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FREE, FUN + FRUGAL: Your Guide to 180+ Summer Movies in San Diego (2024)


Free Summer Movies in the Park for Kids in San Diego

San Diego has TONS of summer movies showing all over town at parks, under the stars, museums, rooftops, libraries and even on the beach! 181 to be exact...131 of them are FREE, 24 of them are FUN and 26 of them are CHEAP.


FREE at Parks:

You can never go wrong with FREE Outdoor Summer Movies in the Park! 🙌 Load up your wagons and head to your local Community Park for a FREE Movie this month. Movie Nights are more fun this way!! 🎬☀️😎


FUN:

Head to these fun movie venues in San Diego, like the Rooftop Cinema Club, Air & Space Museum and Movies on the Beach! (These are paid movies that require advanced tickets.)


FRUGAL:

Local Movie Theaters have cheap summer movies for kids June-August. Your snacks will cost more than your tickets at $1 & $3 ticket options. Didn't I say cheap?! Yes, really! These are offered Mon, Tue & Wed at 11am and some are 2pm showings. Regal Cinemas tickets even come with a Legoland Kids Go Free coupon. ;) Details below.


FREE at Libraries:

Our local San Diego Public Libraries have FREE family friendly movie showings at various library branches all summer long. Think AC in the hot summer! ;) See below for the schedule.


Contents



DONATIONS

I'd love to keep my webpage ad-free to make it easier for your viewing, but it takes a lot of time and research to keep this post updated. If you'd like to make a small donation for this Fam Diego content you can share your thanks here. Your contribution is appreciated to help keep this website going. I'm grateful for all the love that comes from this community. Thank you. 💕🤗💕



 

DETAILS & TIPS for Free Outdoor Summer Movies in San Diego Parks


👉 Times listed below are NOT the movie start times, this is when the pre-movie activities start getting set up. You may want to arrive closer to sunset so kids aren't waiting so long.

🤸🏻‍♀️ Each location has different pre-movie crafts, games, jumpies and/or music


🍿 Some will have food trucks; this location dished out FREE movie snacks for all...popcorn, chips, candy & water.


🚫 Community Parks are drug-free & alcohol-free

🚻 Not all locations have bathrooms


🅿️ Parking might be limited, arrive early, walk or bike over

🧣Bring warm clothes & blankets because it gets chilly when the sun goes down.

🎬 Just because it's PG doesn't mean it's appropriate for your family. Check out CommonSenseMedia.org OR Kids-In-Mind.com for movie details like swearing, violence, gore, nudity, etc. before you go.

 

JUNE's FREE Summer Movies in the Park in San Diego - 2024

Subject to change, check websites linked before you go!


🕰🌅 Movies generally start 15 min after sunset, but click each link for the details to make sure. Most of the times listed below are when pre-movie activities are ready, so get there early to see what kinds of fun they have (jumpies, arts & crafts, etc.) There are 2 dive-in pool parties, denoted with an *. Click each link for the info.


Fri June 7


Sat June 15

6:30pm - Cars @Flinn Springs County Park - Flinn Springs


Fri June 21

5:30pm - Wonka @Colina Del Sol Community Park - City Heights


Sat June 22

5pm - Luca @Crown Point Park - Mission Bay Park


Fri June 28

7:45pm - Wonka @Buddy Todd Park - Oceanside


Sat June 29



 

July's FREE Summer Movies in the Park in San Diego - 2024

Subject to change, check websites linked before you go!


🕰🌅 Movies generally start 15 min after sunset, but click each link for the details to make sure. Most of the times listed below are when pre-movie activities are ready, so get there early to see what kinds of fun they have (jumpies, arts & crafts, etc.) There are 2 dive-in pool parties, denoted with an *. Click each link for the info.


Sat July 6


Thur July 11


Fri July 12

6pm - Kung Fu Panda 4 @Willie Henderson Sports Complex - Southcrest/Lincoln Park


Sat July 13

5:30pm - Beauty and the Beast @Morley Field - Balboa Park


Thur July 18


Fri July 19

7pm - Migration @Villa La Jolla Park - La Jolla Village


Sat July 20

7pm - The Greatest Showman @Marcy Park - University City/La Jolla


Thur July 25

6pm - Trolls @Carlsbad Village - Carlsbad


Fri July 26

5:30pm - Shrek @Cadman Community Park - Bay Ho/Bay Park

6pm - Elemental @Rohr Park - Bonita


Sat July 27

7pm - Wonka @University Gardens - University City/La Jolla

7pm - Migration @Pacific Highlands Ranch Recreation Center - Pacific Highlands Ranch/Carmel Valley

7:45pm - Movie TBA @John Landes Park - Oceanside




 

AUGUST's FREE Summer Movies in the Park in San Diego - 2024

Subject to change, check websites linked before you go!


