Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

Staycation/vacation

Great Wolf Lodge deals and discounts for Sandusky and Cincinnati

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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 … [Read more...] about Great Wolf Lodge deals and discounts for Sandusky and Cincinnati

Fun and Tasty Adventure Trails in Ohio

Whether you're a foodie, love a good drink, or you just want to explore, these tasty and fun trails will take you on an adventure in Ohio. Take a day or weekend to complete a trail, or take all year! Some adventure trails offer a prize at the end, but if not, you'll enjoy the treats and the … [Read more...] about Fun and Tasty Adventure Trails in Ohio

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 lakes … [Read more...] about Best Places for Canoeing and Kayaking in Columbus

Franklin Park Conservatory discounts, Chihuly Nights, Pumpkins Aglow, and more

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is Central Ohio’s premier botanical garden, just east of Franklin Park approximately two miles from downtown Columbus. Explore 13 acres of botanical biomes, stunning gardens, art installations and exhibitions, and seasonal attractions as you wander … [Read more...] about Franklin Park Conservatory discounts, Chihuly Nights, Pumpkins Aglow, and more

Visit Velvet Ice Cream: “Fall Into Fall” at Ye Olde Mill

Velvet Ice Cream Factory is a perfect day trip in the summer and fall! Originally built in 1817, Ye Olde Mill is home to Velvet Ice Cream’s corporate offices in Utica. Get food or ice cream from the turn of the century ice cream parlor restaurant. There's plenty of outdoor patio seating, and … [Read more...] about Visit Velvet Ice Cream: “Fall Into Fall” at Ye Olde Mill

Safari in Ohio: Take a Wilds Tour!

Looking for something interesting to do this summer?  Explore The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio, with over 9,000 acres of open range habitat for rare and endangered species. Go on a Wilds Tour via open air safari, horseback, and more! They have plenty of adventures and even some free … [Read more...] about Safari in Ohio: Take a Wilds Tour!

Columbus Zoo tickets and discounts, plus Adventure Cove and new babies!

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Columbus - for good reason! Our Zoo is amazing and regularly ranks as one of the best Zoos in the U.S. There's so much to enjoy this year at the Zoo, including new exhibits and new babies. With tons of outdoor exhibits and miles … [Read more...] about Columbus Zoo tickets and discounts, plus Adventure Cove and new babies!

Best photography locations in Columbus

Is it time to update your family photos? Spring, Summer, and Fall are all great season to take outdoor photos, and provide a variety of scenery. In the spring you'll have bright greenery, budding trees, and early flowers. Summertime features lush green and an abundance of flowers, including roses, … [Read more...] about Best photography locations in Columbus

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 12 family-owned businesses with a combined 300+ years of donut-making … [Read more...] about Sweetest Trail in Ohio: Butler County Donut Trail

Summer bucket list of free and cheap fun for kids in Columbus

Every year, we publish a Summer Bucket List full of free and cheap fun for kids and families such as festivals, outdoor concerts and movies, community events and more. This year is different. Things are reopening, but many public events are still cancelled, or will be modified. In addition, … [Read more...] about Summer bucket list of free and cheap fun for kids in Columbus

Rent an RV for summer vacation or travel

Some of the links in this post are special! When you make a purchase through our links, we might earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Vacations and travel are a little different this year. Trips to crowded tourist attractions have been cancelled in lieu of outdoor adventures and nature. Flights and hotels have been cancelled; and roadtrips and campgrounds have been booked. If you don't have the gear or desire to camp in a tent, … [Read more...] about Rent an RV for summer vacation or travel

Free days at U.S. national parks

America's Best Idea — our national parks — is even better when admission is free! Mark your calendar now for entrance fee-free dates for the coming year. On these dates, FREE entrance is available to 133 National Parks across the country that normally charge a fee. During the fee-free days, the … [Read more...] about Free days at U.S. national parks

Visit Kings Island; no reservations required

Kings Island is open for the rest of the Summer season! With roller coasters, rides, Planet Snoopy kids’ area, and Soak City, you'll find hours of fun for the whole family. Kings Island amusement park has put stringent health, safety and hygiene protocols in place to allow a safe opening. … [Read more...] about Visit Kings Island; no reservations required

List of Free Splash Pads in Columbus for 2020

Stay up-to-date with which splash pads are open in Columbus! There are 15 splash pads and water play areas in the city, but many have not announced reopening plans.  Splash pads that are staffed and can control the amount of kids using it at once may be able to reopen earlier. … [Read more...] about List of Free Splash Pads in Columbus for 2020

Outdoor Public Pools open in Columbus for 2020

Sometimes it's just too hot to be outside without being in a pool. If you don't have a friend or family member to visit with a pool, head to one of these public pools in Columbus to cool off. Many have closed for the 2020 season, but there are still several you can visit this summer! Check out the … [Read more...] about Outdoor Public Pools open in Columbus for 2020

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.