Free or discounted summer movies for families in the Triangle

Scorching hot days, rainy days, bored days, days the kids aren’t getting along, days when you have reached the end of your rope…all the perfect summer days to take advantage of a free or heavily discounted movie. Nothing breaks through the summer break doldrums like a cheap outing, snacks, and air-conditioning to boot.

These are some options in the Triangle area for free or discounted summer movies 

This summer, The Marquee Cinemas in Raleigh will host two free family-friendly films to choose from each week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between June 16 and Aug. 5. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.  Films include K-Pop Demon Hunters, The Pout Pout Fish, Minecraft and many others.

Triangle Cinemas in Raleigh is offering free kid shows several days a week between June 11 and Aug. 20. Doors open at 9:30 and movies start at 10 a.m. Shows include Trolls, Kung Fu Panda 4, The Wild Robot and more.

Cinemark Bistro’s Summer Movie Clubhouse runs for 10 weeks between June 1 and Aug. 6. Tickets are only $1.75 each with showings each Wednesday morning. Select theaters will offer additional showtimes. Movie examples include Paddington, K-Pop Demon Hunters and Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie. Don’t forget to pre-order your tickets.

Regal’s “Summer Movie Express” is offering $1 family movies on Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m. between June 1 and Aug. 13. As someone who struggles to get my kids out the door early enough for most summer movies, the 11 a.m. showtime is a major selling point. Kid’s snack packs will be discounted. Some of the included films are Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Scoob! and Animal Farm. You can even bring your kids out to revisit some old school favorites like The Sandlot or Muppet Treasure Island. With Regal Cinemas in Brier Creek, North Hills, Cary and Garner, there is sure to be one near you.

AMC Theaters’ Summer Movie Camp is back with discounted matinees of family films every Monday and Wednesday from June 22 to Aug. 12. There are two showings, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. if you are looking to fill your afternoon. Tickets are $3, but be advised that purchasing online in advance will come with a convenience fee. AMC has locations in Morrisville, Durham and Wilson, but check online to confirm that a specific movie is available in your location. Movies include Paddington in Peru, David, and The Lego Movie, among others.

If an outdoor movie is more your vibe, there are several great options around the Triangle this summer.

Moore Square’s monthly First Friday Market and Movie Night returns with films like Puss in Boots, Hamilton, and some classic favorites like Ghostbusters. You can make a whole evening of it as the event will include a market, food trucks and live music. The market starts at 5 p.m. with the movie showing approximately 7:15 p.m.  The event is free and occurs the first Friday of each month all the way through November.

If you live up towards Wake Forest, Carroll Joyner Park will host movies under the stars once a month through August. Movies will include Mufasa: The Lion King, Super Mario Brothers Galaxy Movie and others. Showtime is 8:30 p.m., but patrons are encouraged to arrive early to snag a spot.

For all free showings, prepare for crowds and show up early. Enjoy your summer, give yourself a reprieve, and take advantage of all the free and discounted films the Triangle has to offer.