🕰🌅 Movies generally start 15 min after sunset, but click each link for the details to make sure. Most of the times listed below are when pre-movie activities are ready, so get there early to see what kinds of fun they have (jumpies, arts & crafts, etc.) There are 2 dive-in pool parties, denoted with an *. Click each link for the info.


Thur August 1

6pm - Barbie @Carlsbad Village - Carlsbad


Fri August 2

6pm - Ice Age @Cabrillo Recreation Center - Point Loma/Shelter Island


Sat August 3

5:30pm - Wonka @Memorial Recreation Center - Barrio Logan

6:30pm - Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile @NTC Community Park - Point Loma/Liberty Station


Tue August 6


Thur August 8


Fri August 9


Sat August 10

6pm - Barbie @Otay Lakes County Park - Otay Lakes/Eastlake

6:30pm - Hook @Old Poway Park - Poway


Fri August 16

6:30pm - Migration @Azalea Recreation Center - City Heights


Sat August 17

5:30pm - Trolls Band Together @Morley Field - Balboa Park


Fri August 23

5:30pm - Wish @Collier Park - La Mesa

6pm - Wish @Millenia Park - Chula Vista

6:30pm - Migration @Robb Athletic Field - Ocean Beach


Sat August 24

5:30pm - Elemental @Clay Park - College Area


Fri August 30


Sat August 31

6pm - Elemental @Waterfront Park downtown/Little Italy




 

Rooftop Summer Movies in San Diego + 20% DISCOUNT CODE - 2024

Manchester Grand Hyatt

1 Market Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

20% off: "famdiego20"


The Rooftop Cinema Club is so fun on top of The Grand Hyatt in downtown San Diego. These outdoor movies are on the 4th floor rooftop and happen all year long. They show family friendly movies, old classics, throwbacks to every decade and seasonal movies during Halloween and Christmas. They usuallly have table games like Jenga and ping pong set up before the movies start.


Some of the family-friendly movies this summer are:

Subject to change, check website linked before you go!


Sat 6/22 at 1pm - Ratatouille

Sat 6/29 at 1:30pm - Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone

Sun 6/30 at 12:30pm - Encanto

Sat 7/6 at 1pm - Kung Fu Panda 4

Sun 7/7 at 1pm - The Goonies


They have other movies that are perfect for teens, girlfriends or date nights so check their schedule for other movies.


Cost: $11/kids, $16/adults (based on movie & dates)


Discounts:

20% off for Fam Diego Friends: "FAMDIEGO20", expires 9/30/24. This is valid once per user (but maybe have your spouse or friend buy them next time ;). I've been able to get this code continuously extended each season so try this code after the expiration date or send me a message to ask.


15% off for military w/ ID: "EmbarcaderoMilitary2024"

10% off for students w/ ID: "EmbarcaderoStudent2024"


Ages:

movies starting before 4pm are for all ages, these are usually the family-friendly movies


movies starting between 4-7pm are for teens 13+ (nobody under 13 is allowed, they are strict about this)


movies starting after 7 are for 18+ only


Food: They have a full concession stand with snacks, drinks, candy and small bites + beer, wine & cocktails.


Headphones: These are "silent movies" so you'll get a bluetooth headphone to wear and that's how you'll hear the movie. These are best for kids ages 5+ so it fits their head better and no you can't bring your own because theirs are specially programmed for these movies.


Seating: Depending on which seat type you buy (single adirondack, loveseat for 2 or VIP) is the section where you'll sit, but generally it's open seating so you can sit in any seat of that section. I find that general single seating works well and we're always able to get a good seat in the middle. I've never been when it's sold out so there always seems to be a lot of open seats you can move around to. I love it here because little are free to get up and down and wander around and since everyone is listening through their headphones most little kid chatter and talking doesn't disturb anyone else's enjoyment.


