Columbus on the Cheap

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family activities

Columbus Zoo tickets, discounts, and special events

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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 … [Read more...] about Columbus Zoo tickets, discounts, and special events

Drive in Theaters in Ohio, including Columbus and Central Ohio

We love the vintage feel of a drive in movie experience. I went to the drive-in with my family many times growing up - piled in our station wagon. We've taken our young children to Skyview Drive-in Lancaster, and they loved the experience (even if they didn't make it to the second movie). Drive … [Read more...] about Drive in Theaters in Ohio, including Columbus and Central Ohio

Pumpkin EVERYTHING at The Great Circleville Pumpkin Show

Don't miss the oldest and largest (and highly anticipated) festival in Ohio this fall! The Circleville Pumpkin Show is from Wednesday, October 15 – Saturday, October 18, 2025. This huge pumpkin festival always starts the 3rd Wednesday of October - just in case you need to request off work … [Read more...] about Pumpkin EVERYTHING at The Great Circleville Pumpkin Show

Upper Arlington Fall Fest

Upper Arlington is celebrating the changing season with Fall Fest on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Fancyburg Park. Upper Arlington Fall Fest Take a hay ride and pick and decorate a pumpkin, then allow the kids to bounce, slide, and all the fall fun and … [Read more...] about Upper Arlington Fall Fest

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!

Washington Township Fire Station Open Houses

Kids who are into fire trucks aren't going to want to miss the Washington Township Fire Station Open House on Sunday, October 5, 2025 as a part of Fire Prevention Week. Washington Township Fire Station Open House Meet the firefighters, climb in a fire truck or ambulance, watch a cool … [Read more...] about Washington Township Fire Station Open Houses

Reading Fun: Story times in Columbus

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss Story times were one of my favorite things to do to get out of the house with my kids. They learned so many songs and games at story times, and gave them some playtime with other … [Read more...] about Reading Fun: Story times in Columbus

Second Sundays at Ohio Wildlife Center

On the 2nd Sunday of each month, visit Ohio Wildlife Center Cook Road Education Center in Powell to learn, explore and discover during Second Sundays. The Center sits on 20 acres of woods, wetlands and meadows providing a permanent sanctuary to 59 animals ranging from coyote and fox to hawks, … [Read more...] about Second Sundays at Ohio Wildlife Center

Free Lowe’s DIY Kids Workshops: Sept 20 – Football Spirit Board

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics are so much fun for kids! The learn how to follow directions and safely use tools to create a real project to take home.  Kids who are pre-register for multiple events have a chance to become a Jr. Builder or Sr. Builder to earn recognition and a … [Read more...] about Free Lowe’s DIY Kids Workshops: Sept 20 – Football Spirit Board

Shop the Three Bags Full Consignment Sales

Need to purchase seasonal clothing for your kids, shoes/boots, or athletic gear? Having a baby and need, well, everything? What about books, toys, jewelry, and toys for upcoming holidays? How about some clothing for yourself, or some fun items for your home? Or do you have TOO MUCH STUFF and … [Read more...] about Shop the Three Bags Full Consignment Sales

Visit rescued animals at Open Barn Days at Sunrise Sanctuary

If you're an animal lover, make plans to visit Sunrise Sanctuary for Open Barn Days! You'll meet the dogs, cats, bunnies, and a plethora of farm animals who have been rescued and now call Sunrise "home". Sunrise Sanctuary, Inc. is a non-profit organization that rescues and cares for farmed and … [Read more...] about Visit rescued animals at Open Barn Days at Sunrise Sanctuary

Make and Take at LEGO® Store Easton Town Center: Harry Potter™ Butterbeer Truck

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Head to The LEGO® Store Easton Town Center for FREE seasonal LEGO® Make and Take events. Events are free, and a limited number of kits are available; one per guest.  Come in and Play! Enjoy activities daily in June and July, including a scavenger hunt, building activities, giveaways … [Read more...] about Make and Take at LEGO® Store Easton Town Center: Harry Potter™ Butterbeer Truck

Free Community Day and more at Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is one of the premier botanical gardens in Ohio. It's located just east of Franklin Park approximately two miles from downtown Columbus. If you're looking for things to do in Columbus, this will always be one of our top suggestions! It's fun for … [Read more...] about Free Community Day and more at Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Wild Story Time at Ohio Wildlife Center

Ohio Wildlife Center not only treats 5,000+ animals each year, with the goal of returning them to the wild, they also host educational programs and events for kids and adults. The Center sits on 20 acres of woods, wetlands and meadows providing a permanent sanctuary to 59 animals ranging from … [Read more...] about Wild Story Time at Ohio Wildlife Center

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Boo at the Zoo is merry, not scary!

Get ready for lighthearted Halloween fun without the fright during the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's annual Boo at the Zoo celebration. This merry-not-scary, frightfully delightful event will take place the following weekends of October 2025. October 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26, 2025 Join the … [Read more...] about Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Boo at the Zoo is merry, not scary!

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.