How to Spend Time at the Mall— Without Spending Money

Sure, the mall—especially our outdoor malls—are lovely places to kill time, but they can also kill your budget if you don’t plan accordingly. This summer, our outdoor malls can actually keep you entertained without costing a dime. The Cross County Shopping Center in Yonkers is celebrating its 60^th anniversary with SummerFest, which includes free concerts (Wednesdays from June 25 to August 6), family fun days  (July 18 and 25 and August 8 and 15), and Fourth of July Fireworks, among other special events. Festivities culminate with the Let’s Celebrate 60 Years of Summer event on July 12, which features decade-themed fashion shows, food trucks, live music, and family activities. Westchester’s Ridge Hill, also in Yonkers, also has free outdoor entertainment, with free movie screenings planned—you just bring a beach blanket or a beach chair to sit on (like a drive-in, without the sitting-in-the-car part). See The LEGO Movie on June 16, Frozen on July 14, and Despicable Me 2 on August 11. • Cross County Shopping Center, Yonkers (914) 968-9570; www.crosscountycenter.com; Westchester’s Ridge Hill, Yonkers (914) 207-2900; www.westchestersridgehill.com