A favorite past time for many involves going to the movie theaters. There's just something special and exciting about watching a new movie on the big screen while munching on oversized servings of popcorn, candy, and soda.
But these days, heading to the movies with the family can be an expensive night out. From the tickets to the food, you can easily spend a hundred dollars taking a family of four out to the movies. So how do you bring this favorite American past time to your family without going broke in just one afternoon? Here are some tips and tricks to enjoying movies, either on the cheap or free!
AT THE MOVIES...
1. Make It a Weekday Event
Many movie theaters in the Omaha area offer discounted rates on morning movies, such as Aksarben Cinema's $5 movies. For shows that start before noon, you can enjoy them at almost half off. If you're a stay-at-home mom like I am, you can take advantage of taking the kids to a movie they've been wanting to see at a much cheaper rate. And bonus: if you head to Aksarben Cinema on a Tuesday, they have $1 popcorn and soda. Pair this with their morning cinema rates, and you just saved yourself a ton of cash!
2. Use Reward Systems
Some movie theaters offer a rewards card that allows you to earn free sodas, popcorn, and admission. If you enjoy heading to the movies regularly, make use of these reward cards to earn freebies along the way!
3. Attend Free Screenings
GoFoBo.com allows you to register and get free tickets to movie screenings. Yup, you heard that right--FREE tickets to see a movie that hasn't even been released to the public yet! I have seen several movies for free, such as Crazy Stupid Love and Dolphin Tales, well before they were available in theaters for the public. There is a catch though--it's first come, first serve. I have found that arriving at least an hour before the showtime will get you in the doors most every time. Bring a book, your iPod, or some playing cards beforehand to keep busy while you're in line, and enjoy a free movie! (This service is only offered to certain metropolitan areas around the United States--and Omaha is one of them!)
4. Utilize Your Zoo Membership
The new Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo membership includes free IMAX movies now! So if you have a family zoo membership, take advantage of the free movies you can enjoy--some being 3D! They have a new movie come out every few months, so this is a great way to not only enjoy a day outside, but to spend a little time indoors settled in with a free movie on the big screen!
BRING IT ON HOME...
5. Subscribe to Netflix
Over a year ago, I ditched cable. And I have never looked back. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoy the benefits of Netflix and their streaming services. Netflix is constantly adding movies to their streaming selection, and you can also have DVD's shipped to your house as well. There is no other service that quite compares to Netflix. Make it a movie night--every night--by streaming Netflix into your home!
6. Your Local Library
My daughter LOVES heading to the local library and checking out DVD's. At the La Vista Library down by us, you can check them out for seven days, which is long enough for my daughter to watch it a few times before we have to return it. I have found new releases there regularly, and it's nice to also check out an old favorite or classic that I haven't seen for years. Plenty of children's movies are available.
7. Swap
There's no better way to expand your DVD collection than to swap with family and friends. Trading movies with others can help you check out a movie that you may not have otherwise considered, and allows you to get a first-hand review on what's good and what's not. Save yourself the $15 you'd spend buying the DVD in the store and just swap with a friend!
8. Pawn Shops
I have become totally addicted to shopping for DVDs at the local pawn shop down the street. For $2 or less, you can buy a used (sometimes even new!) movie. Buy a handful of them, and they'll cut you even more of a deal. I have found this to be one of the more affordable ways to expand my DVD collection and get movies for my daughter. Just be sure to check the DVD for scratches and cracks before you step up to the counter. Sometimes, even if there are scratches on them, they'll take the hit and let you just have it and give it a shot anyway. I'm constantly finding cartoon movies for my daughter, and have expanded our DVD collection in a way I never thought possible!
These are just a few great solutions--what about your family? Tell us all how you enjoy a cheap or free movie night with the gang!
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