Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

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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

Culture Pass: Free admission to the Zoo, FPC, CMA, and more from the library

Visit amazing attractions in Columbus for FREE with a Culture Pass from the Columbus Metropolitan Library. These aren't only available for museums and the like, but also for FUN in Columbus, like Columbus Clippers games. You can check out Culture Passes for free admission to a variety of … [Read more...] about Culture Pass: Free admission to the Zoo, FPC, CMA, and more from the library

Explore Columbus with Neighborhood Hops and Walks

Various communities and neighborhoods around Columbus have special neighborhood hops, walks, and DORA's to celebrate what the area has to offer. You’ll find entertainment, vendors, sales at local shops, and great eats.  It’s a great chance to explore new areas and find new favorite … [Read more...] about Explore Columbus with Neighborhood Hops and Walks

Grove City Summer Sizzle Concert Series

The Summer Sizzle Concert Series in Grove City kicks off May 23 and continues on most Fridays through September 19, 2025.  These open-air concerts in the Town Center are sponsored by the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department and feature live entertainment by some of the best acts in … [Read more...] about Grove City Summer Sizzle Concert Series

Get creative at Brush Crazy Art Studio: painting, candlemaking, and more art

Looking for something new and different to do for a date, girls' night, or some family time? Brush Crazy offers all types of creative classes, projects, and more. Whether you want to go and do your own thing, or need more guidance, they have options for you at this fun DIY art studio. From … [Read more...] about Get creative at Brush Crazy Art Studio: painting, candlemaking, and more art

50+ Best free and cheap dates in Columbus

Dating in Columbus doesn't have to be expensive. Plan a cheap date or fun with friends with these great options for free and cheap dates in Columbus.  These dates may be cheap, but the quality is high and you'll get bonus points for being creative and exploring the city. Want us to … [Read more...] about 50+ Best free and cheap dates in Columbus

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson and discount at Zoombezi Bay

Make sure your kids know how to swim so they can stay safe this summer! Kick start (or refresh) their swimming abilities with a giant swimming lesson at Zoombezi Bay. With summertime fun, comes sad news stories of kids drowning in pools and other bodies of water.  Kids are going to … [Read more...] about World’s Largest Swimming Lesson and discount at Zoombezi Bay

Get Fit: Columbus Commons Fitness Classes

Get fit under the sun for free at the Columbus Commons Fitness classes this Summer. Classes are provided free of charge thanks to UnitedHealthcare and coordinated with Quality Wellness and RawYoga614 from May - September 2025 Bring your water bottle, towel and yoga mat. Classes will be … [Read more...] about Get Fit: Columbus Commons Fitness Classes

Upper Arlington Spring Fling features Trucks and more

Bring the family out for the Upper Arlington’s Annual Spring Fling on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Sunny 95 Park for a free family festival. The Spring Fling afternoon will feature the live music, along with "Touch a Truck" where kids can explore city vehicles, … [Read more...] about Upper Arlington Spring Fling features Trucks and more

Library Story Time around Columbus

Story time at the library was one of my favorite things to do to get out of the house with my toddlers. They learned so many songs and games at story time, and it allowed them to interact with kids their age.  It's also a great way for kids who don't go to preschool or daycare to learn … [Read more...] about Library Story Time around Columbus

Summer Wine Festival in Downtown Columbus

The Columbus Summer Wine Festival is on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at McFerson Commons Park (Arena District) in downtown Columbus.  It's a perfect event if you love wine, wine spritzers, and hard seltzers. With a variety to sample, festival-goers are sure to find something they love. In … [Read more...] about Summer Wine Festival in Downtown Columbus

Columbus Goodguys 27th Summit Racing Nationals presented by PPG

The Annual Goodguys PPG Nationals is pulling into the Ohio Expo Center from July 11-13, 2025, beginning at 8 a.m. each day. Check out more than 6,000, 1999 & earlier hot rods, customs, classic, muscle cars, street machines and trucks. You don’t want to miss Goodguys AutoCross racing … [Read more...] about Columbus Goodguys 27th Summit Racing Nationals presented by PPG

Find your next Ohio adventure: Ohio Tourism Day

We cover so many fun events in Columbus on this website, but that's no reason to overlook the rest of the Buckeye State! Ohio Tourism Day is Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 11 am - 2 pm at the West Plaza at the Ohio Statehouse.  This is the perfect place to experience Ohio's diverse … [Read more...] about Find your next Ohio adventure: Ohio Tourism Day

Nine Cheap Kids’ Birthday Parties in Columbus for Small Groups

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Whether you have a kid birthday coming up, or want to let the kids have some friends over during summer or holiday break, you can save money by planning around a local destination or theme party.  Below are eight inexpensive ideas for kids' birthday parties in Columbus that would … [Read more...] about Nine Cheap Kids’ Birthday Parties in Columbus for Small Groups

Dog Days of Summer Police K9 event and Touch a Truck at Pataskala Grace Church

The Dog Days of Summer Touch-a-Truck and Police K9 event is happening at Pataskala Grace Church on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 11 am - 3 pm. This fun, family-friendly summer event supports the Pataskala Police Department K9 program. All of the proceeds from this event will go towards the … [Read more...] about Dog Days of Summer Police K9 event and Touch a Truck at Pataskala Grace Church

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.