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

Thursday Evening Concerts in Preservation Parks

Enjoy free music in at Gallant Woods Park in Delaware with Thursday Evening Concerts from July 3 through August 7, 2025. Concerts are be from 7 - 8:30 pm.  Bring your own picnic dinner; alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park.  Don't forget a blanket or lawn … [Read more...] about Thursday Evening Concerts in Preservation Parks

Head outdoors for Easton Friday Night Flicks

Easton Town Center Friday Night Flicks are BACK for summer 2025! Read below for details and schedule. Bring a blanket and snacks for this outdoor movie series under the stars on Easton Town Square. Beginning at 6PM, enjoy themed treats and entertainment, then get cozy on your blanket … [Read more...] about Head outdoors for Easton Friday Night Flicks

So many Indoor Play Places and Activities for kids around Columbus

When it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy, indoor play is a great way for kids to burn off some energy. Whether you're at home with your children during the week, or you're hanging out with them on the weekends and evenings, sometimes you just need to get out of the house! There are plenty of … [Read more...] about So many Indoor Play Places and Activities for kids around Columbus

Great Wolf Lodge deals and discounts for Sandusky and Cincinnati, plus tips for your visit!

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.

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!

Tunes in the park at Goodale Park Music Series

Head to Goodale Park on select Sundays for free concerts in the park as a part of Goodale Park Music Series.  This five-week, family-friendly event is free to attend and will feature local bands Paisha Thomas, The OG Players, The Whiles, Whitley Jean, and Largemouth Brass Band. The … [Read more...] about Tunes in the park at Goodale Park Music Series

Phoenix Theaters Lennox 24 Free Summer Movie Series

Lennox Town Center 24 is owned by Phoenix Theaters, and you can enjoy FREE family movies with the Free Summer Movie Series. Films are show at 10 am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Doors open at 9 am; seating is limited to auditorium capacity. Admission is totally free, and they are … [Read more...] about Phoenix Theaters Lennox 24 Free Summer Movie Series

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse tickets just $1.75

Figuring out how to entertain the kids for cheap during the summer isn't easy. Cinemark Movie Theatres are bringing back the Summer Movie Clubhouse for 8 weeks of fun family films from June 2 – August 7, 2025. These Summer Movies will be shown on select days at 10 am, and tickets are just … [Read more...] about Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse tickets just $1.75

Free shuttle to Hocking Hills parks on weekends

Hocking Hills, located in Southeast Ohio, is a top tourist destinations and state parks in the United States. It features spectacular hiking trails and stunning natural features including deep gorges, waterfalls, caves. Parking can be limited near the trails, but the Hocking Hills Shuttle can … [Read more...] about Free shuttle to Hocking Hills parks on weekends

Grove City Summer Sizzle Concert Series

The Summer Sizzle Concert Series in Grove City kicks off May 23 and continues on most Fridays through September 19, 2025.  These open-air concerts in the Town Center are sponsored by the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department and feature live entertainment by some of the best acts in … [Read more...] about Grove City Summer Sizzle Concert Series

Indoor Playground at Recreations Outlet open 7 days/week

Imagine your kids playing on huge playground structures, trampolines, basketball courts, swings, and outdoor recreational equipment, no matter what the weather conditions and temperature. At Recreations Outlet in Powell, they can play on the best playground equipment in the huge … [Read more...] about Indoor Playground at Recreations Outlet open 7 days/week

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

Trapper John's Canoe Livery is open for the 2025 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

Upper Arlington Music in the Parks Performance Series

Upper Arlington Music in the Parks brings music to the parks during the summer.  All concerts are free and everyone is welcome. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and arrive early to grab your spot. There will be featured food trucks at each event. Arts on Arlington Thursday, June 12 | … [Read more...] about Upper Arlington Music in the Parks Performance Series

Columbus Air Show Takes Flight in Aug 2025 at Rickenbacker Intl Airport (buy tickets now!)

Get ready to witness the awe-inspiring displays of aviation agility as the Columbus Air Show soars into the skies of Columbus, Ohio. This thrilling spectacle returns August 22-24, 2025. Catch jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers, breathtaking aerial displays, and an up-close looks at an impressive … [Read more...] about Columbus Air Show Takes Flight in Aug 2025 at Rickenbacker Intl Airport (buy tickets now!)

Marcus Theatres Kids Dream Summer Film Series

Get some respite from hot or rainy summer days with a movie at Marcus Theatres with the Kids Dream Summer Film Series - Powered by American Family Insurance.  Admission for Marcus Theatres Kids Dream Summer Film Series Catch $3 family-friendly movies on Sundays through Thursdays from June … [Read more...] about Marcus Theatres Kids Dream Summer Film Series

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.