Free Kids Movies
We've already written about all the outdoor movies for kids around New York City this summer, but if your kids are too little to stay up past dark, or you're just looking for another way to beat the heat during the day, you'll also want to check out these two free kids movies series at theaters in and around New York City.

Participating Clearview Cinemas in New York and New Jersey show a free film for kids every Thursday Morning. Just show up. Tickets are available first come, first served. The theaters in New York City are the Chelsea Cinemas on 23rd and on First and 62nd. There are also theaters on Long Island , Westchester, Rockland County and New Jersey. The films include Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar 2, The Tale of Despereaux, and more. See the complete schedule of free movies for kids.

Regal Cinemas also has a free movie club for kids this summer in many States with free movies every Tuesday throughout the summer. There are more theaters in this group including theaters in Manhattan (BPC), Brooklyn (Court St and Sheepshead Bay), Queens (Long Island City), and Staten Island as well as Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey and more locations. Click here to find a theater and see the schedule of free kids movies near you.

Free Children's Theater
Every summer Theatreworks USA creates free original heater for children. This summer they will be performing Click Clack Moo from July 21-August 28. Performances are matinees Sunday through Friday with 6pm shows on Thursdays. Each day, a limited number of free tickets will be made available to individuals at the Lucille Lortel Theatre on a first-come, first-served basis. Distribution begins one hour before to each performance, with a limit of four (4) tickets per adult. Because tickets are given out to non-profit groups first, weekday performance availability is extremely limited. It's much easier to get tickets for Sunday and Thursday evening performances. Also note, babies will not be admitted. Find more information and show schedule.

Free Bike Rentals
For the second year, Bike Around Downtown is offering free bike rentals from the Bike and Roll kiosk at the South Street Seaport. Bikes can be rented for three hours at a time and reservations can be made in advance on line. Adult and children's bikes are available as well as tag-alongs, wagons and baby seats. Helmets are provided. Register and sign up for a free bike rental.

Free Sports Lessons
Some of the best free programs available for kids in the summer are the great free sports lessons provided for the Parks Department, including free Tennis, Golf, Swimming lessons and others. We've covered these and other free sports programs (like kayaking, camping and fishing) extensively in our post about Free Summer Sports Activities, however, so be sure to check that out there.

Free Family Bowling
Join the Kids Bowl Free Club and your kids can bowl up to two games per day for free all summer long. You can also buy a family pass for $24 and up to four adults can bowl 2 games every day all summer long for free too. The only participating alley in NYC right now is in Queens at 34th Avenue Lanes, but there are many venues in Long Island and some in Westchester and New Jersey.

More Free Stuff:

Free Carousel Rides
The Prospect Park Carousel is free on Thursdays in August to children under 12.

Free Skate Rental
Chelsea Piers offers free ice skate rental for their indoor ice skating rink and reduced admission on Sunday all summer long.

Also see free music in the parks, free outdoor movies and other summer fun in our Summer Activity Guide.

Know of another great free summer opportunity? Share it in the comments.