Wallet strained? Take your children to see these free movies this summer in Central KY
Summer brings the release of new movies the whole family can enjoy together. However, the high cost of movie tickets and the accessibility streaming services provide can prevent families from spending time together in theaters.
For a family of four to see the newly released “Inside Out 2” at downtown Lexington’s LexLive, it would cost around $50 for tickets alone. Similar prices can be found at other local theaters.
This summer, several free movie events are being held in Lexington to provide the whole family entertainment at no extra cost. Here’s what to know about the events.
Friday Flick series at Jacobson Park
Moviegoers can go to Jacobson Park with blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the Lexington Parks & Recreation’s annual “Friday Flick” series, which features free movies and activities at the park Friday evenings in June.
Since the movies don’t start until after dark, families can enjoy free pre-movie activities, including dancing, games, a petting zoo and temporary tattoos around 7 p.m.
Bringing your own food to picnic is encouraged, but several vendors will also be at the park to provide various dining options.
“It’s a chance to get outside and not spend too much money at a movie theater, be with your community and enjoy different things you wouldn’t normally do at an indoor movie theater, like dance or be active,” said Jessica Shaw, the Lexington Parks & Recreation special events service manager.
The following movies will be shown:
June 14: “Trolls: Band Together”
June 21: “Migration”
June 28: “The Super Mario Brothers Movie”
Free movies at Lexington Public Library, Central Library
Among its other summer events, the Lexington Public Library hosts a free movie event geared toward children and teens at the Central Library Farish Theater through August.
“Sometimes it’s nice to sit back, relax and enjoy a fun, wholesome movie together,” Kate Baughman, the Lexington Public Library marketing manager, said. “We’re offering matinees for family favorites that kids and adults both will love.”
The following movies will be shown:
June 18: “Migration”
June 25: “The Super Mario Brothers Movie”
June 26: “Paw Patrol Mighty Movie”
June 27: “Barbie”
July 2: “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile”
July 3: “An American Tail”
July 9: “Elemental”
July 10: “Trolls: Band Together”
July 11: “Mean Girls”
July 17: “Under the Boardwalk”
July 24: “Kung Fu Panda 4”
Aug. 1: “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”
Each movie begins at 12:30 p.m.
Free Summer Kids’ Series at Theatres of Georgetown
The Theatres of Georgetown hosts free family movie each Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. throughout the summer. The theater has organized the event since its opening in 1998, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Wednesdays, there is open seating for moviegoers with smaller parties. On Thursdays, the theater takes reservations for groups of more than 10 and additionally has open seating for others if available.
Dana Jones, the Theatres of Georgetown general manager, said the annual event is about providing children with the opportunity to see a movie in a theater.
“It’s not necessarily that it’s a specific movie, it’s that they’re getting to go to the movies,” Jones said. “They are getting to do something they enjoy doing, or maybe, for some of them, it’s the first time. It just makes the kids happy.”
The following movies will be shown:
- June 19 and 20: “Shrek 2”
- June 26 and 27: “Sing 2”
- July 3: “How To Train Your Dragon”
- July 10 and 11: “Puss In Boots: The Last Wish”
- July 24 and 28: “Trolls Band Together”
- July 31 and Aug. 1: “Migration”
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