Columbus on the Cheap

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family activities

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!

The Irish Fairy Door Trail in Dublin is fun for the whole family

This adventure trail is just for the kids, but you'll have fun exploring too! Bring the kids to historic Dublin to find the tiny magical fairy doors in 12 downtown businesses with the Irish Fairy Door Trail. Irish Fairy Door Trail To start, download the Trail Guide, or pick one up at Dublin … [Read more...] about The Irish Fairy Door Trail in Dublin is fun for the whole family

1000’s of carved pumpkins at The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow

The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow returns to Heritage Park in Westerville! Wind your way through the enchanting trail of 1,500 carved glowing pumpkins. There are fun activities included with admission for more of a festival experience.   The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow From … [Read more...] about 1000’s of carved pumpkins at The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow

Johnson’s Real Ice Cream 75th Anniversary Celebration

Johnson’s Real Ice Cream is marking 75 sweet years with a community celebration at its original Bexley shop (2728 E. Main St.) on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The anniversary event features a full day of family fun, live music, and plenty of ice cream - plus a discount at other … [Read more...] about Johnson’s Real Ice Cream 75th Anniversary Celebration

Caverns, animals, and adventure at Olentangy Caverns

Get out of the house and spend a couple of hours at Olentangy Caverns just north of Columbus. If it's your first time there, you'll wonder why you've never gone before! They opened for the season on March 21, 2025, and there's still plenty of time to visit! There's so much to do...from caverns, … [Read more...] about Caverns, animals, and adventure at Olentangy Caverns

Stratford Ecological Center Fall Harvest Fair

Celebrate the fall season on the farm with the annual Fall Harvest Fair at Stratford Ecological Center is Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 10 am - 2 pm. Kids of all ages can discover their inner farmer at this family friendly event. Climb a tractor, get your face painted, feed the … [Read more...] about Stratford Ecological Center Fall Harvest Fair

Fall Fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy

Young's Jersey Dairy is a must-see attraction in Central, Ohio. It's located in Yellow Springs, Ohio, which is less than an hour west of Columbus, which makes it perfect for a day trip. They host seasonal events and activities throughout the year, and there's always plenty to explore...plus, Ice … [Read more...] about Fall Fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy

See TBDBITL Skull Sessions before home Ohio State football games!

Get ready for the Skull Sessions with the OSU Marching Band at Ohio State University football games! Plus, you can watch TBDBITL rehearse before the season starts! Read below for details on how you can watch The Ohio State Marching Band this year - for free! Ohio State Football Tickets can … [Read more...] about See TBDBITL Skull Sessions before home Ohio State football games!

Shadowbox Live and Free Concerts at Columbus Commons

Free concerts are in full swing at Columbus Commons this summer, so grab your dancing shoes and head to the Commons with friends for some outdoor music. Bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs, but leave the coolers at home - drinks and food are available for purchase. Columbus Commons Concert … [Read more...] about Shadowbox Live and Free Concerts at Columbus Commons

Build-a-Bear Count Your Candles Birthday Treat Bear

Build-a-Bear has a birthday treat that your kiddos will love! Bring a birthday kid into a store during their birthday month and "pay their age" for a special Birthday Treat Bear, plus special birthday fun!  Read below for more tips on how to save money at Build-a-Bear and make the most of … [Read more...] about Build-a-Bear Count Your Candles Birthday Treat Bear

Animals, Wagon rides, and Fall Festival at The Farm at Walnut Creek

Looking for more animal experiences in Ohio? You'll want to put The Farm at Walnut Creek on your to-do list for this Spring, Summer, or Fall. I know we plan to go back this year!  The Farm at Walnut Creek is located in Amish Country, in Sugarcreek, Ohio. You'll find over 500 animals, … [Read more...] about Animals, Wagon rides, and Fall Festival at The Farm at Walnut Creek

Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival at Westerville Sports Complex

Celebrate America's favorite pastime with one of the nation's largest Vintage Base Ball festivals on August 30 - 31, 2025 at the Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival at Westerville Sports Complex, 325 N. Cleveland Ave.  See over vintage base ball teams from across the nation compete … [Read more...] about Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival at Westerville Sports Complex

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.