Weather: These movies are outside on top of the 4th floor so it can get windy and hot from the sun depending on the weather, so bring sunglasses & hats but also blankets and sweaters. Don't worry about daytime movies, you can still see the screen perfectly fine.


Parking: $11 with validation for 4 hours


Use the self-parking garage entrance at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, get the parking ticket and take it with you to the movie. You must validate it AFTER the movie is over at the concession stand. Don't use the pay machines at the elevator for parking, instead go to your car and pay at the exit booth. Your discount will be applied there. Regular parking is $26 and the validation discount takes $15 off.



 

Air & Space Museum Movie Nights - 2024

San Diego Air & Space Museum

at Balboa Park

2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92102


Explore the museum after hours with food, drinks, free popcorn and a movie. What an incredible place to watch a movie inside this museum! BYO chairs & blankets (limited chairs available). No outside food/drinks are allowed, but they do give out free popcorn & lemonade and the Flight Path Grill will be open during the movie.


Cost: free with admission to the museum. Balboa Park Explorer and annual pass holders are included.


Dates: starts at 7pm

Subject to change, check website linked before you go!


Sat. June 15, 2024 - Lightyear by Disney/Pixar


Sat. July 13, 2024 - Tomorrowland by Disney


Sat. August 3, 2024 - Apollo 13



 

$25 Summer Movies on the Beach at Hotel Del Coronado - 2024

The Hotel Del Coronado has a Summer Movies on the Beach Lineup that's nothing short of iconic in San Diego. They're open to the public for $25 general seating, but if you want to add on a s'more package for your own private fire pit, it's $300 for a max. group of 6. It gets chilly by the ocean after dark so come prepared with blankets, sweats & sweatshirts. info & tickets


All movies start at 8pm:

Subject to change, check website linked before you go!


Sun. May 26 – The Sandlot (1993)

Sun. June 9 – Hook (1991)

Sun. June 16 (Father's Day) – Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Sun. June 23 – The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Sun. June 30: Moana (2016)

Sun. Wed July 3 – Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Sun. July 7 – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Sun. July 14 – Grease (1978)

Sun. July 21 – The Goonies (1985)

Sun. July 28 – Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Sun. August 4 – Some Like It Hot (1959)

Sun. August 11 – The Parent Trap (1998)

Sun. August 18 – A League of Their Own (1992)

Sun. August 25 – The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Sun. September 1 (Labor Day Weekend) – Top Gun (1986)

Sun. September 8 – A Field of Dreams (1989)




 

$1 & $3 Movie Theater Summer Deals - 2024

The best deal in town for some cheap air conditioning during the hot summer months! ;)



 

REGAL Cinemas $1 Movies on Tue & Wed at 11am

They're offering cheap kids $5 movie snack pack deal (drink, popcorn & fruit snacks). AND!! When you buy these tickets you'll get a coupon for KIDS GO FREE TO LEGOLAND! Your email offer will arive within 24 hours of purchase.) $1 Regal kid's summer movie tickets


PARTICIPATING San Diego THEATERS:

Regal Edwards in Mira Mesa, Plaza El Cajon, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Del Rey Chula Vista, Escondido, San Marcos & Carlsbad


SCHEDULE for Tue/Wed at 11am:

June 11/12: Peter Rabbit 2 & Puss N Boots

June 18/19: Mutant Mayhem - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Angry Birds 2

June 25/26: Despicable Me 3 & Migration

July 2/3: Spider Man Into Spider-Verse & Paw Patrol Movie

July 9/10: Spider Man Across Spider-Verse & Paw Patrol Mghty Movie

July 16/17: Clifford The Big Red Dog & Sonic The Headgehog

July 23/24: Trolls Band Together & Sonic 2

July 30/31: Lyle Lyle Crocodile & Kung Fu Panda 3

Aug. 6/7: Minions Rise of Gru & Sing 2


Subject to change, check website linked before you go!


 

READING Cinemas $1 Movies on Tue & Wed at 11am

In addition to $1 movies, they have other deals like 50% off all tickets & popcorn on Tuesdays & discounted tickets everyday before noon. $1 Reading kids summer movie tickets


PARTICIPATING San Diego THEATERS:

Readineg Cinemas at Grossmont in La Mesa, Town Square in Clairemont & Cal Oaks with Titan Luxe in Murrietta


SCHEDULE for Tue/Wed at 11am:

June 18/19: Minions Rise of Gru

June 25/26: The Bad Guys

July 2/3: Spider Man Across Spider-Verse

July 9/10: Puss N Boots Last Wish

July 16/17: Sonic The Headgehog

July 23/24: Migration

July 30/31: Trolls Band Together

Aug. 6/7: Paw Patrol Mighty Movie

Aug. 13/14: Mutant Mayhem Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles


Subject to change, check website linked before you go!


