As the summer months (and temperatures) reach a fever pitch, what are parents to do when the weather is too hot or the rain just won’t stop? Well, one choice might be to check out the local movie theatres. There, parents will find cinematic alternatives, not to mention a respite from the heat and a plan B for rainy days.
At the Hamilton 16 IMAX, 13825 Norell Rd., Noblesville, the $1 Kids Summer Movies offerings began June 10. Advertised as “Nine Weeks, Nine Movies,” the family-friendly films are shown Monday through Friday at 10 a.m.
“The attendance has been outstanding,” said Hamilton 16 General Manager Mitch Ross of the response to the program. “Goodrich has done this now for the last six or seven years. For the first two years, no other theaters were doing any kids movie programs, so we were really busy for the kids’ shows.”
For many families, the program provides welcome relief to ever-rising movie admission and concession prices.
“We stay mindful of the rising movie prices,” Ross said. “So, we give discounts on families and large groups. We want this to be an affordable experience for parent and kids. That is why admission to these films is one dollar for everyone, adults included.”
Ross also noted that it is not only families who attend the summer movies.
“There are a lot of daycare and summer camp children and adults who come to the movies,” he said. “It’s a quick, easy activity that they can do before lunch. The movies are always at 10 a.m. so that they don’t run into the regular show times. There are so many people who make this part of their weekly schedule.”
The overwhelming response to the kids summer movie series is, for Goodrich Theatres, a return on an investment in the community.
“It is a way for us to give back to the community,” Ross said. “Goodrich theaters are located in small towns throughout the Midwest. We love having the free kids show in every community. It’s great to be a part of that. We have a strong base clientele. This is our way of thanking them. It’s a way of taking care of the customer we already have and gaining new ones.”
Hamilton 16 is not the only local theater offering discounted shows. Regal Village Park Stadium, 2222 E 146th St., Carmel, also offers $1 kids movies through their Summer Movie Express shows at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Summer movie schedules
Regal Village Park Stadium
843-1681, www.regmovies.com
June 25 and 26: Monte Carlo and Rio
July 2 and 3: Coraline and Paranorman
July 9 and 10: The Lorax and Big Miracle
July 16 and 17: Yogi Bear and Journey 2
July 23 and 24: Racing Stripes and Happy Feet Two
July 30 and 31: African Cats and Chimpanzee
Hamilton 16 IMAX
708-3600, www.gqti.com/theaters.aspx?theaterid=1486
Now through June 28: Alvin & the Chipmunks: Chip Wrecked
July 1 through 5: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
July 8 through 12: Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
July 15 through 19: Space Chimps
July 22 through 26: Ice Age 4: Continental Drift
July 29 through Aug. 2: Rio
Aug. 5 through 9: Mr. Popper’s Penguins