5 ways to go to the movies for cheaper

We all know going to the movies can be expensive. It can cost a family $40 or so to go; so we don't go all that much!

Here are some tips to save money on going to the movies

1. Buy tickets in bulk
An example of this would be to go AMC theatres You can buy a minimum of 50 tickets with no expiration date for $6.00 from them. You usually need to wait a few weeks before seeing the movie, but for the savings it may be worth if you have a family and go to the movies often.


2. Buy from ebay
So you don't want to buy in bulk, check out ebay. Just doing a search found me several auctions for 10, 20 tickets. Of course do your research to make sure they are a good seller.


3. Loyalty or reward cards
Most of the major chains have them. Show it each time you buy tickets or popcorn and you will get points. You can redeem those points to use at the theatre for later time.

4. Drive in theatres
There are still 500 drive in theatres in the United States. In fact we went to one to see Spiderman 3 a few weeks back. It only cost us $20 to get in. Check to see if there is a
drive in near you. You can bring your own snacks. We got there about 1 hour early and the kids played ball and frisbee-it was like tailgating.


5. Free movies for kids
Sometimes they might not be first run but you can see if you local movie theatre is offering free summer movies for the kids

Free summer movies for the kids

Many movie theatre chains offer free movies during the summer for kids during the movie! Not first run and many are already out on DVD but hey it is a free movie and the kids will probably enjoy sitting the movie theatre. We have taken advantage of this quite a bit-last year we saw Jimmy Neutron, Ice Age and a couple of others. The kids love it.
AMC Theatres
Regal Entertainment Group
National Amusements - Programs Kids over 6 must bring a book report

Dickinson Theatres It says free on the website but some feedback from a reader shared this. I live in Kansas and our local theatre is a Dickenson movie theatre. However, the movies aren't free. They are still extremely cheap. Our local elementary school sells a book of 10 tickets for $6...that's less than $1 a movie. Plus, our school earns 50% of the ticket price. So, each book of tickets sold earns our school $3. Still an awesome deal. I just wanted your readers to know that they aren't necessary always free movies...almost free though:) He may be referring to older movies though.
MarcusTheatres.com IL MN OH WIPay $2.50 but get a drink and popcorn
Crown movies CT, IL, MD, MN, NV

Free outdoor movies in Orlando
Movies under the Stars Atlanta, GA
Screen on the Green 2007-Free Outdoor Movies at the National Mall in Washington, DC


If you know of more places that offer movies either theatres or outside please place in comments!
There are lots of ways to keep the summer fun and frugal