Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

Events for Families and Kids

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

Roadtrippin’: 20+ things to do with kids in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is less than 2 hours from Columbus and is FULL of things to do with kids. If a bigger vacation isn't in the budget this year, head to Cincinnati for a weekend and check out a few of these fun attractions. You'll find fun activities in Cincinnati for the whole family at a variety of … [Read more...] about Roadtrippin’: 20+ things to do with kids in Cincinnati

National Night Out events around Columbus

National Night Out serves to promote safer communities by bringing together neighbors, police, and firefighters, and is celebrated the first Tuesday of August. Many of the events feature free food, live music, and other fun features. Kids will get to interact with, and watch demonstrations by … [Read more...] about National Night Out events around Columbus

Bob Evans hosts Annual Farm Festival, October 11-13

This fall, the Bob Evans Farm Festival returns for its 53rd year, running from October 10-12, 2025 at the original Bob Evans Farm in Rio Grande, Ohio (about an hour and a half from Columbus).  The annual celebration honors the farming community during the harvest season. Guests will enjoy a … [Read more...] about Bob Evans hosts Annual Farm Festival, October 11-13

Expanded Ohio Sales Tax Holiday for Tax Free Shopping and Dining

Back to school shopping is never cheap. But Ohioans can save even more this year with the expanded Sales and Use Tax - Sales Tax Holiday from the Ohio Department of Taxation. There are changes to the holiday that make it a good deal even if you don't have kids in school! The sale expanded to 10 … [Read more...] about Expanded Ohio Sales Tax Holiday for Tax Free Shopping and Dining

ProMusica Summer Outdoor Music Series

ProMusica is back with a 3 days of outdoor music! ProMusica Summer Music Series brings three 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 … [Read more...] about ProMusica Summer Outdoor Music Series

Central Ohio Fire Museum

Housed in a restored 1908 firehouse, the Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center is a hidden gem in downtown Columbus. It's such a fun place to take kids, and it's perfect for when you just want to spend an hour or two. Located at 260 N. 4th St., the museum is dedicated to preserving … [Read more...] about Central Ohio Fire Museum

Urban Air Launches Unlimited Play Summer Pass- Indoor Fun all Summer

Looking for an easy way to keep kids active and entertained all summer long—without melting in the heat? Urban Air Adventure Park has launched its new Unlimited Play Summer Pass, offering 120 days of unlimited fun starting at just $59.99. Available now at locations nationwide (including … [Read more...] about Urban Air Launches Unlimited Play Summer Pass- Indoor Fun all Summer

Pickle Fest, Farm market and upcoming U-pick at Branstool Orchards (and a fun play area!)

Branstool Orchards is one of our favorite u-pick orchards to visit in Central Ohio. We always pick peaches and apples (sometimes twice) each year, and they have so many offerings from Summer through Fall.  Located in Utica, Branstool Orchards is about 40 minutes from Columbus, and it's … [Read more...] about Pickle Fest, Farm market and upcoming U-pick at Branstool Orchards (and a fun play area!)

Butterfly Weekend at Blendon Woods

Learn about amazing life cycle and 2,000 mile journey of the monarch butterfly at Blendon Woods Butterfly Weekend from August 30 - September 1, 2025 Butterfly Weekend The festival celebrates the 2,000 mile journey of the monarch butterfly and will feature live butterflies, displays, videos and … [Read more...] about Butterfly Weekend at Blendon Woods

U-pick: where to go Apple picking in Columbus

Orchard season is starting soon, so get ready to go peach picking and apple picking in Columbus! Peach season is in July and August, and apple season typically runs from July to early November, wrapping up with my favorite variety, Goldrush!  I've gathered a list of the 12 best places for … [Read more...] about U-pick: where to go Apple picking in Columbus

Columbus Women and Girls’ Fest at Maroon Arts Box Park with headliner Detroit Diamond

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 23, 2025 from 12 pm - 6 pm at Maroon Arts … [Read more...] about Columbus Women and Girls’ Fest at Maroon Arts Box Park with headliner Detroit Diamond

Columbus ArborFest at Whetstone Park

Don't miss the return of Columbus ArborFest at Whetstone Park on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 12-5 pm. Columbus ArborFest is a celebration of the trees, plants, waterways, animals, and insects of Columbus. The festival is free to attend. There is live music, food trucks, local … [Read more...] about Columbus ArborFest at Whetstone 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 23, 2025 from 10 am - 12:30 pm. Kids will explore their favorite vehicles including fire engines, police cars, snow plows, … [Read more...] about Explore city vehicles and more at New Albany Touch a Truck

Hot Times Community Music and Arts Festival

The Hot Times Community Music and Arts Festival is on the lawns of the Columbus Health Department (240 Parsons Ave) from September 5-7, 2025. The festival is an independent and all volunteer driven community arts and music festival, and is the largest gathering of "art cars" in Central … [Read more...] about Hot Times Community Music and Arts Festival

Living on the Cheap

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