Family Movies for Free (Well, Nearly) in St. Charles This Summer

A number of movie chains host series featuring free, or nearly free, children's movies in the summer. 

One of those is Classic Cinemas, which recently released the lineup for its "Wednesday Morning Movie Series." Each Wednesday morning from June 13 through Aug. 8, Classic Cinemas will show a family-friendly film (rated G or PG) with admission of $1 per person.

The show time is 10 a.m. but the doors open at 9 a.m. and you're encouraged to come early to meet costumed characters and participate in games and fun activities. 

Classic Cinemas will take reservations for groups of 15 or more (the series is popular with summer camps and daycare programs), and the group rate of $4.75 per person includes admission, a Kiddie Combo and reserved seating.

Classic Cinemas has theaters all over northern Illinois, including the Charlestowne 18 Theatre at Charlestowne Mall in St. Charles. Other Classic Cinemas participating include those in Carpentersville, Elk Grove Village, Fox Lake, Oak Park, Freeport, North Riverside, Naperville, Kankakee, Downers Grove, Woodstock and Elmhurst.

Without further ado, here's the lineup and a brief description from Classic Cinemas about the film:

June 13: Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG)

Po and his friends fight to stop a peacock villain from conquering China with a deadly new weapon, but the Dragon Warrior must come to terms with his past. Voices played by: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan

June 20: Mr. Popper’s Penguins (PG)

The life of a businessman begins to change after he inherits six penguins, and as he transforms his apartment into a winter wonderland, his professional side starts to unravel. Starring: Jim Carrey

June 27: Puss In Boots (PG)

A story about the events leading up to the sword fighting cat’s meeting with Shrek and his friends. Voices played by: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek and Zach Galifianakis

July 11: Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (G)

Playing around while abroad a cruise ship, the Chipmunks and Chippettes accidentally go overboard and end up marooned in a tropical paradise. They discover their new turf is not as deserted as it seems.

July 18: Arthur Christmas (PG)

On Christmas night at the North Pole, Santa’s youngest son looks to use his father’s high-tech operation for an urgent mission.

July 25: The Smurfs (PG)

When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world into New York City. Voices played by: Hank Azaria and Katy Perry

August 1: Disney’s Winnie the Pooh (G)

Eyeore has lost his tail, and Winnie the Pooh and his friends hold a contest to get him a new one.

August 8: Surprise Movie (PG)

Stay tuned for info on similar series at other movie theaters in the western suburbs. And of course you'll find listings for all of the above movies in the Go West Calendar.