Summer's almost here, which means the clock is ticking on lining up activities for the kids. Do yourself -- and your budget -- a favor, and don't spend a ton of money to keep them busy.

Instead, take advantage of all the free and cheap summer programs offered by local and national businesses. They will keep your kids reading, bowling, making movies, watching movies and touring museums -- all without breaking the bank of mom or dad.

On top of that, Triangle-area libraries are kicking off free summer reading programs that reward kids -- and in some cases, adults -- for reading. Free book bags, stickers, weekly rewards and prizes, story hours, puppet shows, book clubs and contests are all in the works. Call your local library for details.

If you know of any summer-on-the-cheap programs, please leave a comment below so I can add it to the list.

Park West 14, a new 14-screen movie theater in Morrisville, opens today with free popcorn for everyone and a free movie for the first 250 people in line.

On Friday, 200 people will have the chance to score free admission to the Southpoint Cinema's 7 p.m. showing of the new 3D "Pirates of the Caribbean" film.

The giveaway is part of the grand opening celebration for the theater's new IMAX screen in Durham.

The first 200 people in line will be admitted to the screening for free. The line will start forming at 5 p.m. Stone Theatres, the company behind the Southpoint Cinema, is sponsoring the giveaway. The theater is in the outside portion of the Streets at Southpoint mall at 8030 Renaissance Parkway.