 

AMC THEATERS $3 Movies on Mon & Wed at 11am & 2pm

$3 summer kid's movies are MOn & Wed at 11am & 2pm showings only at the locations noted below. $3 AMC kids summer movie tickets


PARTICIPATING San Diego THEATERS:

Mission Valley, UTC, Plaza Bonita, Palm Promenade


SCHEDULE for Mon/Wed at 11am & 2pm:

June 24/26: Minions Rise of Gru July 1/3: The Lorax

July 8/10: Sing July 15/17: Sing 2 July 22/24: Secret Life of Pets

July 29/31: Migration

Aug. 5/7: Despicable Me 2

Aug. 12/14: Despicable Me 3


Subject to change, check website linked before you go!




 

FREE Summer Movies at the San Diego Public Library - 2024

The San Diego Public Library has FREE movie showings at various library branches, some are kid-friendly and some are not, use your own judgement. Click the movie linked for the details. SDPL Events Calendar


Movie Schedule for the San Diego Public Library:

These are correct as of 6/17/24, but these might change so call the branch before you go to confirm.


Mon 6/17/14 from 2-4:30pm - Crazy Rich Asians @ City Heights/Weingart Library


Fri 6/21/24 at 11a-12:30p - Flicks 'n Fun + Free Lunch @ Central Library

Family-friendly movies will be played in our Discovery Corner, along with quiet activities for those who want/need some additional stimulation. 


Fri 6/21/24 at 3:30-5:30pm - Friday Flicks @ Mission Hills/Knox Library

Call for movie. Enjoy a free screening of of a movie in the Community Room. Note that some films may not be suitable for all ages. Free popcorn will be provided.


Fri 6/21/24 at 3:50-5:30pm - The Goonies @ Paradise Hills Library

Hangout at the Paradise Hills Branch Library every Friday for "Movie Hangout." Watch family friendly movies where you can lounge on cushioned mats. Enjoy FREE popcorn and yummy snacks provided for by the Friends of the Paradise Hills Library. Feel free to bring your own pillows, stuff animals, & finger snacks.


Mon 6/24/24 at 12-2pm - Lunch & Movie Monday: Soul @ College-Rolando Library

Free Summer Lunch at San Diego Public Library. Monday-Friday from 12-1 PM. Join us! Lunch can only be served to youth ages 0-18. In addition to providing summer lunch for youth, San Diego Public Library aims to bridge the summer learning gap by hosting enrichment programs, provide access to community resources and inform families of opportunities.


Tue 6/25/24 from 5:30-7pm - Movie Night @ Oak Park Library

For movie details, please call us at 619-527-3406.


Fri 6/28/24 at 11a-12:30p - Flicks 'n Fun + Free Lunch @ Central Library

Family-friendly movies will be played in our Discovery Corner, along with quiet activities for those who want/need some additional stimulation.


Fri 6/28/24 at 3:30-5:30pm - The Mitchells vs The Machines @ Paradise Hills Library

Hangout at the Paradise Hills Branch Library every Friday for "Movie Hangout." Watch family friendly movies where you can lounge on cushioned mats.


Fri 6/28/24 at 5-8pm - Noche de Pelicula @ Logan Heights Library

Join us for free popcorn, beverages and a family friendly movie! ¡Únase a nosotros para recibir palomitas de maíz, bebidas y una película familiar gratis!


Fri 7/5/24 at 11a-12:30p - Flicks 'n Fun + Free Lunch @ Central Library

Family-friendly movies will be played in our Discovery Corner, along with quiet activities for those who want/need some additional stimulation.


Fri 7/5/24 at 5-8pm - Noche de Pelicula @ Logan Heights Library

Join us for free popcorn, beverages and a family friendly movie! ¡Únase a nosotros para recibir palomitas de maíz, bebidas y una película familiar gratis!


