Columbus on the Cheap

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family activities

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!

KidsLinked Children’s Festival, Disabilities Festival, and 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 Children’s Festival, Disabilities Festival, and Back to School Bashes

BrewDog DogTap Columbus is the Ultimate Hangout Spot

Brewdog DogTap Columbus is a must-visit brewery in Central Ohio! It's a destination in itself! Guests enjoy a fantastic menu of food and beer, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating in a park-like setting, dog park, beer museum, games, fire pits special events and more. You can even stay at the … [Read more...] about BrewDog DogTap Columbus is the Ultimate Hangout Spot

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson and discount at Zoombezi Bay

Make sure your kids know how to swim so they can stay safe this summer! Kick start (or refresh) their swimming abilities with a giant swimming lesson at Zoombezi Bay. With summertime fun, comes sad news stories of kids drowning in pools and other bodies of water.  Kids are going to … [Read more...] about World’s Largest Swimming Lesson and discount at Zoombezi Bay

Visit the Hartford Fair: “The Biggest Little Fair in the World”

Ohio LOVES fairs, and if you haven't visited the Hartford Fair before, put it on the calendar for this year for August 9-15, 2026. Located in Croton, just north of Johnstown, the Hartford Fair is only 30-40 minutes from much of Columbus. The first Hartford Fair was in 1858, and in all of … [Read more...] about Visit the Hartford Fair: “The Biggest Little Fair in the World”

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

Trapper John's Canoe Livery is open for the 2026 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

Over 20 Free Splash Pads in Columbus

Stay up-to-date with which splash pads are open in Columbus! There are over 20 splash pads and water play areas in the city where you can cool off during hot weather! Splash pads are the perfect place to visit during the hottest part of the day when you don't want to commit to the hassle (and … [Read more...] about Over 20 Free Splash Pads in Columbus

All Ohio Reptile Show with dragons, pythons, and frogs – now even bigger!

Are you a fan of creepy, crawly, scaly, and slithery things? Check out the All Ohio Reptile Show located at the Franklin County Fairgrounds each month! The largest Reptile Sale and Show in Ohio has been held since 1988! Each month, professional dealers/vendors offer a wide variety of reptiles … [Read more...] about All Ohio Reptile Show with dragons, pythons, and frogs – now even bigger!

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

Fourth Street Fridays with food, fun, and community

Get ready for a summer night to remember! Fourth Street Fridays features festive evenings full of community vibes, local eats, and more.      From 6 to 10 p.m., North Fourth Street will transform into an open-air celebration with live music, food and drink specials, games, … [Read more...] about Fourth Street Fridays with food, fun, and community

Celebrate 614 Day in Columbus on 6/14

614 isn't just an area code...it's a community! Celebrate Columbus on June 14 (6/14), with 614 Day!  What is 614 Day? What started as a small celebration has turned into a citywide party at various location with special events, live music, and more!  It's a great day to eat local, … [Read more...] about Celebrate 614 Day in Columbus on 6/14

Heritage Music Festival Concert Series at King Lincoln District

The Mt. Vernon corridor of the King Lincoln District will be rocking with Jazz, Classical R&B, inspirational and Blues with the Heritage Music Festival Concert Series with the King Arts Complex. This free concert series features show on select Thursdays evenings in July and August. Bring your … [Read more...] about Heritage Music Festival Concert Series at King Lincoln District

2026 Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival bring top musicians

The Annual Creekside Blues and Jazz Fest returns to the Creekside District on June 19-21, 2026 for the 27th year! The event brings the top regional and national blues and jazz talent to Gahanna on 3 stages, food vendors, retail vendors, and more. Creekside Blues and Jazz … [Read more...] about 2026 Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival bring top musicians

Columbus Clippers Games and Promotions

The Columbus Clippers games offer exciting baseball action in a great ballpark in downtown Columbus! The season opens in April, so make plans to see a game soon! Tickets start as low as $11 for adults and $8 for kids under 12 and seniors over 60! There are tons of promotions going on through … [Read more...] about Columbus Clippers Games and Promotions

Delaware County Fair, Little Brown Jug and All Horse Parade

The Delaware County Fair runs from September 19-26, 2026, and features The Little Brown Jug on September 24, 2026. The fair is always preceded by the All Horse Parade, so mark your calendar for all events! Delaware All Horse Parade  But before the fair starts, don't miss the All … [Read more...] about Delaware County Fair, Little Brown Jug and All Horse Parade

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.