Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

Events for Families and Kids

Teachers get free admission to COSI

COSI, Columbus' Dynamic Hands-On Science Center supports our educators and teachers with free admission at COSI! Teachers get free admission to COSI, and receive a $30 discount on memberships.  COSI is FULL of fun for all ages, featuring classic and traveling exhibits, Live Shows, … [Read more...] about Teachers get free admission to COSI

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

15 Sunflower Fields in Central Ohio

Visiting a sunflower field is a "must do" in late summer or fall, and fields are popping up all over. Grab your family or friends, and get ready to post your sunny pics on IG when you visit one of these sunflower fields around Central Ohio (or a little further). Most fields won't bloom until … [Read more...] about 15 Sunflower Fields in Central Ohio

Discover the Enchanting Topiary Park in the Discovery District | Free Events this Summer

Located in the heart of the Discovery District Topiary Garden Park is a 9+ acre public park that is home to a sculpted evergreen garden depicting Georges Seurat’s 1887 A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte.  Topiary Park The park is filled with topiaries shaped into … [Read more...] about Discover the Enchanting Topiary Park in the Discovery District | Free Events this Summer

Explore at the Touch a Truck in Westerville

Kids love getting and up-close look and exploring emergency vehicles, construction equipment, and other vehicles at touch a truck events. Bring them to the Touch a Truck in Westerville on Friday, August 8, 2025 from 10 am - 12 pm at the Westerville Sports Complex. Check out fire trucks … [Read more...] about Explore at the Touch a Truck in Westerville

Dino-Mite Kids Week (and free dino pancakes) at Sunny Street Cafe

It's a Dino-Mite week at Sunny Street Cafe!  Kids can enjoy FREE famous Dino Pancakes all week long, Monday - Friday, July 14- July 18, 2025 at all Sunny Street CafĂ© locations! In addition to the free amazing dino pancakes, kids will enjoy fun dinosaur games and activities. Expect … [Read more...] about Dino-Mite Kids Week (and free dino pancakes) at Sunny Street Cafe

Columbus Festival for Good features local social enterprises

Find the helpers in the community at the Columbus Festival for Good. Have fun. Do good. Learn about some of the Central Ohio businesses founded to create social impact in their communities. Find out how they give back and support growth and development in our neighborhoods, and how you can … [Read more...] about Columbus Festival for Good features local social enterprises

Great Wolf Lodge deals and discounts for Sandusky and Cincinnati, plus tips for your visit!

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Looking for a fun and quick getaway that the kids will LOVE? Columbus has not one, but two Great Wolf Lodge locations within easy driving distance!  Groupon is currently offering special deals for Great Wolf Lodge in Cincinnati and Sandusky (as well as other locations around the … [Read more...] about Great Wolf Lodge deals and discounts for Sandusky and Cincinnati, plus tips for your visit!

Tunes in the park at Goodale Park Music Series

Head to Goodale Park on select Sundays for free concerts in the park as a part of Goodale Park Music Series.  This five-week, family-friendly event is free to attend and will feature local bands Paisha Thomas, The OG Players, The Whiles, Whitley Jean, and Largemouth Brass Band. The … [Read more...] about Tunes in the park at Goodale Park Music Series

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

Get on the water with Trapper John’s Canoe Livery on Big Darby Creek

Trapper John's Canoe Livery is open for the 2025 season!  Spring and Summer are here, and canoeing is a great option during the dog days AND once we head into fall and the leave start to change. Trapper John's Canoeing is about 15-20 minutes south of the city on Big Darby Creek and … [Read more...] about Get on the water with Trapper John’s Canoe Livery on Big Darby Creek

St Timothy Festival on the Green

 Don't miss the St. Timothy Festival on the Green on July 11-12, 2025 for foods, drinks, games, raffle, live music, casino, rides, and more!  St. Tim's Festival Fun Enjoy live music each night at the west end of the parish grounds, near the beer truck, and on the big stage at the … [Read more...] about St Timothy Festival on the Green

Free Pre-K Pass at Cedar Point for kids ages 3-5 (with adult season pass)

Are you ready to think of warmer weather fun? If you have preschool kids and love amusement parks, you don't want to miss this amazing deal! Sign your preschoolers up for a Free Pre-K Pass at Cedar Point for kids ages 3-5 and introduce them to all of the fun that Cedar Point and Cedar Point … [Read more...] about Free Pre-K Pass at Cedar Point for kids ages 3-5 (with adult season pass)

Beat the Heat with Free and Cheap Indoor Fun in Columbus

We’ve officially hit the part of summer where just stepping outside can make you feel like a melted popsicle. If you’re looking for ways to stay cool without blowing your budget, check out these free and cheap indoor (and splashy) family-friendly activities around Columbus! đź’¦ Water Fun Indoor … [Read more...] about Beat the Heat with Free and Cheap Indoor Fun in Columbus

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.