One special thing about summer in Minnesota is that there are many opportunities to watch movies both inside and outside – for free or cheap!
And you can make it even more frugal by bringing your own chairs and blankets, plus snacks like popcorn.
This list is divided into two sections – outdoor movies, and indoor movies. Outdoor movies are usually free showings of movies at parks. Indoor movies are theatres that offer super cheap movies all summer long, especially for kids.
Outdoor Movies
Movies in the Parks!
Many cities offer outdoor movie events. Often these are part of a city festival, or weekly in a park with other entertainment and even food trucks. Here are some cities that have outdoor movies:
Of course, Minneapolis and St. Paul offer many opportunities to see movies free.
Minneapolis Movies in the Parks offer free movies all summer long. Find out more here.
St. Paul also offers Movies in the Parks all summer long. Learn about it here.
This is not a complete list of cities participating – check your city too!
Indoor Movies
These are theatres that are offering movie deals this summer.
AMC Summer Movie Camp for Kids
AMC Theatres is offering their “Summer Movie Camp.” Get admission to a kid-friendly movie on Mondays and Wednesdays for just $3 + tax at participating locations, all summer long! Dates are June 22nd to August 12th. Note: If you get the tickets online there’s a fee of $2.49 added.
Plus, enjoy Summer Movie Camp with a KidsPack for just $6.29+tax!
Emagine Theatres Summer Kids Series
The Emagine Summer Kids Series is BACK this summer from the week of June 19th through the week of August 21, 2026!
There are 10 movies in the lineup. Tickets are $6 for all ages.
You can also get a Magic Pack concession package with popcorn and a small drink for $6.
There are 9 Emagine Theatres in Minnesota.
Marcus Theatres Kids Dream Summer Film Series 2026
The Marcus Theatres Kids Dream Summer Film Series is back in 2026 – see movies for $3 each, or get a passport to see all kids movies for $7.50!
Movies play through August 13th. Remaining schedule:
- The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants – July 12-16
- The Pout-Pout Fish – July 19-23
- Curious George – July 26-30
- Sesame Street: Follow That Bird – Aug. 2-6
- The Muppet Movie – Aug. 9-13
Enjoy $3.50 Sodas, $3.50 Popcorn, and $3 Hot Dogs while attending Kids Movie Magic Showings!
St. Michael Cinema Kids Summer Movie Series
The St. Michael Cinema is offering a Kids Summer Movies Series. Movies are only $1! From June 6th to August 20th, you can bring the kids to watch their favorite movies on the big screen—all for just $1 per person. Seriously, where else can you find that kind of deal?
Other movies
Do you know of other free or cheap movies to add to this list? Comment below!
Watch at Home
Check out these TV streaming deals and watch home or anywhere.
Hulu – Get Hulu for only $11.99 a month.
Peacock – Plans start at $7.99 a month (or get 2 months free when you get an annual plan).
Disney+ – Get it for $11.99 a month!
Disney+, Hulu & ESPN+ is FREE for 6 months with qualified Verizon plans. If you are a Verizon customer check if you qualify.
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