Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

Events for Families and Kids

Trick or Treat and Food Allergies: Teal Pumpkin Project (plus Halloween party favor options)

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Halloween is a fun holiday for kids- with the fun decorations, costumes, and of course, the treats. Kids who suffer from food allergies or have special dietary restrictions such as diabetes, are somewhat limited with trick or treating.  FARE, or Food Allergy Research & … [Read more...] about Trick or Treat and Food Allergies: Teal Pumpkin Project (plus Halloween party favor options)

Find cheap Halloween costumes, or DIY with 100+ options!

Halloween is coming, so if you still need Halloween costumes for you or your kids, we have some ideas of where to get them - on the cheap! Before long, the stores will be running low on options, so why spend $30 for a generic, poorly fitting nylon costume when you could get creative for much … [Read more...] about Find cheap Halloween costumes, or DIY with 100+ options!

TopGolf Columbus discounts: 1/2 price M-TH, $15 weekday mornings, Late nights, and more!

Topgolf doesn't have a season! Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter are all good times to play at Topgolf Columbus. Whether you "think" you're a pro, or you are just getting into the swing of golf, Topgolf is a great place to practice. Not that into golf? No big deal - it's a fun place to hang out … [Read more...] about TopGolf Columbus discounts: 1/2 price M-TH, $15 weekday mornings, Late nights, and more!

IKEA Columbus: Monthly craft night, Anniversary Party, Trick or Treat

IKEA Columbus holds a variety of activities and workshops through the year. Registration may be required for some, and most require you join the IKEA FAMILY member program - it's free! IKEA Family You must be an IKEA Family member to qualify for the sale, but it's quick and easy (and free) to … [Read more...] about IKEA Columbus: Monthly craft night, Anniversary Party, Trick or Treat

Fire Dept. Open Houses in Columbus for Fire Prevention Week

Gather up your little firefighters and learn all about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week from October 5-11, 2025. Many fire stations around Columbus will be holding events through the week to educate and entertain, and teach your family how to stay safe.  The theme for this Fire … [Read more...] about Fire Dept. Open Houses in Columbus for Fire Prevention Week

Annual Dublin Halloween Spooktacular and Trick or Treat Trail (Oct 16-17)

The City of Dublin’s annual Halloween Spooktacular is coming to Coffman Park on October 16-17, 2025.  City of Dublin Halloween Spooktacular Coffman Park will be full of merry, not scary family fun. Guests of all ages can come in costume and enjoy this ghoulish … [Read more...] about Annual Dublin Halloween Spooktacular and Trick or Treat Trail (Oct 16-17)

Visit Dawes Arboretum: Fall fun and foliage

Head to Licking County to enjoy acres of nature at Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio. Home to over 5300 different types of plants with more than 15,400 plants on grounds, you'll find new things to explore every time you visit. What you'll find at Dawe's Located about 30 minutes east of Columbus, … [Read more...] about Visit Dawes Arboretum: Fall fun and foliage

Guide to all the free Fall fun at the Columbus Metro Parks

The Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks are one of the great overlooked resources in our city - and nearly every program is free! With 20+ locations, you're never far from several Columbus Metro Parks. You'll find 75 miles of bike trails, 230 miles of trails, natural play areas, and so much … [Read more...] about Guide to all the free Fall fun at the Columbus Metro Parks

Howl-O-Ween and Spooky fun with Ohio Wildlife Center

Join the Ohio Wildlife Center for some fall fun and spooky adventures this fall, including Harvest Fest, Tri-C Ghost Hunters, and Howl-O-Ween. Note: some animals may not be on display during these events due to renovations. Harvest Fest September 27, 2025 | 4:00pm-7:00pm Celebrate the … [Read more...] about Howl-O-Ween and Spooky fun with Ohio Wildlife Center

Franklin County Engineer’s Office Touch-And-Ride-A-Truck (Oct 16)

The Franklin County Engineer's Office (FCEO) brings back the annual Touch-And-Ride-A-Truck event at Fortress Obetz on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Kids and families will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of trucks, equipment, and service … [Read more...] about Franklin County Engineer’s Office Touch-And-Ride-A-Truck (Oct 16)

Free Fall fun at Preservation Parks in Delaware

Preservation Parks in Delaware County offer lots of free events for the whole family all year long. Whether you just go explore the parks, or you attend events, you'll find plenty to do while enjoying some fresh air - and it's all FREE. Year Round fun at Preservation Parks Letterbox … [Read more...] about Free Fall fun at Preservation Parks in Delaware

The Great Gahanna Goblin Fest – Oct 24

Gahanna’s Department of Parks & Recreation is holding their annual Halloween celebration with The Great Gahanna Goblin Fest on Friday, October 24, 2025. Gahanna Goblin Fest The FREE event is from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm, and includes all of your favorite Halloween and fall activities. Kids will … [Read more...] about The Great Gahanna Goblin Fest – Oct 24

Spooky fun at the Haunted Village in Pickerington – Oct 23

Head to Pickerington for Halloween fun for everyone at the free Haunted Village on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 6-8 pm.  Haunted Village Activities Olde Pickerington Haunted Village will be full of Halloween spirit and treats! Dress up in your favorite costume and get ready for some … [Read more...] about Spooky fun at the Haunted Village in Pickerington – Oct 23

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

Learn all about bats at the Ohio Bat Fest in Cincinnati

As part of International Bat Week, the first annual Ohio Bat Festival is on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 12 pm - 5 pm at Maple Ridge Lodge in Cincinnati. Ohio Bat Fest The Ohio Bat Fest is a fun, family-friendly, educational event on the Saturday before Halloween. While it was … [Read more...] about Learn all about bats at the Ohio Bat Fest in Cincinnati

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.