With school being officially out for the summer, teachers everywhere are packing their vacation bags. However, parents and caregivers may be fretting about how to keep kids entertained during the hot Fresno summer—without breaking the bank.
To help, I’m happy to share with you a mini round-up of affordable summer fun you can enjoy locally with kids. (And make sure you check out my post on where to find free and low-cost swim and splash parks around Fresno!)
1. Cheap Seats at the Movies
This summer, both Maya Cinemas and Regal Cinemas at Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 will be offering discounted admission to family-friendly movies on weekday mornings.
Maya Cinemas will offer double feature children’s movies on Wednesdays and Thursdays for just $1 per person. For a list of movies and their show dates, click here. Next week’s double feature is “Ferdinand” and “Monster House.”
Maya Cinemas also offers a sensory-friendly family movie showing on the first Saturday of each month. Guests with special needs who are more comfortable with reduced audio and brighter in-theater lighting can attend for free, and their family members, friend and guardians can accompany them for just $3 per ticket. Check showtimes on Maya’s website leading to the first Saturday of each month for movie titles and show times.
Maya Cinemas is located next to Fresno State.
Regal Cinemas will offer double feature children’s movies at their River Park Edwards Fresno Stadium location on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, also beginning at 10 a.m. for just $1. For a complete list of movie titles and weeks, click here. Next week, you can enjoy the movies “Storks” and “Mr. Peabody and Sherman.”
Low-cost movie days tend to be quite popular, so it is advised that you arrive early to either theater to ensure you get seats.
Kids’ snack packs are often affordable concession options at the movie theater, too.
2. Bowl All Summer for One Low Cost
Families can also enjoy more affordable bowling during the out-of-school months this summer. Both AMF Bowlero locations in the Fresno/Clovis area are participating in the Summer Games Passport program.
For a one-time fee of $34.95 for kids or $49.95 for adults, bowlers can enjoy three games of bowling and shoe rental every single day of the week at no additional cost. Passport hours are from open to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and open to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For $19.95 more, you can also purchase an arcade card valued at $40. To purchase a Summer Games Passport, click here.
The Summer Games Passport redeems its cost in value after just three trips to the bowling alley. Kids bowl three games daily for under $35 for the whole summer at Bowlero.
3. Enjoy an Awesome Interactive Museum for $1
Want even more affordable, summer fun? Check out The Discovery Center interactive science museum and cactus garden on the first Friday of each month for $1 admission days. Friday, July 6, will be the next $1 day, so mark your calendars!
Kids (and reptile-loving adults!) can enjoy interacting with scaly friends at The Discovery Center.
Know of other low-cost entertainment options I may have missed? Have any tips to share with us and our readers? Leave them in the comments below!
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