Mon 7/8/24 at 12-2pm - Lunch & Movie Monday: Turning Red @ College-Rolando Library

Free Summer Lunch at San Diego Public Library. Monday-Friday from 12-1 PM. Join us! Lunch can only be served to youth ages 0-18. In addition to providing summer lunch for youth, San Diego Public Library aims to bridge the summer learning gap by hosting enrichment programs, provide access to community resources and inform families of opportunities.


Mon 7/8/24 at 3-5pm - Moana @ Rancho Penasquitos Library


Thur 7/11/24 at 3-5:30pm - The Princess Bride @ Allied Gardens Library

Join us monthly for a screening of feature films that were adapted from books. For the July selection we will be viewing The Princess Bride. We hope to see you there!


Fri 7/12/24 at 11a-12:30p - Flicks 'n Fun + Free Lunch @ Central Library

Family-friendly movies will be played in our Discovery Corner, along with quiet activities for those who want/need some additional stimulation.


Mon 7/15/24 at 12-2pm - Lunch & Movie Monday: DC's Superpets @ College-Rolando Library

Free Summer Lunch at San Diego Public Library. Monday-Friday from 12-1 PM. Join us! Lunch can only be served to youth ages 0-18. In addition to providing summer lunch for youth, San Diego Public Library aims to bridge the summer learning gap by hosting enrichment programs, provide access to community resources and inform families of opportunities.


Fri 7/19/24 at 11a-12:30p - Flicks 'n Fun + Free Lunch @ Central Library

Family-friendly movies will be played in our Discovery Corner, along with quiet activities for those who want/need some additional stimulation.


Mon 7/22/24 at 12-2pm - Lunch & Movie Monday: Shark Week @ College-Rolando Library

Free Summer Lunch at San Diego Public Library. Monday-Friday from 12-1 PM. Join us! Lunch can only be served to youth ages 0-18. In addition to providing summer lunch for youth, San Diego Public Library aims to bridge the summer learning gap by hosting enrichment programs, provide access to community resources and inform families of opportunities.


Fri 7/26/24 at 11a-12:30p - Flicks 'n Fun + Free Lunch @ Central Library

Family-friendly movies will be played in our Discovery Corner, along with quiet activities for those who want/need some additional stimulation.


Mon 7/29/24 at 12-2pm - Lunch & Movie Monday: Kung Fu Panda 4 @ College-Rolando Library

Free Summer Lunch at San Diego Public Library. Monday-Friday from 12-1 PM. Join us! Lunch can only be served to youth ages 0-18. In addition to providing summer lunch for youth, San Diego Public Library aims to bridge the summer learning gap by hosting enrichment programs, provide access to community resources and inform families of opportunities.


Mon 7/29/24 at 3-4:30pm - Harry Potter Birthday Party @ Allied Gardens Library

Celebrate Harry Potter's Birthday with us. Whether you have read all the books and seen all the movies or not come and enjoy the celebration. (It doesn't say if they'll be showing a movie, but this deserved a place here for Harry Potter fans. Call the library to ask if they're showing a HP movie.)


Mon 7/29/24 at 6-7:30pm - Movie Night: Big Hero 6 @ Balboa Library in Clairemont

Join us for family movie night at the library. Robotics genius Hiro Hamada and his personal companion robot, Baymax, must band together with their friends to save San Fransokyo.  This film is rated PG.


Fri 8/2/24 at 11a-12:30p - Flicks 'n Fun + Free Lunch @ Central Library

Family-friendly movies will be played in our Discovery Corner, along with quiet activities for those who want/need some additional stimulation.


Tue 8/6/24 at 7-10pm - National Night Out: The Princess Bride @ Pacific Beach/Taylor Library

Pre-movie activities at 7pm. Movie UNDER THE STARS starts at 8pm, BYO chairs & blankets. Pre-movie dinner at 6:30pm at St. Andrew's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church.


National Night Out is an annual event where you're invited to lock your doors, turn on outside lights, and spend the evening outside with people like yourself who care about our neighborhood!  On the PB Library's Taylor Greene (park facing Dawes Ave) you are invited to come to eat, enjoy activities, and get to better know your neighbors, local police, and elected officials! 


Thur 8/8/24 at 3-5:30pm - TBA @ Allied Gardens Library

Join us monthly for a screening of feature films that were adapted from books. For the July selection we will be viewing TBA. We hope to see you there!




 

😎 HAVE FUN!! 😎

 

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