Cheap (or Free) Kids Movies Around Minnesota

As we make our way towards the halfway mark of summer, some parents may find themselves at their wit's ends. You've already spent hours running around in the sun and have started to hear the moans of  "I'm bored." To be honest, you'd just like a couple quiet hours in the air conditioning. Luckily, several movies theaters around Minnesota have provided you with a way to do this, and to do it cheaply. Movie theaters throughout our great state are offering summer kids movies programs, showing family-friendly movies for cheap or even for free. All movies are rate G or PG. Check them all out and find one near you:

Paragon Theaters:

Paragon Theaters will be hosting FREE kids movies Tuesdays,Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 am all summer long. The same movie will be shown all week, so you have plenty of chances to see it. Upcoming movies include Ice Age: Continental Drift and Alvin and the Chipmunks : The Squeakquel (try spelling that five times fast). Space is limited and given on a first come, first serve basis -- be sure to get there early. Paragon has locations in Burnsville and Rochester.

Cinemark

Cinemark will be hosting its Summer Movie Clubhouse every Tuesday at 10 am up until August 12. You can purchase ten movies for $5 in advance, or pay $1 per showing at the box office. Upcoming movies include Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, Rio 2 and The Lego Movie. Cinemark is located in Mankato.

Muller Family Theatres

Muller Family Theatres will host its FREE Summer Movie Series for kids every Wednesday this summer. Movies start at 10 am. Upcoming shows include Epic, Happy Feet 2 and Turbo. It's best to arrive early as seating is limited here as well, but in my experience they open up more than one theater if needed. Muller Family Theatres is located in Lakeville.

Marcus Theatres

Marcus Theatres will hold its Kids Dream Summer Film Series on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 am. Admission costs $2 and popcorn and drinks will both be discounted to $2.50 during these showings. Upcoming movies include Turbo and The Croods. Locations include Rosemount, Shakopee, Hastings, Oakdale, Elk River, Hermantown and Waite Park.

Regal Entertainment Group

Regal will feature Summer Movie Express this summer with movies for only $1. Movies will be shown on Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting at 10 am. Upcoming movies include Rise of the Guardians, Kung Fu Panda 2 and Madagascar 3. Regal is located in Eagan.

Carmike Cinemas

Carmike will present its Summer Kid Series every Wednesday at 10 am. (There's a theme here with these 10 am showings.) Tickets cost $4, which includes the price of admission as well as a small popcorn and a small drink. Upcoming shows include The Nut Job, Rio 1 and 2, and Mr. Peabody and Sherman.   So go ahead and give yourself an escape, at least for a few hours. After all, it won't cost you much.     Images via: Warner Bros. -- 20th Century Fox