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

Harvest Fair at Columbus Commons – Sep 12

Now that fall is here, enjoy the season at the Harvest Fair at Columbus Commons on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.  Harvest Fair at Columbus Commons The Harvest Fair will feature a day of family-friendly rides, games, and entertainment. Families can enjoy bounce … [Read more...] about Harvest Fair at Columbus Commons – Sep 12

PetPeople Puppypalooza with the Columbus Clippers

Puppies and baseball are a few of America's favorite things. The Columbus Clippers brings together again for Pet People Puppypalooza events at Huntington Park this season. Seating during the Event will be sections 22, 23, 24, 25 along the left-field line. The area immediately behind these … [Read more...] about PetPeople Puppypalooza with the Columbus Clippers

Explore the Magical Fairy Trail and Nature Playscape in Granville

  Need to get out of the house for a little fun? The Fairy Trail at Infirmary Park in Granville, Ohio is open for the season May through September 2026. Take the kids on an adventure through the woods and keep an eye out for fairies as you find approximately 30 little fairy homes, … [Read more...] about Explore the Magical Fairy Trail and Nature Playscape in Granville

Canine Companions DogFest North Central celebrates dogs – Sept 20

Join the fun at DogFest North Central! This family- and dog-friendly community event that brings dog lovers together for a great cause on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Spend the day at DogFest and celebrate our canine friends and heroes that bring joy to our lives. All funds raised benefit … [Read more...] about Canine Companions DogFest North Central celebrates dogs – Sept 20

Free 2026 outdoor concert roundup around Columbus

Make a plan to enjoy free outdoor concerts around Columbus this summer! There is so much live music to enjoy this summer throughout Central Ohio every night of the week. These concerts make great outings for the family, a date, or with your friends. Check out our list of outdoor music … [Read more...] about Free 2026 outdoor concert roundup around Columbus

KidX Candy Crawl at Polaris Fashion Place

KidX Club at Polaris Fashion Place brings kids together with FREE activities that inspire them to explore their world. Kids will have fun, playful and educational experiences at the events throughout the year. KidX Club at Polaris Fashion Place KidX Candy Crawl October 26, 2026 5:00 pm – … [Read more...] about KidX Candy Crawl at Polaris Fashion Place

Free admission and events for National Park Week

Enjoy summer at one of 400+ National Parks during National Park Week, August 22-30, 2026. You’ll enjoy free admission on August 25, 2026, so plan your trip to visit one of these great parks! Many National Parks are just a car ride away. You can plan your visit by what you want to do, … [Read more...] about Free admission and events for National Park Week

The Bexley Main Event and Bexley Jazz in the Park

Get outside and enjoy free outdoor movies and music in Bexley this summer! The Bexley Main event features family-friendly movies under the stars at Main Street Lawn at Capital University. Bexley Jazz in the Park brings four different bands from the central Ohio region to Havenwood Park this … [Read more...] about The Bexley Main Event and Bexley Jazz in the Park

Sweetest Trail in Ohio: Butler County Donut Trail

You've heard of bar crawls, wine trails, coffee crawls, and other treks for goodness, but here's one you don't want to miss. Butler County is home to the popular Donut Trail in Ohio. The Butler County Donut Trail features 10  family-owned businesses with hundreds of years of combined … [Read more...] about Sweetest Trail in Ohio: Butler County Donut Trail

KidsLinked Back to School Bashes

KidsLinked.com puts of fun and free festivals throughout the year all over the city. These KidsFest events are planned with kids and parents in mind! They featured fun and freebies, scavenger hunts, games, and activities for kids, plus vendors with great resources for parents.  Past … [Read more...] about KidsLinked Back to School Bashes

Back to school deal: $12 haircuts for students at JCP Salons

A new school year calls for new supplies, new shoes, new clothes, and new haircut. To help kids go back to school with style, JCP Salons are offering $12 haircuts, or 30% off hair styling of $30 or more to students in grades K-College.  Plus teachers get an extra 10% off their purchase with … [Read more...] about Back to school deal: $12 haircuts for students at JCP Salons

Book sales and fun events at Upper Arlington Public Library

Upper Arlington Public Library offers many fun and educational programs for children ages 0-18 through the Youth Services program, as well as events for adults, all year long. With three branches in the UAPL system, you'll always find something to do! Friends of the Upper Arlington Library Book … [Read more...] about Book sales and fun events at Upper Arlington Public Library

Granville Concerts on the Green at Bryn Du Mansion

Visit Granville for Concerts on the Green throughout the Summer. Just a short drive from Columbus, make sure you come early to visit the downtown restaurants and shops!  2026 Granville Concert on the Green Enjoy FREE performances on the Back Lawn of the Bryn Du Mansion. Concerts start … [Read more...] about Granville Concerts on the Green at Bryn Du Mansion

Visit Dawes Arboretum for stunning nature and fun events

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 for stunning nature and fun events

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.