Bowling, Building & Movie Deals for Marietta's Frugal Families

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us stretch our dollars.

This column is dedicated to giving you five great local deals each week that will help your family's bottom line, and since we do the scouting for you, you can save time as well as money.

You are a big part of this column. Let us hear about the deals you've seen. Just add them to our comment box. Then come back each week and see what we've uncovered together.

This week, Frugal Family scoured our local sources to come up with dollar movies, free bowling, free craft classes, great summer reading programs and sales on gardening tools

Dollar Movies - Through Aug. 3, Regal's Summer Movie Express occurs at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday. With Regal's Summer Movie Express, moviegoers of all ages can enjoy a great selection of films. During this nine-week festival, the theater chain will offer selected G- or PG rated movies for only a dollar. For list of participating locations and information, go to www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress

Kids Bowl Free at AMF  through September - This summer, your children 16 and under can bowl for free at your local AMF.  Just register your children to get weekly coupons via email for two free games per child per day all summer long. Get the AMF Summer 17+ Pass for a one-time price of just $27.95. It’s good for up to four people 17 and older. For a list of locations and to register online go to http://freebowling.amf.com.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics - At 10 a.m. Saturday, build a Goofy Golf Kit for free. These clinics at Lowe's provide your children with basic construction skills and confidence. Each participant receives a free apron, goggles, a project-themed patch and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. Register early to avoid all spaces being full. For information, visit www.lowesbuildandgrow.com.

The 2011 Cobb County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program began last week and ends on July 31. An end-of-summer reading celebration is scheduled for Aug. 13.Readers of all ages will travel the globe this summer as the Cobb County Public Library System presents its travel-themed Summer Reading Program. Children, teenagers, and adults will explore places from Oceania to Russia through stories, crafts, music, puppet shows, book discussions and other activities. The library system has scheduled more than 700 reading programs and activities. For information, go to http://www.cobbcat.org/sr

BIG LOTS SALE  - Black & Decker® Garden & Pruning Sets  - $15 each down from $25 through Saturday or while quantities last. Choose from: 3-Piece Pruning Set (24" bypass lopper, 21" wave edge shears, 8" bypass pruner) OR 5-Piece Garden Set (15" bypass lopper, telescopic trowel, 18" 6-pattern water wand, 8" professional pruner, deluxe 9-pattern spray nozzle) All Locations.