By Heather Cellini, Family Cents Columnist
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In the spirit of saving money and beating the heat, here is a top 8 list of free or cheap things you can do with your child in Charlotte this summer. Bring on the SUMMER FUN!
- Summer movies
- Indoors: Select Regal Cinema theatres in Charlotte will be showing kids’ movies on Tuesday & Wednesday mornings at 10am for $1. Movie listings and participating theatres can be found here: http://www.regmovies.com/Movies/Summer-Movie-Express
- Outdoors: Carolina Place Mall, Ballantyne Corporate Park and Pineville Lake Park – to name a few – will show free outdoor movies at dusk throughout the summer. The full summer movie listing can be seen here:
- Spraygrounds – Cool off with your kids at one of Charlotte’s free spraygrounds. They’re open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10am – 8pm. For locations, see here: http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/parkandrec/facilities/pages/spraygrounds.aspx
- Free Library Story Times – Check out Charlotte Mecklenburg’s listing of story times as well as their free summer reading program here: http://www.cmlibrary.org/programs/programListing.asp?ag=&dt=dr&ds=2013-6-3&de=2013-6-3&df=list&cn=0&private=0#Storytime
- Go geocaching – If you haven’t tried this modern day treasure hunt with your kids, check it out this summer. There are hundreds of these treasures to find in Charlotte and your kids will love discovering them! It’s New or old to online gaming, Canada casinos are ready when you are!On Casinomidas. a great way to sneak in exercise, and is as much fun for grown-ups as it is for kids. To get started, sign up for free here: http://www.geocaching.com/
- Ride the Light Rail to Imaginon – Kids under 5 ride the light rail for free, and students in grades K-12 ride for $1. If you choose to drive, Imaginon will validate the first 90 minutes of your visit, and admission is free. When you’re there, be sure to check out Arthur’s World, a summer exhibit that will no doubt keep your child engaged. http://www.imaginon.org/default.asp
- Free Bowling – Kids ages 13 and under bowl for free Mon – Fri from 11am – 5pm at the Epicentre’s StrikeCity. You have to spend $5 on food or drink, but it’s still a bargain! http://epicentrenc.com/event/kids-bowl-free/649
- Mint Museum – Admission to both the Randolph and Uptown locations is free Tuesdays from 5-9pm. Children of all ages will enjoy all the museum has to offer. http://www.mintmuseum.org/visit/family-and-children
- Summer Concert Series – Enjoy free live music with the whole family at places such as the Whitewater Center, Stumptown Park in Matthews and Blakeney’s Village Green. For a full listing, check out this website:
When its summer, we go to Sky High Sports almost every week. Its super fun, very affordable — the kids love bouncing off the walls!!