I was first introduced to Living Large In the Cheap Seats from a college friend, Chris J., who
introduced me to lawn tickets for popular bands. We were able to see great concerts at a
significantly discounted rate. Later when reading Brokenomics by Dina Gachman, I revised
this concept and decided to share it with you. I have been doing this for years and have
been able to enjoy wonderful experiences.
I received a few comments that reflected the readers’ disappointment that these
activities are only for Ohio. Never fear--you can find similar activities where you
live. Throughout this post I will highlight in blue ideas that can be referenced in any
state.
Here is your first idea- Complete a Google Search for Cheap or Free Activities in
your area. When I moved to Ohio, I Googled Cheap or Free Activities in Ohio and a
ton of ideas came up. Give it a try.
With a little bit of thought and Google Searches, here is what I was able to find:
Normally Available Activities:
** Since the normally available activities seem to be growing and will tend not to go away,
moving forward I’m only going to highlight activities on a rotation. I will try to do this based
on the season. For example, during the winter I will focus on indoor activities or date
specific things such as the National Park Free Days.
Winter Scavenger Hunt at Lane Road Library (10 AM -9 PM)
Location:
Lane Road Library
1945 Lane Road
Upper Arlington, OH 43220
Cost: FREE
Drop by the Lane Road Library’s youth department anytime during the month of January to
participate in our winter-themed scavenger hunt.
Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet at the youth desk, look for hidden pictures throughout the
library, and turn it in for a prize once you’re finished! For kids of all ages. No registration
required.
** Libraries make a great resource for free or low cost activities as well as other
resources such as books, DVD, playaways, etc. Check out your local library and see
what they offer.
2020 FREE Entrance Days in National Parks
On 5 days in 2020, the National Parks that charge an entrance fee will waive the fee. So,
mark your calendars and plan a trip to enjoy the National Park Experience.
January 20- Martin Luther King Day
April 18- First Day of National Park Week
August 25- National Park Service Birthday
September 26- National Public Lands Day
November 11- Veterans Day
** Parks or Public Lands are a great resources for a day of fun. There are normally
hiking trails, playground, splash pads, camping opportunities, etc.
Local Playgrounds
Our weather has been very mild lately, so we have taken advantage of our local parks.
Ride your bike on the trails, play a pick up game of basketball or just kick the soccer ball
around. If you have smaller kids, no worries- head to the playground areas.
University Highlight: Periodically I will highlight various universities and what
opportunities they have.
UNIVERSITY HIGHLIGHT: Ohio Wesleyan University
Richard M. Ross Art Museum
Location
60 S. Sandusky Street
Delaware, OH
Hours:
During the academic year, the museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday
and Friday (10;00 am- 5:00 pm), Thursdays (10:00 am - 9:00pm) and
Sundays (1:00pm- 5pm).
Cost: FREE
* The exhibit feature local artists.
Sandusky Walking Tours
Location: Town of Sandusky
Cost: FREE
Visitors can enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Sandusky and Winter Streets, using
brochures prepared by the Delaware County Historical Society. Brochures are available at
the Historical Society and Destination Delaware County Ohio.
Guest Concerts at local Universities
Location: Varies Based on event
Cost: Cheap or FREE
OWU host several guest musicians each year and the cost to listen to these talented
individuals is either FREE or of a minimal cost. Go to OWU’s event calendar and
investigate what is available.
Delaware County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Location:
34 S. Sandusky Street
Delaware, OH
Cost: FREE
Hours: M-F (9:00- 5:00)
Need help planning your adventure. Visit your local Convention and Visitors Bureau.
They are friendly, helpful and have a variety of different brooches and free maps of the local
area.
Blue Limestone Park
Location:
500 W. William Street
Delaware, OH
Cost: FREE
- This is a nice little park with public fishing available. It should be lovely in the fall when the leaves are changing.
January 23 - February 9, 2020
January 24, 2020 (3:00-5:00PM)
STEAM Friday Fun STEAM Club for Grades K to 12 (Hilliard Library)
Location:
Hilliard Library
4500 Hickory Chase Way
Hilliard, OH 43026
Cost: FREE
Join us in the Homework Help Center each Friday for a new STEAM-themed activity. Come
explore with us. Open to students K-12. Drop in anytime between 3-6 p.m.
January 24, 2020 (6:00- 7:00 PM)
Winter Stargazing (Plain City: Glacier Ridge)
Location:
Glacier Ridge
9801 Hyland Croy Rd.
Plain City, OH 43064
Cost: FREE
Look at the stars and constellations using telescopes and binoculars.
You don’t live in Ohio- No Problem. Just look up your local or state parks and check
out what activities they offer. Normally they are cheap or free and tons of fun.
When I lived in PA, I was able to go frisbee golf, hike, or fish (catch and release) for
free.
January 25, 2020 (10:30-4:30)
Lunar New Year Craft at Tremont Library
Location:
Tremont Library
Tremont Library
2800 Tremont Rd
Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Cost: FREE
Celebrate the Year of the Rat with a special holiday craft. One craft per child please.
January 26, 2020 (1:00-4:30
Board Game Café at Lane Road Library
Location:
Lane Road Library
1945 Lane Road
Upper Arlington, OH 43220
Cost: FREE
Get a CLUE and come to the Board Game Café. Take your TICKET TO RIDE and journey
to CATAN. You’ll be SORRY! if you miss it! Coffee and tea will be available while you play
classic board games and discover new ones. No registration, open to all ages.
Coffee and tea will be available while you play.
** Libraries make a great resource for free or low cost activities as well as other
resources such as books, DVD, playaways, etc. Check out your local library and see
what they offer.
January 26, 2020 (2:00- 3:00 PM)
Winter Tree ID (Battelle Darby Creek)
Location:
Battelle Darby Creek Cedar Ridge
1775 Darby Creek Drive
Galloway, OH 43119
Cost: FREE
No Leaves? No Problem! Learn to identify trees by the rest of their features.
February 1, 2020 (1:00-3:00)
Succulents (Battelle Darby Creek)
Location:
Battelle Darby Creek
1415 Darby Creek Drive (Nature Center)
Galloway, OH 43119
Cost: FREE
Come and learn about these fabulous indoor plants, paint a pot and plant a succulent to
bring home with you. Please register if you would like to participate in the painting and
planting part of this event as supplies are limited. However, everyone is welcome for the
lecture.
February 1, 2020 (5:30-6:30)
Owls- Whoo’s Calling (Battelle Darby Creek)
Location:
Battelle Darby Creek
2705 Darby Creek Drive (Nature Center)
Galloway, OH 43119
Cost: FREE
Lure owls out using calls on a 1 mile hike.
February 8, 2020 (10-12:00 )
47th Annual Winter HIke Series (Lewis Center)
Location:
Highbanks
9466 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, OH
Cost: FREE
Enjoy a 2.5 or 5 miles hike. Refreshments will be available afterwards.
February 8, 2020 (12:00- 4:00 )
Love Your Birds! Mobile Teaching Zoo
Location:
Oakland Nursery
1156 Oakland Park Avenue
Columbus, OH
Cost: FREE
Meet and Greet a variety of different birds from the Wild Heart Mobile Teaching Zoo. There
will be coloring sheets and various avion artifacts for viewing.
February 8, 2020 (12:00- 4:00 )
Noon Native Teas (Battelle Darby)
Location
Battelle Darby
1415 Darby Creek Drive
Galloway, OH
Cost: FREE
Look at native and wild plants which can be used to make tea. Then take the
opportunity to make your own blend of tea to take with you.
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