Contact 6: Enjoying summer movies and saving money!

MILWAUKEE -- Whether you're dying to see the action-packed blockbuster or relax with a new indie film, spending money at the movies can be a real adventure! FOX6's Contact 6 has some tips on how to stretch your movie dollars.

Summertime movies always bring a sense of excitement, but theater prices can be an adventure all their own!

If you want to save a little, Marcus Theaters has "Spotlight Movie Deals." By signing up, you can get $5 tickets for select movies on select days.

Marcus also has $2 Tuesdays, which means you get a small popcorn and drink for just $2 on Tuesday!

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. from June 19th through August 16th, there are family-friendly films for just $2!

AMC Theaters also have deals for moms, like baby matinees. It's like a play date where the lights are brighter and the volume is lower.

The iPic at Bayshore Mall has special deals for members - like free tickets on your birthday, midnight movie offers and special screenings.

Other good tips include seeing movies earlier in the day for early-bird deals that could save you 30 to 50 percent off prime time ticket prices!

Family packs can help cut costs - especially if you buy them at your local warehouse club or online.

Like grocery stores, many theaters also reward you for loyalty.

Here is a list of more money-saving movie-theater tips!

1. Join AAA
The automobile club offers discounted tickets to specific movie theaters. The catch is that you typically have to go to one of their offices to buy them.

2. Buy Movie Packs
This is the way to go for families. You can buy four-packs from local warehouse clubs, good for a variety of theatres. There's no expiration date and you can use the tickets seven days a week. You can also find deals on movie-specific and auction sites online.

3. Attend Second-Run Theatres
There are several chains that show movies a bit past their prime. If you can wait to see the latest blockbuster, you could save half of what it costs the week it comes out.

4. Ask for Senior Rates
If you're 60 or over, you'll get a discount from select locations of AMC Theatres. Many offer Seniors Day at some locations for seniors 62 and older. Ultimately, it helps to ask the cashier or one of the theatre managers about available discounts for seniors. Just be prepared to show your ID.

5. Skip the Concession Stand
Eat before you head out to the movies so you won't be tempted by the many treats on offer. Granted this is how theaters make their money, but it's also how you double the cost of your ticket.

6. Use Discount Gift Cards
Save 10 to 30 percent by purchasing discount movie theater gift cards from such sites as GiftCardGranny. In addition to saving instantly on ticket prices, you can cut the cost of concessions if the smell of popcorn is too tempting to overcome.

7. Swipe Your Plastic
Credit card companies and banks have increased their reward perks over the last few years and some of those include free passes to the theater. Visa Signature offers their credit card holders two-for-one movie tickets via Fandango on Fridays. Deutsche Bank Debit Card users can get one free pass for every one ticket purchased through BookMyShow.com. Ask your credit card or bank about such reward perks and take advantage of the discount.

8. Be Loyal
AMC Theatres offers points toward discounts, concession upgrades and more if you join their Stubs Rewards Program. Check with your local theatres to see if they provide similar deals for loyal customers.

9. Daily Deal It
Though daily deals for restaurants and spa services overwhelm your inbox, you have good reason to search through the clutter. Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial have featured movie theater savings of up to 50 percent, and will likely offer similar promotions this summer. The vouchers typically expire within a couple months so make note of the date and use them up before then.

10. Early-Bird Deals
Matinees can save you anywhere from 30 to 50 percent off prime-time ticket prices, leaving more money in your wallet for warm summer evenings.

11. Say Something
Have you ever watched a movie where the sound system was off enough to drive you crazy? Perhaps you ended up surrounded by a swarm of teenagers who shouted at the screen throughout the film. Don't be afraid to ask for a voucher or your money back if you have a bad experience. You may be surprised how often theaters will accommodate a polite request.