Even when the weather gets nice, it's not always easy for parents to pull the kids away from the television. But thanks to local outdoor film screenings this summer, everyone can get what they want.

The Monroe County-sponsored Movies at the Bowl and Movies at the Beach have been fixtures in the community for years, but other similar programs are just getting started. The best part about all these series? They're all free and open to the public. All movies start at dusk (around 8:45 p.m. this time of year) unless otherwise noted.

Penfield's program, which is just three years old, kicked off a few weeks ago with Sandra Bullock's "The Blind Side" at the amphitheatre behind the town hall (3100 Atlantic Ave). Despite the film's PG-13 rating, Penfield mom Michelle Corbelli rallied a sizeable group of her kids' friends to see the film and enjoy the fresh air. Armed with blankets, bug spray, and a big bag of popcorn, Corbelli said the idea of a drive-in movie in the warm summer weather was what drew her there.

"We thought the kids would have a fun time running around and playing together, and it gave us [parents] an opportunity to have some community time together as adult too," she said.

The Penfield series continues with "Astro Boy" (July 23) and "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" (August 6). Should the weather actually get cloudy with a chance of meatballs (or rain), a make-up screening will be held August 20. For more info, visit penfield.org or call 340-8663.

If your Fridays are already booked, try the free films at Highland Bowl every Thursday from July 15 through August 19. There are a couple of oldies but goodies on this year's list, including "The Three Amigos" (July 22) and "Back to the Future" (August 5), as well as some more recent favorites, like "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" (August 12).

Films for a slightly older audience will be shown at Ontario Beach Park every Tuesday. Mark your calendars for "Star Trek" (July 20), "Sherlock Holmes" (August 10), and "Clash of the Titans" (August 17). Or try the Rochester Public Market (280 N. Union St.) for its screening of "The Blind Side" on August 13 at 9 p.m. For a complete listing or for more information, visit monroecounty.gov or call 753-PARK.

The Movies at the Meridian series in Brighton (700 Meridian Centre Blvd.) runs every Thursday through August 26. Park Point (100 Park Point Dr.) is hosting just two movies this year on July 17 and August 21. For more information visit townofbrighton.org.

If the weather doesn't cooperate and you still want to take the kids to the movies without dropping serious dough, Regal theaters offer free indoor family films during the summer. Both the Henrietta and Greece Ridge theaters will screen selected G- and PG-rated films at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through August 25. Don't miss "Where the Wild Things Are" at Greece Ridge on August 11. This adorable film, based on the beloved novel, will charm both kids and adults alike. Check out regmovies.com for a complete listing of this year's movies.