Keep the kids entertained all summer long at these 12 places offering free or affordable movie screenings in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Watching a movie outside is a quintessential summer experience—and there are many places in Dallas-Fort Worth where you can do so for free! And even though Texas summers can get toasty, many of these events take place at sunset, letting families enjoy the fresh air while watching a beloved kid-friendly movie.
In addition to the select free movie nights, many other locations are offering affordable movies that children of all ages will enjoy. Some include actual movie theaters (with deals on their buttery popcorn!) and others you can watch while cooling off inside a pool. How cool is that (literally!)?
The summer is long, and kids’ attention spans are short, so take advantage of these free and affordable summer movie nights while you can. It’s bound to become your new favorite summer tradition.
Free outdoor movies
Summer Movie Night in the District
Where: 3255 PGA Parkway, Frisco
When: Most Fridays from June 12 to July 31
Friday night is movie night at the PGA District, which will be showing several family films this summer. You can see “Bolt” on June 12, “The Parent Trap” on June 19, “Cars” on June 26, “High School Musical 2” on July 10, “Finding Nemo” on July 17, “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen” on July 24, and “Elemental” on July 31.
The movies take place from 8-10 p.m., with concessions available for purchase. Lawn blankets are encouraged, but lawn chairs are not allowed.
Movie Night at the Park
Where: 12670 FM 428, Celina
When: June 12, August 21
Get cozy at Old Celina Park, where free movie nights will be offered, with seating available on the lawn or on bleachers. The event starts at 7 p.m.—and the movie doesn’t begin until 8:30 p.m.—so guests can have time to play in the kids’ zone or grab a bite to eat from on-site vendors or food trucks. There will also be costumed characters, games, and crafts! Catch “Zootopia 2” on June 12 and “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” on August 21.
Free Movie Night on Pegasus Lawn
Where: 555 South Lamar Street, Dallas
When: June 12, July 24, August 7
Head to Pegasus Lawn at the Omni Dallas Hotel on select summer nights for a free movie from 8 to 10:45 p.m. The schedule includes “Trolls” on June 12, “Cars” on July 24, and “Shrek” on August 7. Even better—each movie night includes a costume contest, where everyone is invited to dress up as their favorite character for a chance to win a free overnight hotel stay.
Richardson’s Summer Movie Series
Where: 1500 Apollo Road, Richardson
When: June 19, July 24
Check out a family-friendly film at Huffines Park Pavilion on Juneteenth for Richardson’s Summer Movie Series. The Disney animated film, “Princess and the Frog,” will play on June 19 at sunset (around 8:40 p.m.) This free event is open to all ages, and guests are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks; concessions will also be available for sale.
If you have a few extra dollars to spare, you can also catch a dive-in movie at the Heights Family Aquatic Center at 709 West Arapaho Road, where you can watch a movie from the pool, starting at $6 (children 3 and under are free). These include “A Minecraft Movie” on July 24 and “Mamma Mia!” on August 14 (although this one is for those 18 and older!).
Cheap kids’ movies
Movies on the Beach
Where: 5610 Lake Ridge Parkway, Grand Prairie
When: June 12, July 10, August 14
We may not have ocean-front beaches in DFW, but we can pretend! The City of Grand Prairie is hosting Movies on the Beach this summer at Lynn Creek Park, where you can hang out in the sand by Joe Pool Lake to watch a movie outside for $20 per vehicle.
The film lineup includes “Kung Fu Panda” on June 12, “Nacho Libre” on July 10, and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” on August 14. All events take place from 7:30-10 p.m.
Mesquite’s Movies in the Park and Dive-in Movies
Where: City Lake Aquatic Center, 200 Parkview Street, Mesquite; Rorie-Galloway Day Camp, 3100 Lawson Road, Mesquite
When: June 12, July 10, September 12
This summer, you have three opportunities for an affordable movie in Mesquite: two dive-in movies and a movie in the park! On June 12 from 7-10 p.m., jump in the pool and play games before “Finding Nemo” starts.
On July 10, it’s a Luau with Hawaiian-themed games before a showing of “Lilo & Stitch” in the pool. These events are each $2 for residents and $4 for non-residents, plus kids 2 and under are free.
Once the weather starts to cool (fingers crossed!), you can attend a movie in the park for outdoor games and a showing of “Sing 2.” This September 12 event is free for all.
Grapevine’s Summer Movie Series
Where: 300 South Main Street, Grapevine
When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays through July 29
Double the days, double the fun with Grapevine’s Summer Movie Series taking place every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. For just $5 per ticket, you can take the kids to see iconic family films like “Madagascar,” “The Neverending Story,” “The Pagemaster,” “Hotel for Dogs,” “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” “The Secret Garden,” “The Sandlot,” and more.
As a bonus, if you go to a Grapevine-area restaurant on the same day, you can get a free popcorn at the concession stand.
Strike + Reel’s Summer Movie Series
Where: 5902 North President George Bush Highway, Garland
When: Monday-Thursday, through August 6
If you live near Garland, you’ll want to take advantage of Strike + Reel’s Summer Movie Series. Strike + Reel is known for their fun games, like bowling and arcades, as well as being a full movie theater, and this summer, you and the kids can see movies nearly every weekday for just $1.75 per ticket.
Upcoming films include “KPOP Demon Hunters: A Sing-Along Event,” “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants,” “Dog Man,” and “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie,” among others. The morning movies include a once-a-week sensory-friendly option with thoughtfully adjusted sound and lighting to help those with differing needs feel calm and safe.
Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse
Where: Various locations throughout DFW
When: Wednesday mornings through August 6
Get the kids out of the house this summer break by bringing them to Cinemark on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. for the Summer Movie Clubhouse. Here, you can see films for just $1.75 per person, with $1 off snack packs and popcorn and drink combos.
Some of the films you can watch include “Sonic the Hedgehog,” “KPOP Demon Hunters Sing-Along,” “Shrek Forever After,” “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,” “A Minecraft Movie,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” and more. It’s a great (and air-conditioned!) way to break up your week.
AMC Theatres’ Summer Movie Camp
Where: Various locations throughout DFW
When: Mondays and Wednesdays from June 22 to August 12
Not to be outdone, AMC Theatres is also offering movie deals through its Summer Movie Camp. Every Monday and Wednesday, you can see movies for $3, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation.
Some of the films shown include “Paddington in Peru,” “The Lego Movie,” “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” “The Bad Guys 2,” and “Muppet Treasure Island,” among others. To sweeten the deal, you can grab a KidsPack of snacks for $6.29, which includes a kid-sized popcorn, fruit snacks, and a bottle of water. Now you don’t have to worry about lunch!
Studio Movie Grill Children’s Summer Series
Where: Various locations throughout DFW
When: Every Monday through Thursday, through August 13
Want to see “The Land Before Time,” “Shrek 2,” “Dog Man,” “Curious George,” and “The Wild Robot” on the big screen? All these movies and more will be available at Studio Movie Grill’s Children Summer Series, taking place Mondays through Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Tickets are $6 and include a small popcorn and a small drink.
Regal Summer Movie Express
Where: 11801 McCree Road, Dallas
When: Monday through Thursday, through August 13
One-dollar movies—in this economy? Yes, please! Regal is offering a Summer Movie Express for $1 per ticket, as well as $3 off a cup of Dippin’ Dots ice cream and a Snack Pack, which includes a junior drink, popcorn, and fruit gummies.
Upcoming films include “Goat,” “Animal Farm,” “Charlie the Wonderdog,” “Despicable Me 4,” “Scoob!” and so much more. Showtimes are 11 a.m. every Monday through Thursday.
