Columbus on the Cheap

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family activities

Upcoming free and cheap activities for kids

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Looking for something to do with the kids? We've gathered a list of day to day activities for kids of all ages, to get out of the house or indoor activities no matter the weather. We're including activities for all ages and at various price points - including lots of free … [Read more...] about Upcoming free and cheap activities for kids

Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival

Immerse yourself in the glow of more than 60 sets of LED lantern displays at The Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival.  The brilliantly lit animal scenes will glow along the paths throughout various areas of the Zoo. Explore various aspects of Asian culture with shows each evening, which may … [Read more...] about Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival

Indoor Playground at Recreations Outlet open 7 days/week

Imagine your kids playing on huge playground structures, trampolines, basketball courts, swings, and outdoor recreational equipment, no matter what the weather conditions and temperature. At Recreations Outlet in Powell, they can play on the best playground equipment in the huge … [Read more...] about Indoor Playground at Recreations Outlet open 7 days/week

Sign up for Kids Bowl Free this Summer

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This summer take the kids bowling without emptying your wallet! KidsBowlFree.com offers two games of bowling for free every day for kids at participating bowling alleys (up to ages 18 and under, depending on location). Additionally, adults and older kids are eligible for two free games a day … [Read more...] about Sign up for Kids Bowl Free this Summer

Best Places for Canoeing and Kayaking in Columbus

Get outside and enjoy nature with a paddle on the water this summer! Don't know where to go? We've gathered a list of the best places for canoeing and kayaking in Columbus, along with places to rent your boats or stand up paddle boards. Explore the waterways and the banks of the rivers and … [Read more...] about Best Places for Canoeing and Kayaking in Columbus

2024 National Ice Cream Day deals in Columbus

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National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 21, 2024, and you can find deals and freebies all over the city! Click on the link for details. We won't tell if you enjoy more than one of these offers (or 3!) on Sunday - just watch out for brain freeze! If you haven't already, you … [Read more...] about 2024 National Ice Cream Day deals in Columbus

15 fields and farms with Lavender in Ohio to visit this Summer

We can't get enough of gorgeous fields of flowers, and lavender fields are some of the prettiest (and best smelling) fields you can enjoy! Find out where you can find some amazing lavender in Ohio. And then see where you can find Sunflower Fields in Ohio, including many in Central Ohio, starting … [Read more...] about 15 fields and farms with Lavender in Ohio to visit this Summer

Discounts at Cinemark Theaters every Tuesday

If you're a movie lover on a budget, mark your calendar for Tuesdays for discounts at Cinemark Theaters. Cinemark offers its weekly Discount Day every Tuesday at participating locations, available exclusively to members of Cinemark Movie Rewards (CMR). As a member of this free program, use … [Read more...] about Discounts at Cinemark Theaters every Tuesday

Free Makebreak Craft Events and Kids Club Crafts

Michaels has brought back family fun in-store with Free Sunday Makebreak craft events. MAKEbreak crafts get creative juices flowing for you and your kids, and it's a great reason to get out of the house!   Upcoming Michaels Sunday Makebreak schedule The weekly event takes place on … [Read more...] about Free Makebreak Craft Events and Kids Club Crafts

Columbus Blue Jackets Draft Watch Party at PINS Easton

Blue Jackets fans don't want to miss this party! Catch the 2024 National Hockey League Draft Watch Party at the Columbus Blue Jackets official NHL Draft Watch Party at Pins Mechanical Company in Easton on Friday, June 28, 2024.  The party is open to the public and free for all ages, … [Read more...] about Columbus Blue Jackets Draft Watch Party at PINS Easton

July 4th Fireworks, Parades, and Celebrations around Columbus

"The Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave..." Celebrating the 4th of July is a big deal in Columbus!  In addition to Red, White and Boom, which is one of the largest fireworks displays in the Midwest, there are so many July 4th celebrations, parades, and fireworks in Columbus in early … [Read more...] about July 4th Fireworks, Parades, and Celebrations around Columbus

Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival at Ohio History Center

Celebrate America's favorite pastime with one of the nation's largest Vintage Base Ball festivals on August 31 - September 1, 2024 at the Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival at Ohio History Center 17th Avenue fields.  See over 25 vintage base ball teams from across the nation … [Read more...] about Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival at Ohio History Center

Free or Cheap Summer Movies for Families

Enjoy free or cheap family-friendly summer movies almost every day of the week at various movie theaters across town. Beat the summer heat, escape the rain, or just quiet the "I'm bored" summer whining with a movie.  Click on the links below for more details and film schedule for each … [Read more...] about Free or Cheap Summer Movies for Families

2024 Annual Columbus Greek Festival

The Annual Columbus Greek Festival is Labor Day Weekend, Friday, August 30 – Monday, September 2, 2024. The festival is a Central Ohio Labor Day weekend tradition which highlights Greek culture and features cathedral tours, authentic food and drink, exhibits, shops, music, dancing, and … [Read more...] about 2024 Annual Columbus Greek Festival

Columbus Commons Free Movie Nights this Summer

Catch a movie under the stars at Columbus Commons this summer with Free Movie Nights. Bring your blanket or chairs and some snacks or a picnic and catch these family-friendly films at dusk downtown. Tortilla and Jeni’s will be open for movie snacks. Saturday, May 25- Encanto (following … [Read more...] about Columbus Commons Free Movie Nights this Summer

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.