Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

Trips and Travel

Great Wolf Lodge deals and discounts for Sandusky and Cincinnati

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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

Get Away Safely! Rent an RV for Fall travel

Sponsored by RVshare.com It's time to plan your fall getaways! Make plans to check out the changing leaves and travel during the cooler fall weather. One of the best ways to do that is to rent an RV for your fall travel or weekend getaways.  The open road is stretched out before you, and … [Read more...] about Get Away Safely! Rent an RV for Fall travel

Marmon Valley Farm Harvest Roundup, Country Christmas, Horseback Rides, and more

Enjoy fun on the farm at Marmon Valley Farm in Zanesfield, Ohio. Located just 35 minutes northwest of Dublin, the farm is a great place to spend a couple of hours with kids. Enjoy a hayride or trail ride through the scenic hills Logan County, play in the Play Barn, visit the animals, and try out the … [Read more...] about Marmon Valley Farm Harvest Roundup, Country Christmas, Horseback Rides, and more

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

Fall Festival at The Farm at Walnut Creek, plus Drive-thru or Wagon Rides

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!  The Farm at Walnut Creek is located in Amish Country, in Sugarcreek, Ohio. You'll find over 500 animals, including species … [Read more...] about Fall Festival at The Farm at Walnut Creek, plus Drive-thru or Wagon Rides

Visit Dawes Arboretum in Newark for events, free visit days, and more

Head to Licking County to enjoy acres of nature at Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio. Home to over 5300 different types of plants with more than 15,400 plants on grounds, you'll find new things to explore every time you visit. Located about 30 minutes east of Columbus, Dawes Arboretum features … [Read more...] about Visit Dawes Arboretum in Newark for events, free visit days, and more

Take a literary adventure on The Ohio Literary Trail

Book lovers can go on an adventure trail across Ohio with the Ohio Literary Trail. Created by the Ohioana Library Association, the Literary Trail spotlight's Ohio's role in shaping culture and literature worldwide.  There are over 70 literary sites across Ohio to visit on the Trail map. … [Read more...] about Take a literary adventure on The Ohio Literary Trail

Asian Lantern Festival at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Take a daytrip or overnight to Cleveland to check out the Asian Lantern Festival presented by Meijer at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This unique and safe festival is held select dates through Sunday, September 5, 2021.  This year’s festival brings back live performances featuring acrobatics … [Read more...] about Asian Lantern Festival at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Free theme park admission for Military

Plan your vacations! Seaworld Parks and Entertainment wants to thank the U.S. troops with free or reduced theme park admission to one of its parks through the Waves of Honor program. Admission deals for Military Current members of the military, and as many as three direct dependents … [Read more...] about Free theme park admission for Military

Fun and Tasty Adventure Trails in Ohio

Whether you're a foodie, love a good drink, or you just want to explore, these tasty and fun trails will take you on an adventure in Ohio. Take a day or weekend to complete a trail, or take all year! Some adventure trails offer a prize at the end, but if not, you'll enjoy the treats and the … [Read more...] about Fun and Tasty Adventure Trails in Ohio

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

Are you ready to think of warmer weather fun? 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 … [Read more...] about Free Pre-K Pass at Cedar Point for kids ages 3-5

Visits these fields and farms with Lavender in Ohio

Move over sunflowers - lavender fields may take over as THE place to take a selfie in 2021. Actually, we've got room for both types of flower photos (and more) on IG, so find out where you can find some amazing lavender in Ohio. And then see where you can find Sunflower Fields in Ohio, including … [Read more...] about Visits these fields and farms with Lavender in Ohio

Visit the beauty of Schnormeier Gardens in June – tickets almost sold out!

  Located in the rolling hills northeast of Columbus is a stunning property featuring 75 acres manicured lawns, 10 lakes, themed gardens, sculptures, waterfalls, and more, surrounding a spectacular Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home designed by Ted and Ann Schnormeier. Schnormeier Gardens … [Read more...] about Visit the beauty of Schnormeier Gardens in June – tickets almost sold out!

Free Fishing Days in Ohio and other states

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 and other states

Military families and Veterans get free admission to National Parks

Our National Parks are something to be treasured, and the people who protect the land (and all of our country) are rewarded with free admission passes to enjoy these parks. Active-duty military personnel and their dependents, and veterans and Gold Star Families can receive free admission to our … [Read more...] about Military families and Veterans get free admission to National Parks

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.