A Guide To Summer Movie Options For Families
By Don Shanahan, Resident Movie Critic
Here in Elmwood Park, many schools—public and private—are ending their school years in the next two weeks. That begins summer break, which is often a season of freedom and relaxation for families and teachers alike.
Speaking as the resident film critic, the summer months tend to bring the fun stuff to the movie theater. But we know how expensive those trips have become. Fortunately, for families worried about spending too much at the movies, several local groups and theater chains offer excellent deals to see kid-friendly movies (all rated G or PG).
Let’s take a look at the schedules and slates of what is available in and around Elmwood Park.
‘MOVIES IN THE PARK’
We’ll start with the closest event. The Village of Elmwood Park and the Elmwood Park Library are sponsoring two movie events at Central Park (75th Avenue and Fullerton). The first is the hilarious animated hit, “Dog Man,” on June 25. It will be followed by 2025’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” on July 16.
Both events start at dusk, and you can’t beat the price of FREE. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and your own snacks and refreshments!
CINEMARK’S ‘SUMMER MOVIE CLUBHOUSE’
The next nearest venue is the Cinemark theater in Melrose Park. The theater chain runs the “Summer Movie Clubhouse” series from June 1 to August 6. The movies are at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, with additional screenings throughout the week for the affordable ticket price of $1.75 per person. Cinemark also offers $1-off deals on snack packs and combos.
Here is the lineup of movies coming to the Melrose Park Cinemark:
June 1-4: “Paddington”
June 8-12: “Sonic the Hedgehog”
June 15-18: “KPop Demon Hunters Sing-a-Long”
June 22-25: “Shrek Forever After”
June 29-July 2: “The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants”
July 6-9: “A Minecraft Movie”
July 13-16: “Dog Man”
July 20-23: “How to Train Your Dragon” (2025)
July 27-30: “The Bad Guys 2”
August 3-6: “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie”
AMC’s ‘SUMMER MOVIE CAMP’
The AMC “Summer Movie Camp” plays family films every Monday and Wednesday from June 22 to August 12. Their ticket price sits at $3.00. AMC locations within a short commuting range of Elmwood Park are the Norridge, Galewood Crossing, and Rosemont theaters.
H”ere is the lineup of movies coming to AMC:
June 22 and 24: “Paddington in Peru”
June 29 and July 1: “David”
July 6 and 8: “How to Train Your Dragon” (2025)
July 13 and 15: “The Lego Movie”
July 20 and 22: “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”
July 27 and 29: “The Bad Guys 2”
August 3 and 5: “The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants”
August 10 and 12: “Muppet Treasure Island”
CLASSIC CINEMAS’ ‘WEDNESDAY MORNING MOVIE SERIES’
The historic Lake Theater in Oak Park (south on Harlem Avenue) is part of the wonderful Classic Cinemas chain. Their annual family series returns with nine sensory-friendly movies at the price of $2.00. As always, the best part of Classic Cinemas is their free refills on any size of popcorn or drink.
Also, the Lake location can be rather busy. If you would like to avoid larger crowds, the North Riverside Mall location is also running the same deal and series.
Here is the lineup of movies coming to the Lake Theater in Oak Park:
June 3: “How to Train Your Dragon” (2025)
June 10: “Smurfs”
June 17: “KPop Demon Hunters”
June 24: “Dog Man”
July 8: “The Bad Guys 2”
July 15: “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants”
July 22: “Paddington in Peru”
July 29: “A Minecraft Movie”
August 6: “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie”
REGAL’S ‘SUMMER MOVIE EXPRESS’
If your travel range takes you more into Chicago, the Regal Cinemas chain has its Summer Movie Express 2026 promotion. Of all the chains, they have the cheapest ticket price at $1, the most showings (two choices weekly, Monday through Thursday), and the longest series—spanning from June 1 to August 15. That said, it will take a patient haul through traffic to reach their City North (2600 N. Western Avenue) or Webster Place (1471 W. Webster Avenue) locations.
Here’s the lineup of movies coming to Regal theaters:
Week of June 1: “Sing” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”
Week of June 8: “Kung Fu Panda 4” and “David”
Week of June 15: “KPop Demon Hunters and “The Wild Robot”
Week of June 22: “The Bad Guys 2 and “The Garfield Movie”
Week of June 29: “A Minecraft Movie” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2”
Week of July 6: “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” and “How to Train Your Dragon” (2025)
Week of July 13: “Scoob!”
Week of July 20: “Animal Farm” and “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants”
Week of July 27: “Dog Man” and “Paddington in Peru”
Week of August 3: “Charlie the Wonderdog” and “Despicable Me 4”
Week of August 10: “The Sandlot” and “Muppet Treasure Island”
As you can see, there are plenty of common titles available at the various promotions. Mark your calendars and spread out week to week for the best plan so that you can see as many as desired.
My first must-see pick, as the anointed local authority, is the original “Paddington” at the Cinemark Melrose Park from June 1-4.
If you have to see the Oscar-winning “KPop Demon Hunters” for the 138th time, you might as well go for the “sing-along” version happening from June 15-18 at Cinemark.
After that, I favor the older movies that are rarely screened in theaters. The chance to see “The Sandlot” at Regal’s Summer Movie Express the week of August 10 or “Muppet Treasure Island” the same week at Regal or AMC locations is hard to pass up.
Enjoy your summer, everyone! See you at the movies!
Don Shanahan is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic and the editor-in-chief of Film Obsessive and Every Movie Has a Lesson. In addition to Chicago Indie Critics, he is part of the internationally recognized Critics Choice Association. He also owns and operates the Free Blockbuster box on the 2600 block of 75th Court, where those passing by may “take a movie/leave a movie” in the spirit of sharing a little art and culture with the community.