As a family that likes to go to the movies, we’ve looked for alternatives so that we can save a little money. We rediscovered the discount theater, where tickets cost $2.00 before 6:00 pm and $3.00 after. Wow! If we go before 6:00 pm (which we most often do, because the kids can’t stay up for later movies), our tickets total $10.00! Add in some popcorn and drinks, which usually cost us $13.00 for the combo, and our movie night costs us $23.00!! That’s almost a $50.00 savings!
The movies might not be the newest releases, but we’ve seen some great movies there. Recent movies we’ve seen include Alice In Wonderland and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.
Another great place to watch movies is an old-fashioned drive in theater. There aren’t a lot of these around anymore, but we are lucky enough to have one less than 5 miles from our house! Tickets are only $7.00 per adult and $3.00 for kids 6-11. Kids 5 and under are free! They play more recent movies than the discount theater, and you can bring in your own food. Plus, each screen shows two movies for the price of one ticket!
Since movies at the drive in don’t start until after 9:00 pm, we don’t do this option often. When we do, the kids either take a nap before we go, or sleep through the second movie. The fun thing to do is fold our mini-van seats in the back down and lay with blankets and pillows while we watch the movie. And, the kids don’t have to be super quiet! Last year, we saw Wall-E. Against the starry sky, it almost seemed the screen had no boundaries and went on forever. It was a very cool experience.
Staying home and watching a movie can be just as fun as going out to the theater. It gives you a chance to show your kids older movies that you might have watched when you were a kid. My kids love E.T., Back to the Future, and even The Wizard of Oz! We spread a blanket out in the middle of the floor and pile on the pillows. Our favorite snacks are popcorn, sliced apples, cheese, and summer sausage. I also like a bit of pate on bread or crackers. Yum!!
Each of these ideas gives you a different movie watching experience. Our kids never feel deprived of seeing movies in the theater, and we’re creating memories that will last their entire lives! Plus, we’re not breaking the bank each week!
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