Columbus on the Cheap

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Youth events and camps

Upcoming free and cheap activities for kids

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Looking for something to do with the kids? We've gathered a list of day to day activities for kids of all ages, to get out of the house or enjoy virtually. We're including activities for all ages and at various price points - including lots of free options.  Looking for a good deal? … [Read more...] about Upcoming free and cheap activities for kids

Kids Try Hockey Free Day with USA Hockey

On Saturday, February 20, 2021, more than 350 hockey programs and USA Hockey are inviting kids ages 4-9 to try youth hockey for free as part of Hockey Weekend Across America. All of the participating programs have a limited amount of equipment, so registration is required. To find out which rinks … [Read more...] about Kids Try Hockey Free Day with USA Hockey

Winter Reading Challenge with Columbus Metropolitan Library

There are plenty of summer reading programs in Columbus, but cold and snowy weather in winter is a perfect reason for students to keep up with reading. Columbus Metropolitan Library is holding the Winter Reading Challenge, in which students can earn prizes just by reading during … [Read more...] about Winter Reading Challenge with Columbus Metropolitan Library

Free youth workshops with Microsoft held virtually

Kids can learn to code, create and play at free youth workshops with Microsoft stores! These free programs get kids of all ages coding games and apps, creating digital art, powering up their study skills - and they'll have so much fun they won't know they are learning. Stores aren't holding … [Read more...] about Free youth workshops with Microsoft held virtually

USA Hockey: Try Hockey for Free Day!

Get your kids on the ice with Try Hockey for Free Day on Saturday, November 7, 2020, to introduce them to the sport and give them a chance to test it out.  Kids ages 4-9 are eligible to register for these free hockey-intro events as part of the NHL's Come Play Hockey Month. All … [Read more...] about USA Hockey: Try Hockey for Free Day!

Superspecs Free Safety Eyewear Available to Children in Ohio

 Does your child wear glasses or need eye protection for sports? Apply for FREE safety eyewear and gear for sports and recreation!  “Eye injuries are a leading cause of blindness in children,” said Ohio Ophthalmological Society President, Dr. Kristopher … [Read more...] about Superspecs Free Safety Eyewear Available to Children in Ohio

Free Apple Camp at Home for kids

If your kid loves technology and learning, or is just brimming with creativity, check out the FREE Apple Camps at Home this Summer via Online Webex Session. These FREE three-day camps are for kids ages 8 to 12. Each project takes about an hour, but Campers can create and work at their own … [Read more...] about Free Apple Camp at Home for kids

At -home Historian in Training with Ohio History Center

The Ohio History Center is having their first at-home Historian in Training program geared toward kids ages 3-6. They'll send the at-home Historian in Training kit to your home full of activities to celebrate that galaxy far, far away. A historian is curious and never stops learning. A historian … [Read more...] about At -home Historian in Training with Ohio History Center

Boys & Girls Club Virtual Club Experience

 The Boys & Girls Club of Central Ohio wants to make sure that youth of Central Ohio have access to programming - even when they are at home. Their Virtual Club Experience (VCE) is a FREE online program for kids ages 6-18 offering fun, educational and meaningful programs. VCE … [Read more...] about Boys & Girls Club Virtual Club Experience

Columbus Zoo Virtual Adventures, Columbus Zoo School, and more!

Anyone else missing the Columbus Zoo lately? Springtime is such an amazing time to visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, so its a huge loss to our community while its temporarily closed. While you can't visit the animals in person, you can check out the many Columbus Zoo Virtual programs to get your … [Read more...] about Columbus Zoo Virtual Adventures, Columbus Zoo School, and more!

Safety Town Camps in Columbus

Have you heard about Safety Town Camps for kids? Safety Town camps are typically available for kids ages 5-6 to teach them how to be safe in their community. My son attended New Albany Safety Town last year and had a blast! It was his first camp experience, and he learned so much. There are so many … [Read more...] about Safety Town Camps in Columbus

Get tech savvy: Free Apple Workshops

WORKSHOPS ARE SUSPENDED FOR THE TIME BEING Learn how to get the most out of your Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, or iPod at Free Apple Workshops at the Apple Stores.  If you're new to Apple technology or just doing the basics on your Apple products, you're probably missing out on some … [Read more...] about Get tech savvy: Free Apple Workshops

Teen Night at Westerville Community Center

Teens ages 11-14 can start their weekend in good company at the Teen Night at Westerville Community Center.  Teens will have access to the gymnasium, pool, climbing wall and entertainment room from 6-9 pm during the events. They'll enjoy pizza, snacks, and drinks along with music … [Read more...] about Teen Night at Westerville Community Center

Columbus Blue Jackets Get Out And Learn! Program

Looking for something new and exciting for your kids this summer? Kids can Try Hockey For Free with the Columbus Blue Jackets Get Out And Learn! Program (GOAL!). The Blue Jackets GOAL! program powered by Performance Columbus is designed for boys and girls, ages 5-8, with no prior hockey or … [Read more...] about Columbus Blue Jackets Get Out And Learn! Program

Youth Learn to Curl Clinics at Columbus Curling Club

Think your older kids may enjoy the sport of curling? Columbus Curling Club offers a Junior Curling program for anyone under the age of 22 who wants to learn to curl and is able to maneuver a 44 pound rock of granite on the ice. Generally the starting age for juniors is between 11 and … [Read more...] about Youth Learn to Curl Clinics at Columbus Curling Club

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.