It's the perfect time of year to take a break and see family flicks for free at a  nearby park.

Beginning July 5, the City of Salem presents the Summer Outdoor Family Film Series at the Riverfront Park amphitheater.

To be comfortable, bring blankets and low backed lawn chairs for seating. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. with show set to begin at dusk, rain or shine. Films will be presented every other Saturday during July; in August dates vary.

The series begins on July 5 with a showing of
"ET," followed by "Babe" on July 19, "A Hard Day's Night" on August 1, "Bee Movie" on August 16, and "Curious George" on August 30.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted. No pets or glass bottles are allowed. For more information, call (503) 588-6261.

Children's film festival
Salem Public Library is hosting at children's Friday Film Festival this summer, through mid-August. These day, a trip to a local rental store will cost at minimum around $4, and unless you know you love a flick, buying is even costlier. Give children (and perhaps family, too) a reprieve from the scorching sun and rising temperatures to celebrate the week's end with a free movie.

The free family film will be shown in the Loucks Auditorium at the main library location downtown.  

Each week will feature a children's class or a modern animation movie. Watch as animals and cars alike come to life. Here's the list for July and August: A Bug's Life on June 27, Bee Movie on July 11, Antz on July 18, Herbie Fully Loaded on July 25, Charlotte's Web on August 1, James and the Giant Peach on August 8, and the series concludes with Ant Bully on  August 15

Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-seated basis. All shows start at 1 p.m.

Free film series in Independence

Watching movies on a big screen outside usually requires a car, but this July and August classics, recent blockbusters, and children's favorites can be seen at the Community Amphitheater in Independence. Located in the Riverview Park, attendees can find the site downtown in Independence between B and C Streets.

Every Thursday, the movie choice of the week begins at dusk. According to the official Web site for the amphitheater, over 16 movies and concerts were hosted at the location last year, the average attendance counting in at 450 people.

The lineup for the event is as follows: July 3: Spider-Man 3, July 10: The Bee Movie, July 17 - Hoot, July 24 - Nancy Drew, July 31 - ET, August 7 - Hairspray, August 14 - Back to the Future Part III, August 21 - Surf's Up, August 28 - Shrek 2.
For more information, call: Rick Gydesen (503) 838-4912.