Columbus on the Cheap

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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

Get tickets for Uncorked: Columbus Wine Festival at COSI

Wine lovers, this festival is for you! Get tickets for Uncorked: Columbus Wine Festival at COSI on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Enjoy more than 100 wines and champagnes from across the globe, full access to COSI including interactive exhibits, a custom photo booth and more! This is a 21 … [Read more...] about Get tickets for Uncorked: Columbus Wine Festival at COSI

Westerville Field of Heroes during Memorial Day Weekend

Westerville Field of Heroes is a Memorial Day tradition that honors and remembers our heroes. The annual Field of Heroes, presented by the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club, offers multiple experiences from May 23-26, 2025. The event is at the Westerville Sports Complex at the corner of … [Read more...] about Westerville Field of Heroes during Memorial Day Weekend

All Ohio Balloon Fest in Marysville returns August 2026

The All Ohio Balloon Fest returns to Marysville in 2026 for the 50th anniversary on August 21-22, 2026. There will be over 15+ Hot Air Balloons in the sky, plus helicopter, plane, and balloon rides, live music, food, and beverage.  All Ohio Balloon Fest Each day, the Hot Air … [Read more...] about All Ohio Balloon Fest in Marysville returns August 2026

Memorial Day Parades and Ceremonies around Columbus

Memorial Weekend is often celebrated as the first long weekend of the Summer, when weather has finally warmed up. There are Memorial Day events and ceremonies around Columbus to honor our heroes. Make sure you take time to remember those who gave their lives for our country this Memorial … [Read more...] about Memorial Day Parades and Ceremonies around Columbus

Mother’s Day and ways to celebrate Mom this year

Treat your mom! We've gathered a list of gifts and fun events for Mother's Day, including lots of local options! If you're planning to pickup flowers or plants for mom (or yourself), we have a list of local nurseries and garden centers to get her something pretty. We also have some suggestions on … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day and ways to celebrate Mom this year

Free cup of shaved ice at Kona Ice on Tax Day 2025

Cool your jets on Tax Day with some free shaved ice at Kona Ice trucks! On April 15, Kona Ice is hosting its annual National Chill Out Day. Trucks around the country will be serving FREE cups of shaved ice as a way to chill out from Tax Day. Limit one per person.  The … [Read more...] about Free cup of shaved ice at Kona Ice on Tax Day 2025

Where to go berry picking in Columbus this Spring and Summer

Whether you prefer one type of berry or love them all (like I do), there are so many farms to go berry picking in Columbus and Central Ohio. U-pick berry farms are a must-do summer activity, and below you'll find a huge list of u-pick farms for strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, … [Read more...] about Where to go berry picking in Columbus this Spring and Summer

Over 15 Free Summer Reading Programs in Columbus

Summer reading programs are a great incentive to keep kids reading during the Summer months. Students who read over the summer break tend to avoid the "Summer Slide", or Summer learning loss. Students should be reading at least 10-20 minutes each day, and adults should be reading to non-readers … [Read more...] about Over 15 Free Summer Reading Programs in Columbus

Mother’s Day Weekend at Franklin Park Conservatory

Franklin Park Conservatory has so much to offer for all ages, and your mom will love visiting this incredible attraction for Mother's Day Through July 7, 2024 visit the Blooms and Butterflies Exhibit featuring hundreds of colorful, exotic butterflies flying freely in the Pacific Island Water … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day Weekend at Franklin Park Conservatory

Visit Lancaster’s Skyview Drive-in movie theatre for double feature fun and flea markets

No matter how many years go by, drive-in movies are still fun! We are fortunate to have many drive-in theaters in Ohio, including a couple in Central Ohio. Skyview Drive-in is located in Lancaster, which less than 40 minutes from downtown Columbus! Skyview Drive-in is also having a flea market on … [Read more...] about Visit Lancaster’s Skyview Drive-in movie theatre for double feature fun and flea markets

Late Night Zoombezi Bay Summer Nights and Dive-In Movies

Play all day in the sun at Zoombezi Bay and stay late for Zoombezi Bay Summer Nights on Fridays, June 27 - July 25, 2025. Zoombezi Bay Summer Nights Summer Nights parties mean that the attraction stays open until 10 p.m. and features DJ, extra time on attractions, live entertainment, and … [Read more...] about Late Night Zoombezi Bay Summer Nights and Dive-In Movies

Donate music instruments to the Gift of Music Campaign

Do you have music instruments collecting dust around your house or garage that have been abandoned by your kids (or you)? Clear out your space and donate instruments to give the gift of music. MusicColumbus, formerly The Columbus Music Commission, is hosting a Gift of Music student instrument … [Read more...] about Donate music instruments to the Gift of Music Campaign

Mom’s Day is May 11; here are some Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

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If you haven't bought a Mother's Day gift for the mother(s) in your life, you're running out of time! Mother's Day is Sunday, May 11, 2025.  Whether you’ll be celebrating your mom, stepmom, mother-in-law, mother of your children, or someone you think of as a mom, it’s a holiday that … [Read more...] about Mom’s Day is May 11; here are some Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Memorial Day Weekend at the Columbus Commons

Head to the Columbus Commons over Memorial Day Weekend for 2 days of free events in downtown Columbus. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy family fun, a concert, food trucks, and more! Free Concert! A Song Remains: A Night of Led Zeppelin with The Dark Side of the Moon Friday, May 23, … [Read more...] about Memorial Day Weekend at the Columbus Commons

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.