Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

Events for Families and Kids

Columbus Zoo tickets, discounts, and special events

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The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Columbus - for good reason! Our Zoo is amazing and regularly ranks as one of the best Zoos in the U.S. There's so much to enjoy this year at the Zoo, including new exhibits and new babies. With tons of outdoor exhibits and … [Read more...] about Columbus Zoo tickets, discounts, and special events

Back to school deal: $12 haircuts for kids at JCP Salons

A new school year calls for new supplies, new shoes, new clothes, and new haircut. To help kids go back to school with style, JCP Salons are offering $12 haircuts, or $12 off hair styling of $30 or more to children in grades K-6th grade.  Details for back to school haircuts at JCP … [Read more...] about Back to school deal: $12 haircuts for kids at JCP Salons

Top things to do in Grove City, Ohio

Grove City is a suburb of southwest Columbus, Ohio in Franklin County. It boasts a small-town feel with plenty of parks, businesses,  community events, plus the convenience of nearby Columbus. Downtown Columbus is just 15-20 minutes away. This vibrant little city offers a variety of … [Read more...] about Top things to do in Grove City, Ohio

Columbus Women and Girls’ Fest at Maroon Arts Box Park

Annually, Columbus Women & Girls’ Fest celebrates and promotes women and girl-identified leaders in arts and culture. The WGFest is free and open to the public, hosted By Education Foundation for Freedom.  The Columbus WGFest is on August 25, 2024 from 12 pm - 6 pm at Maroon Arts … [Read more...] about Columbus Women and Girls’ Fest at Maroon Arts Box Park

Explore city vehicles and more at New Albany Touch a Truck

If your kids love trucks, safety vehicles, and heavy equipment, don't miss the New Albany Touch a Truck! Head to the New Albany Public Service Department on Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 10 am - noon. Kids will explore their favorite vehicles including fire engines, police cars, snow plows, leaf … [Read more...] about Explore city vehicles and more at New Albany Touch a Truck

Superspecs Free Safety Eyewear Available to Children in Ohio

 Does your child wear glasses or need eye protection for sports? Apply for FREE safety eyewear and gear for sports and recreation!  “Eye injuries are a leading cause of blindness in children,” said Ohio Ophthalmological Society President, Dr. Kristopher … [Read more...] about Superspecs Free Safety Eyewear Available to Children in Ohio

Explore Dublin with the Dublin Park Pass for a chance of prizes

July is National Parks and Recreation Month, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with the return of Visit Dublin’s 2024 Parks Pass in partnership with OhioHealth.  The Dublin Park Pass is FREE and fully digital to encourage users explore 60+ parks throughout … [Read more...] about Explore Dublin with the Dublin Park Pass for a chance of prizes

Oktoberfest at Zoombezi Bay- one last weekend!

Willkommen zum Oktoberfest at Zoombezi Bay! While the water park usually closes on Labor Day, they are staying open one last weekend to celebrate Oktoberfest on September 7-8, 2024 from 11 am - 6 pm! Slide into the world of German music, enjoy pumpkin and fall-flavored beers on tap courtesy … [Read more...] about Oktoberfest at Zoombezi Bay- one last weekend!

Back-to-School Vaccine Clinics

In addition to school supplies and clothes, back-to-school season also means its time for vaccines for some kids. If you don't have a well child visit scheduled with a pediatrician or family doctor, there are regularly scheduled vaccine clinics at Franklin County Public … [Read more...] about Back-to-School Vaccine Clinics

KidsLinked’s Powell KidsFest and Bubble Run

Don't miss the KidsLinked’s Powell KidsFest on Saturday, August 10, 2024. The free family festival is from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at New Hope Church. The Powell Back to School Bash has the free school supplies, bounce park, games, balloon artist, airbrush tattoos, shopping, classes, family … [Read more...] about KidsLinked’s Powell KidsFest and Bubble Run

ProMusica Summer Outdoor Music Series

ProMusica is back with a 2 days of outdoor music! ProMusica Summer Music Series brings two different performances to two venues this Summer.  The Summer Music Series includes two programs as the orchestra returns to Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and performs at Alum … [Read more...] about ProMusica Summer Outdoor Music Series

Art and Adventure on Jefferson Avenue

Mark your calendars for a day of art and exploration at Art & Adventure on Jefferson Avenue on Sunday, September 8, 2024. This celebration takes place at the historic Jefferson Avenue Center, home to nonprofits like Thurber House and Columbus Landmarks Foundation. Art & … [Read more...] about Art and Adventure on Jefferson Avenue

Back to school deals and events for Columbus and Central Ohio

Even though it feels like summer shouldn't be ending soon, it's close to back to school time for Central Ohio students! Scour the sales, get your shopping done, and make sure you finish the summer with some FUN! We've gathered the best back to school deals and events below, as well as some … [Read more...] about Back to school deals and events for Columbus and Central Ohio

Smashburger: Kids eat free on Wednesdays

When the first Smashburger opened, they wanted to create a new category of burger - literally, a smashed burger. This tasty version of a burger is created by smashing a fresh 100% Certified Angus Beef hand-packed ball of meat on a hot seasoned grill.  They succeeded, and now Smashburger … [Read more...] about Smashburger: Kids eat free on Wednesdays

Kids get FREE LEGO® Life Magazine Subscription

Do you have a LEGO® lover at home? If you have LEGO® bricks and creations strewn throughout your home, your kids will LOVE getting a FREE LEGO® Life Magazine Subscription. Kids LOVE receiving mail, and LEGO® fans will really love getting this free magazine throughout the year. If your … [Read more...] about Kids get FREE LEGO® Life Magazine Subscription

Living on the Cheap

Columbus on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.