Free or cheap movies

Many Theaters offer free or very inexpensive movies through the summer months. While I have listed the locations and available movies for Illinois, many of these are available in other states, simply click through to their sites to find a location convenient for you.

As part of the Kerasotes Theatres the following Illinois theaters offer movies through the summer:

  • Bolingbrook – ShowPlace 12
  • Chicago – City North 14
  • Chicago – ShowPlace 14 Galewood
  • Cicero – ShowPlace 14
  • Edwardsville – ShowPlace 12
  • Glenview – Glen 10
  • Lake-in-the-Hills – Lake-in-the-Hills 12
  • Machesney Park – ShowPlace 14
  • New Lenox – ShowPlace 14
  • Niles – ShowPlace 12
  • Rockford – ShowPlace 16
  • Skokie – Village Crossing 18
  • Springfi eld – ShowPlace East 8

They should all be showing these films:

  • June 24 and June 25 – Igor
  • July 1 and July 2 – Madagascar Escape 2 Africa
  • July 8 and July 9 – Kung Fu Panda
  • July 15 and July 16 – Mall Cop
  • July 22 and July 23 – The Tale of Despereaux
  • July 29 and July 30 – Hotel for Dogs
  • August 5 and August 6 – Coraline

Cinnemark Movie Theaters offer films $1 at the door or $5 for all 10 showings (they don’t list specific movies or times, so check with individual theaters):

Participating Classic Cinemas also offer movies on Wednesdays from June 17th through August 12th. All Movies begin at 10AM and cost $1. The movie showing varies by location.

  • Charlestowne 18 – St. Charles, Illinois
  • Cinema 12 – Carpentersville, Illinois
  • Elk Grove Theatre – Elk Grove Village, Illinois
  • Fox Lake Theatre – Fox Lake, Illinois
  • Lake Theatre – Oak Park, Illinois
  • Lindo Theatre – Freeport, Illinois
  • Meadowview Theatre – Kankakee, Illinois
  • Paramount Theatre – Kankakee, Illinois
  • North Rivierside Mall Theatre – North Riverside, Illinois
  • Ogden 6 – Naperville, Illinois
  • Tivoli Theatre – Downers Grove, Illinois
  • Woodstock Theatre – Woodstock, Illinois
  • York Theatre – Elmhurst, Illinois

Featured Movies:
The Tale of Despereaux
Hotel For Dogs
Kung Fu Panda
Space Chimps
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
Inkheart
Madagascar 2: Escape From Africa
Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Goodrich Quality Theaters offer movies Monday through Friday at 10:30 for $1 per seat. These include:

  • Kendall 10
  • Randall 15
  • Savoy 16
  • Willow Knolls 14

Movies they will feature:

Caroline
Mall Cop
Flushed Away
Jumanji
Daddy Day Care
Over the Hedge
Shrek the Third
Surf’s Up
Bee Movie
Spiderwick Chronicles

Chicago Outdoor Film Festival

July 17 – August 28 on Tuesday Nights in Grant Park. Butler Field in Grant Park features a free outdoor film festival. The big outdoor movie screen features free classic movies at sunset. The lineup of classic movies offers an impressive variety of movies that have been enjoyed over the ages. Enjoy balmy summer nights in Grant Park, relaxing with friends and watching classic films.
Read more: “Summer Events Chicago Illinois: Soccer, Movies. Venetian Night, Air & Water Show, Jazz Festival | Suite101.com” – http://illinois-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/summer_events_chicago_illinois#ixzz0GZkdolEj&A

These can make great Frugal ideas, and help beat the heat and break up the monotony.

Free days at Museums

Many museums offer free days at various times throughout each week, month, or year. Target stores have stepped up to offer a number of these opportunities making it possible for families to enjoy these local treasures without spending a small fortune of their own. I know with five kids of my own to pay admission for, we love to take advantage of these special offers which enable us to do so much more than we would otherwise!

Even though these are posted it is always a good idea to double check websites or even make a phone call before heading out to enjoy one of these great field trip opportunities.

Chicago Children’s Museum – Target Free First Mondays

Free admission for kids 15 and under. First Monday of every month, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
700 East Grand Avenue, Navy Pier
Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier
Chicago IL, 60611
312-527-1000

Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago – Target Free Tuesdays

Free every Tuesday
220 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago IL, 60611
312-280-2660

Congo Square Theatre, Chicago – Target Saturday Matinees

2-for-1 Tickets, Saturdays at 2 p.m.
Various locations
Chicago, IL 60657
312-587-2292

Lookingglass Theatre Company, Chicago – Target Saturday Matinees

Buy One, Get One Free, Saturday performances at 3 p.m.
821 North Michigan Avenue
Water Tower Water Works
Chicago IL, 60611
312-337-0665

Art Institute of Chicago – Target Free Evenings

Free General Admission every Thursday, 5-9 p.m.
Free General Admission every Friday from Memorial Day until Labor Day, 5-9 p.m.
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago IL, 60603-6110
312-443-3600

The Field Museum – Target Free Second Mondays

Free admission every second Monday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605-2496
312-922-9410

National Museum of Mexican Art – Target Free Admission at the NMMA

Free admission every day during museum hours, 10 a.m-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
1852 W. 19th Street
Chicago, IL 60608
312-738-1503

Millennium Park Family Fun Festival Presented by Target

June 3-September 1, 2008 Daily, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Summer-long free festival of music, performances and family activities for all ages, seven days a week in the Millennium Park Family Fun Activity Tent and on the Jay Pritzker Pavillion Performance Stage.

Chicago Children’s Choir – Target Free Family Concert in Millennium Park

Thursday, June 12, 6:30 p.m.

Information from Insider’s Passport.

Lego Learning Opportunity!

Just came across a fun opportunity for educators from the Lego company:

Now through August 2009, LEGO® Education is hosting an activity challenge for educators of all grades and subject areas!

The LEGO® Smart™ Creativity Contest begins with your imagination and ends with great prizes, online recognition, and the chance to share your activity with thousands of students across the nation!

The task is simple.

Create an activity using only the
bricks included in a LEGO Smart Kit

Educators are being challenged to use the kits’ contents to develop a hands-on activity for their students. This can range from a simple build to a more advanced mathematical problem. You’re the creator, so let your imagination lead you!

Check out Lego’s site to request your own kit, submit your idea, and enter for your chance to win!

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for sharing this news.