Coupon Queen: Program offers movies at cheap price

Summer break is here, and so is the opportunity to enjoy quality family time without breaking the bank. Regal Cinemas has brought back its beloved Summer Movie Express program, offering families a chance to watch a blockbuster hit for just $1 per ticket. It's a great way to keep the kids entertained while sticking to your budget. Since 1991, Regal Cinemas has hosted the Summer Movie Express, a series of family-friendly films shown on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 11 a.m. This program began last week and will run through Aug. 6 at participating Regal theaters nationwide. Each week features two movies, with both films playing on both days, giving families flexibility to choose the day that works best for them. The lineup includes popular titles such as "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and "Minions: The Rise of Gru." To make the experience even more enjoyable, Regal offers a specially priced $5 snack pack that includes a junior-sized drink, snack-sized popcorn, and fruit snacks. For an additional $3, you can also add Dippin' Dots to the pack. It's a fun and affordable way to treat the kids. Tickets are just $1 per person and can be purchased at the theater box office, on the Regal mobile app, or through the Regal website. I recommend arriving a bit early to secure your seats, as these screenings can fill up quickly. I have been there when daycare or summer camp programs bring a busload of kids, so please keep in mind that the movie may be a bit noisier than your typical movie. This never bothered our family, as the lively atmosphere just added to the fun, and let's be honest, the kids are usually too busy laughing at the movie to notice the extra chatter. It's all part of the charm of a kid-friendly, budget-friendly summer outing. Not only does the Summer Movie Express provide affordable entertainment, but a portion of the proceeds also benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, supporting youth programs nationwide. Mark your calendars; here's what's playing each week. Note that movie times and showings may vary by location, so be sure to double-check with your local theater before heading out. Movie titles are subject to change. June 17 & 18: "Trolls: Band Together" and "IF"June 24 & 25: "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" and "The Bad Guys"July 1 & 2: "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" and "The Wild Robot"July 8 & 9: "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and "PAW Patrol: The Movie"July 15 & 16: "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" and "PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie"July 22 & 23: "Kung Fu Panda 4" and "Despicable Me 4"July 29 & 30: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and "The Garfield Movie"Aug. 5 & 6: "Minions: The Rise of Gru" and "Paddington in Peru" So, round up the family, grab those $1 tickets, and dive into a summer of movie magic, all without putting a dent in your wallet. This week's deal Here's a deal to grab this week at Walgreens.Arm & Hammer Laundry Care= $1.88 (regularly $4.99) Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at couponingwithrachel@hotmail.com.