Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

travel

Great Wolf Lodge deals and discounts for Sandusky and Cincinnati

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

Asian Lantern Festival at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Take a daytrip or overnight to Cleveland to check out the Asian Lantern Festival presented by Cleveland Clinic Children’s at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This unique and safe festival is held through Sunday, September 20, and features a full walk-through event as well as a drive-through option on … [Read more...] about Asian Lantern Festival at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

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!

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

Free Pre-K Pass at Cedar Point for kids ages 3-5

If you have preschool kids and love amusement parks, you don't want to miss this amazing deal! Sign your preschoolers up for a Free Pre-K Pass at Cedar Point for kids ages 3-5 and introduce them to all of the fun that Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores Water Park have to offer. Cedar … [Read more...] about Free Pre-K Pass at Cedar Point for kids ages 3-5

Cedar Point reopens in July: reservations, masks required

Need some thrills in your life after a boring start to summer at home? Cedar Point reopens in July with a phased reopening, required reservations, masks required, and safety plan in place. Cedar Point Reopening Phases June 12-17: Cedar Point’s Hotel Breakers and Lighthouse Point RV sites open … [Read more...] about Cedar Point reopens in July: reservations, masks required

Free Fishing Days in Ohio

Get the family to some water for National Fishing and Boating Week, a celebration of fishing and boating the first week of June every year. The week highlights the benefits of recreational boating and fishing, as well as preserving our country's natural beauty. Each state celebrates different … [Read more...] about Free Fishing Days in Ohio

Fun Family Getaway: Comfort Inn Splash Harbor

Looking for a fun and inexpensive family getaway close to Columbus?  Enjoy indoor waterpark fun for the price of a hotel room at Comfort Inn Splash Harbor in Bellville, about an hour from Columbus.  With room rates starting at less than $100 depending on the season, it's an affordable … [Read more...] about Fun Family Getaway: Comfort Inn Splash Harbor

AAA Great Vacations Travel Expo

The annual AAA Great Vacations Travel Expo is coming to Columbus on February 7-9, 2020 at Ohio Expo Center.  Get ideas for your next big vacation by talking to travel experts and checking out vacation packages. There are lots of special guests and interactive activities for the family. … [Read more...] about AAA Great Vacations Travel Expo

Roadtrippin’: 20+ things to do with kids in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is less than 2 hours from Columbus and is FULL of things to do with kids.  If a bigger vacation isn't in the budget this year, head to Cincinnati for a weekend and check out a few of these fun attractions.  You'll find fun activities in Cincinnati for the whole family at a … [Read more...] about Roadtrippin’: 20+ things to do with kids in Cincinnati

Free kid admission at Newport Aquarium with adult admission

Looking for a fun day trip this dreary winter? You won't have your toes in the sand, but you'll feel like you're at the ocean at Newport Aquarium near Cincinnati.  Get one free kid admission at Newport Aquarium with each adult paying full price of $24.99 during Winter Family Days.  … [Read more...] about Free kid admission at Newport Aquarium with adult admission

Military families get free annual pass to national parks

Our National Parks are something to be treasured, and the people who protect the land (and all our country) are rewarded with free admission passes to enjoy these parks. Active-duty military personnel and their dependents can receive an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation … [Read more...] about Military families get free annual pass to national parks

Baby Gators and BOGO admission at Newport Aquarium

You won't have your toes in the sand, but you'll feel like you're at the ocean at Newport Aquarium.  Whether you make it a long weekend in Cincinnati or head there for the day, you'll find plenty to explore for hours. Get BOGO tickets through November 3 to celebrate the new baby … [Read more...] about Baby Gators and BOGO admission at Newport Aquarium

Kids ride free on Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Head to Northeast Ohio to ride the rails with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad with your favorite little train lovers!  The CVSR, located in Northeast, Ohio runs through Cuyahoga Valley National Park on 33,000 acres of land from Independence to Akron. CVSR Runs August Kids Ride … [Read more...] about Kids ride free on Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

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.