feature titles like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Trolls, Transformers, and Minions.
Triangle Cinemas at Six Forks will also offer free movies, from June 24 through Aug. 15. The theater will screen three showings of each week's film from Tuesdays through Thursdays, as well as select Fridays. Movies will include titles like: The Iron Giant, Mario, Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon 2. Doors open at 9:15, and movies start at 10 sharp.
Cinemark Bistro’s “Summer Movie Clubhouse” will offer ten weeks of kid-friendly films priced at $1.75 per ticket every Wednesday, from June 4 through Aug. 6. Some of the features will include The Lego Batman Movie, The Bad Guys, and The Spongebob Movie. While the movies may not be free, this conveniently allows you to purchase your tickets in advance, as opposed to a first come first served situation.
Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express will begin June 10 and run through Aug. 5 with two movie options each Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets will cost only a dollar, with $5 snack packs available for purchase. The Regal North Hills in Raleigh, Regal Crossroads in Cary, Regal in Brier Creek, and the Regal White Oak in Garner will all participate. Some included films are: Paddington in Peru, If, both Paw Patrol movies, and Puss and Boots: The Last Wish. Showtimes vary by location.
AMC begins their “Summer Movie Camp” of family-friendly animated films on June 23 which runs through Aug. 13. Movies will show on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 and 2 at the cost of $3 a ticket. Locations include AMC Park Place 16 in Morrisville and AMC Southpoint 17 in Durham. Some films to be shown will include Shrek, The Secret Life of Pets, Migration, and Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Halle Cultural Arts Center (Apex)
The Halle Cultural Arts Center in Apex encourages you to bring your favorite snacks and a blanket for family movies one Wednesday a month on June 18, July 16 and Aug. 20. Doors will open at 9:30 and films will begin at 10 a.m. Movie titles will be available one week prior to showing. Free movies will also be available for teens and adults on Wednesday nights with doors opening at 7 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park will host their free Movie Night Series on select Fridays at dusk. Be advised that the movies range from G rated films like The Lion King, to PG-13 rated movies like Guardians of the Galaxy or 1408, so they aren’t necessarily appropriate for all ages. Movies will run until early November while the weather remains pleasant. Consult the website for dates and titles.
Wake Forest’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department invites you to Joyner Park for their outdoor family movie nights once a month on the large inflatable screen. June 14 will feature Moana II, July 19 is Mufasa, and Aug. 2 is Transformers. Showtime is at 8:30, but guests are encouraged to arrive early as seating is first come first served.
Carolina Square Lawn (Chapel Hill)
The town of Chapel Hill will be hosting free outdoor movies on Carolina Square lawn on select Thursdays at sundown. Movies will be preceded by related pre-show activities. Movies will begin around approximately 8:30, but it’s recommended that you grab your spot at 7:30. Dates include July 20, July 27, Aug. 10 and Aug. 17. Individual movie titles will be announced on the Chapel Hill Community Arts and Culture prior to the screening date.
Be sure to arrive early for any free films in order to grab a spot, and don’t overlook discounted films as they allow you the benefit of securing your ticket in advance. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and snacks for outdoor movies. Lastly, always check with the website or social media to check for title updates or other changes, especially those related to weather. Mark your calendar with the movies that fit your schedule, and enjoy a summer filled with cinematic fun for the whole family!