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Living Large In The Cheap Seats

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.   
With a little bit of thought and Google Searches, here is what I was able to find: 

Normally Available Activities: 
Anthony Thomas Factory Tours (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) 
Location: 
Anthony Thomas Chocolate Factory 
1777 Arlingate Lane
Columbus, OH 43228
Cost:  $1.00 (ages 3-18), $2.00 (ages 19 and Up), Under 2- FREE 
In about an hour tour groups can experience candy making from start to finish
in our 152,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art candy factory. 
** You don’t live in Ohio, no problem!  Google Factory Tours in your area and it will
pop up any opportunities you can take advantage of.   
Orton Geological Museum (Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM) 
Location: 
Orton Hall
155 S. Oval Mall
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-6896
Cost: FREE 
The Orton Geological Museum is located in Orton Hall on the South Oval on the Ohio State
University Main Campus. Part of the School of Earth Sciences, the Museum plays a key role
in teaching, outreach, and research. It is open to the public free of charge from 8:00 am to
4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Explore rocks, minerals and fossils from Ohio and around
the world.
** Check out your local Universities or Colleges for similar exhibits.    They are
usually free and most times you can schedule a tour. 
PNC Free Sundays at Columbus Museum of Art (Each Sunday from 10:00 AM- 5:00
PM) 
Location: 
Columbus Museum of Art
480 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 
Cost: FREE
From Columbus Museum of Art's Website:
Bring your friends and family and enjoy PNC Free Sundays at Columbus Museum of Art.
Explore the Walter Wing, play in the Wonder Room, or build a puzzle together in a gallery.
There’s a great experience around every corner. PNC is providing support for the Columbus
Museum of Art’s Free Sundays through the PNC Foundation. A grant from the PNC Arts
Alive initiative provides free general admission for museum visitors, each and every Sunday.
PNC Free Sundays increase accessibility for all residents of Central Ohio, regardless of
their ability to pay. We are pleased to be able to continue this gift to the community through
the support of PNC.

** Major art museums normally have at least 1 day a week, usually Sunday, where the
admission is FREE or a pay what you can situation. 

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. 

Ohio Statehouse Guided Tour
Free Guided tours are available on the hour M-F (10-3:00) and on S/S at 12, 1, 2, & 3.
  
** Free Tours are normally offered for local/public buildings such as the statehouse,
local government buildings, fire stations, police stations or other state sites.    If you
have small children, they may get a little something to remember their tour.     

January 16 - 26, 2020
January 18, 2020 (6:00 PM- 9:00 AM)
Family Overnight Battelle Darby Creek (Ages 5+) 
Location: 
Batelle Darby Creek 
1415 Darby Creek Dr.
Galloway, OH 43119
Come camp out with us in the Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center. You must bring your own
sleep bag and gear to accommodate your whole family (5 and older).
January 19, 2020 (11:00 AM- 1:00 PM) 
Backyard Birds Open House(Family) 
Location: 
Highbanks Nature Center
9466 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, OH 43235
 614-508-8111
Cost: FREE 
Come camp out with us in the Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center. You must bring your own
sleep bag and gear to accommodate your whole family (5 and older).
January 19, 2020 (2:00- 3:00 PM) 
Wool Spinning
Location: 
Westerville Library
126 S. State Street 
Westerville, OH
Cost: FREE
Spin a tale of history, necessity, and technique with an expert from Bring the Farm to You.
Witness wool washing, spindle and wheel spinning, and touch a basket of different plant
and animal fibers.
Sign language interpretation for this event is made possible through a generous donation

What’s your favorite low cost or FREE Events in your area? 
January 20, 2020 (2:00- 3:00 PM) 

Celebrate MLK Jr. Day at Orange Branch Library

Location: 
Orange Library
7171 Gooding Blvd.
Delaware, OH 43015
Cost: FREE
Come to the library for a reading of the book "Martin Luther King Jr. A Peaceful Leader,"
discuss the book together, and participate in activities around the library.
Recommended for ages 6 and up and their families.
January 21, 2020 (5:00- 7:00 PM) 

Child ID Event (Hilliard Library)

Location: 
Hilliard Library
4500 Hickory Chase Way
Hilliard, OH 43026
Cost: FREE
EZ Child ID kit is a safety tool for parents to be prepared if the unexpected should happen.
The kit includes vital information required to find a child — 10 fingerprints, photos, and
information such as the child’s name, age, height and weight — all linked to a free app on
your mobile device. Those without the app may receive a disc with the information. 
January 22 (4:00-5:30)

Chess Club (Dublin Library)

 Location: 
Dublin Library
75 N. High St
Dublin, OH 43017
Cost: FREE
All skill levels. Learn chess principles and strategies. Practice and improve your skills. No
registration required.
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. 
January 25, 2020 (10:30-4:30)

Lunar New Year Craft at Tremont Library

Location:
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.

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.    

What adventures are you going on this week?

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