Roundup of summer freebies, discounts

Save money entertaining the kids this summer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Now that kids are out of school for the summer, you may be looking for some inexpensive entertainment.  There are a number of deals around Northeast Florida.  Here's the list:

1) Jacksonville Zoo: 

Between July 7 and September 1, 2014, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is offering a summer discount coupon for 50% off admission to the Zoo on days that the temperature is predicted to be 92 degrees or higher – as designated by the Zoo.  Zoo officials will determine whether a coupon will be placed on the website on the day prior based on a 92 degree prediction made by three local weather authorities.

The coupon is good for the day indicated only and cannot be used in combination with any other discount or offer, including Zoo Value Tickets. One coupon is good for multiple people.  The coupon is updated after 4:00 p.m. each day. Determinations for Saturday through Monday are made on the Friday prior.

Offer not valid on days with special events or special coupons. This includes 7/15, 8/4, 8/9, 8/23.

During July 4-6, it's buy one, get one at the zoo.

2) Summer Theater by TheatreWorks

Free admission to Rumplestiltskin - July 7–8, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Friday Musicale at 645 Oak Street, Jacksonville. Call 904-353-3500 for reservations

3) $5 Fridays at MOSH

See the Museum of Science and History's Summer Exhibit Megalodon, the largest shark that ever lived. Open Fridays until 8 p.m.

July 4 admission will be $4 and there will be several science exhibits around Friendship Fountain during MOSH hours, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

4) Cummer Art Museum: First Saturdays are free at the Cummer (Mark your calendars for July 5, August 2 and Sept 6)

Tuesdays from 4-9 p.m. are free.

5) Bowling: Kids bowl free (2 games per day) all summer long at any of four area participating alleys:

  • Anastasia Bowling Lanes
  • Beach Bowl
  • Nassau Bowling Center
  • Batt Family Fun Center

Standard shoe rates apply. Must register kids at www.kidsbowlfree.com. Anastasia Bowling is ages 18 and under; all others are for ages 15 and under.

6) Adventure Landing:  Friday Family Night from 6–10 p.m.: A family of four can enjoy unlimited mini golf, unlimited laser tag and a large pepperoni pizza for $24.99.  Valid for up to four guests. Each additional family member is $5 (does not include additional pizza). Not valid with any other offers or discounts.

On July 4 at Adventure Landing, all active and retired military receive a free water park pass and all military family members receive $5 off each water park pass.  Or, all active and retired military receive a free three-attraction guest pass and military family members receive $5 off each quest pass.

7) Summer movie deals:

Carmike Theatres - Amelia Island and Fleming Island
10am Thursdays, $4 includes children's movie, popcorn and a drink

Cinemark Tinseltown - Southside Boulevard
9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for $1

Movies by the Bay - 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine
Free movies Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. through August 13 shown at the marina behind Bayfront Mini Golf. Bring beach chair and blanket for comfortable seating by the bay.

Regal Cinemas - Beach Boulevard and Philips Highway locations
10am Tuesdays and Wednesdays - $1 family movie
Every Sunday before 6 p.m. - $6 movies or 3D is $9.50
Every Sunday after 6 p.m. - $7 for adults and $6.50 for child (3D movies $10.50 for adults, $10 for children)

Sun-Ray Cinema in Five Points
$5 movies for anyone Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. through July 19

Click to read about other kid friendly events, including information about summer camps.


About the Author:

Jennifer, who anchors The Morning Shows and is part of the I-TEAM, loves working in her hometown of Jacksonville.