Summer break is here, when families everywhere are looking for ways to keep kids active, learning, and entertained without spending a fortune. Thankfully, there are plenty of free and low-cost opportunities available, from movie deals and reading rewards to free fitness memberships and report card freebies.
Summer Movie Deals Around DFW
Several theaters are bringing back discounted summer movie programs featuring family favorites kids will love.
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse
Cinemark’s popular summer movie mornings return June 3 with family favorites every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
- Tickets: $1.75
- Dates: June 1–August 6
AMC Summer Movie Camp
AMC offers discounted family movies throughout the summer.
- Tickets: $3
- Includes snack deals for kids
- Participating days vary by location
Regal Summer Movie Express
Regal theaters offer $1 movies Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m.
- Dates: June 1–August 13
- Discounted snack packs available
Studio Movie Grill Children’s Summer Series
Studio Movie Grill features affordable family movies with food included.
- $6 includes movie, popcorn, and drink
- Mondays–Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Galaxy Theatres Summer Fest
Galaxy Theatres offers discounted tickets and combo specials throughout the summer.
- Tickets range from $2.50–$3.50
- Summer programming runs through early September
Free Summer Reading Programs for Kids
Keep reading skills sharp all summer long with these fun programs that reward kids for reading.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
Kids in grades 1–6 can earn a free book by reading and completing a simple Reading Journal during the summer.
Books-A-Million Summer Reading Adventure
Kids can read books, print out the journal found on their website, and earn a free hat for participating. Registration typically opens closer to summer.
Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp
Children and teens 18 and under can earn $5 in Bookworm Bucks by completing reading logs.
- Program begins June 1
- Reading logs due by July 31
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Families with children ages 1–5 can sign up to receive free books mailed directly to their home each month.
Local Library Reading Challenges
Many public libraries host summer reading programs with prizes, coupons, free books, and special events for kids and teens.
Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading
Older readers can complete curated reading lists to earn certificates and even a free Excellence in Reading t-shirt.
Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program
The classic BOOK IT! program is still going strong, allowing kids to earn free Personal Pan Pizzas for reaching reading goals during the summer.
Family Restaurant Deals for Kids
Many restaurants offer kids eat free or discounted kids meal nights throughout the summer. Participation may vary by location, so families should call ahead to confirm details.
- IHOP – Kids eat free at participating locations with the purchase of an adult entrée.
- Denny’s – Kids eat free on Tuesdays at many locations with an adult entrée purchase.
- Chili’s – My Chili’s Rewards members can often receive free kids meal offers.
- Outback Steakhouse – Participating locations offer free Joey Meals on select days with an adult entrée purchase.
- Red Robin – Some locations offer discounted kids meals on Wednesdays.
- CiCi’s Pizza – Kids ages 3 and under eat free at many locations.
Freebies & Discounts for Good Grades
Good report cards can lead to some fun rewards this summer. Participation varies by location, so be sure to call ahead before visiting.
Ice Cream & Sweet Treats
- Baskin-Robbins – Free scoop of ice cream
- Cold Stone Creamery – Free ice cream at select locations
- Krispy Kreme – Some locations offer a free donut for each A
- Sonic Drive-In – Free slush or meal for A students
Meals & Snacks
- Burger King – Free hamburger or ice cream cone
- Chick-fil-A – Some locations offer free kids meals or desserts
- Culver’s – Free kid’s meal for qualifying grades
- McDonald’s – Some locations reward straight-A students with free meals
- Bob Evans – Free kid’s meal or ice cream at select locations
- Jason’s Deli – Kids under 12 can earn Kid Cash for good grades or good deeds
- Melting Pot – Straight A’s Club rewards at participating locations
Free Summer Fitness for Teens
Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass
Teens can work out for free all summer long at participating Planet Fitness locations through the High School Summer Pass program.
The program encourages teens to stay active, build healthy habits, and stay engaged throughout summer break.
Enjoy Summer Without Overspending
Between movie deals, reading rewards, fitness opportunities, and report card freebies, families have plenty of ways to make lasting memories this summer while staying on budget. Whether your child loves books, movies, sports, or sweet treats, there’s something fun waiting for everyone.
