Keep cool with free food, films

Summer is here, and most kids don't want to spend their days sitting around the house. Many parents are on a tight budget, so I'm on a quest to help readers find free food, entertainment and merchandise this summer.

The best thing about finding something free is that you can spend money on something else.

I've compiled a list of free things in the Augusta area:

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

Movies for Kids: Regal Entertainment Group is showing free movies during its Free Family Film Festival. The festival has movies rated G and PG that start at 10 a.m.

In Augusta, the movies are available Tuesday-Thursday until July 30. In Aiken, the films are shown on Tuesday and Wednesday through Aug. 12.

The doors open at 9 a.m., according to local theater managers. Seating is first come, first served. The theaters are at Augusta Exchange Stadium 20 & IMAX, 1144 Agerton Lane in Augusta and Aiken Mall 8, 300 East Gate Drive in Aiken.

MONDAY MATINEE: The Diamond Lakes Branch Library has Monday Matinee Movies. Through July 27, the library will show free movies at 2 p.m. The library is at 101 Diamond Lakes Way, inside Diamond Lakes Regional Park in Hephzibah.

MONDAY TEEN MOVIES: Each Monday in July, teens can enjoy a free movie at the Augusta Public Library at 902 Greene St. at 6:30 p.m. Here is a schedule:

July 6 -- American Teen, Rated PG-13

July 13 -- Inkheart, Rated PG

July 20 -- Twilight, Rated PG-13

July 27 -- Coraline, Rated PG

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AT AUGUSTA PUBLIC LIBRARY:

Reading and ice cream: If patrons younger than 12 read for 30 minutes, they will receive free ice cream at 2 p.m. July 10.

Martial arts: Patrons 11 and older can participate in a history lesson/karate workout at 2 p.m. July 11. Adults are welcome.

Early-bird movie: The library will show Madagascar at 10 a.m. July 21.

Harry Potter party: The library is holding a party with trivia, crafts and snacks the night before the opening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The party, on July 16, lasts from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

FREE FOOD

WEDNESDAY FREEBIES AT ARBY'S: Each Wednesday through August, Arby's is giving away food with a purchase. Visit an Arby's restaurant for details.

FREE STUFF

Through July 24, children and teens can participate in the summer reading program at their library. Families can visit any library in the area to get a reading log. Participants who read 30 books or read for 15 hours will receive a book, coupons to restaurants, stickers and bookmarks.

COUPON OF THE WEEK

Today's edition of The Augusta Chronicle has $122.10 in coupon savings.

In the Smart Source book, you'll find a coupon for 75 cents off selected Colgate toothpastes.

The coupon expires July 18.

RECAP

Here are some highlights from The Pinch last week:

WIN FREE FOOD AT STICKY FINGERS: Sticky Fingers' "Feast for Free" contest lasts until Aug. 16. Entry forms are available at Sticky Fingers restaurant.

No purchase is necessary, but participants must be 18 or older.

The winner will be selected by a random drawing and will receive a card for free food (up to $25 a day until Dec. 31) at Sticky Fingers, 277 Robert C. Daniel Jr. Parkway.

Reach LaTina Emerson at (706) 823-3227 or latina.emerson@augustachronicle.com.

READ LATINA EMERSON'S blog on saving money and shopping smarter in Augusta at blogs.augusta.com.