If you are finding it too expensive to take your family to a movie, Markham Museum has a solution.

The museum is offering music and movie nights Fridays in July and August from 7 to 11 p.m.

When the park opens at 7 p.m., you can tour the grounds or kick a ball around. Children can ride a carousel or have a boat ride from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Local bands, mostly from Carlaw Conservatory of Music, perform before the movie.

These musicians are mellow and family-appropriate, according to special events assistant Enzo Greco.

“We won’t have hard, screaming bands,” Mr. Greco said.

Between 75 and 100 people came to the first two movie nights. The area has a capacity for 500.

“It is growing in numbers as word has spread,” he said.

The movie screen is 24 by 14 feet and you should bring blankets or lawn chairs for a comfortable viewing.

As well, keep in mind the event is not a child drop-off; parental attendance is required.

The museum is trying to expand its image as more than just a storehouse of history, according to Mr. Greco.

“Sometimes, it is hard to sell on history alone. There is more to do than just look at historical buildings.”

The movies are shown at the front of the museum near the pavilion and carousel.

“Other towns have done outdoor movie nights and it works. There is not much to do with kids on a Friday night.”

The museum waits until dusk — about 9:15 p.m. — before showing the movie.

General admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors 65 and older, $5 for high school students, $4 for children 3 to 12, free for children younger than 2 and $15.50 for families of four. The museum is on Hwy. 48 just north of 16th Avenue.

Go to www.markham.ca/Markham/Attractions/Museum/ for more on the museum.

Here is a listing of upcoming movies:
• Jumanji, July 25
• Spiderwick Chronicles, Aug. 1
• Nims Island, Aug. 8
• E.T., Aug. 15
• Enchanted, Aug. 22
• Ratatouille, Aug. 29