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Living Large In The Cheap Seats- February 13

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.    
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.    

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.   

Metro, State or National  Parks
Different parks have different opportunities for their visitors.     Take the time to learn what
your local parks have to offer. Here in Ohio, our Metro Park system has a lot of hiking
opportunities, Frisbee golf, play grounds, picnic areas, catch and release fishing and so
much more.    

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.
February 25, 2020 - National Pancake Day 
7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Location: Select IHOP Restaurants 
Come and celebrate National Pancake Day with a FREE short stack of IHOP’s original
Buttermilk Pancakes.   

** There are many days that restaurants offer free menu items.    For example, Chick
Fil A has Cow Appreciation Day each year.    


 February 13- March 1, 2020

February 16, 2020 (2:00 -3:00 pm) 
Night at the Nature Center (Battle Darby Creek)
Location: 
Highbank Nature Center
9466 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, OH
Cost: FREE
Meet owls and hawks from the Ohio Wildlife Center.    Take this opportunity to learn about
their amazing adaptations for survival.   Recommended Ages 6+

February 17,2020 (10:00- 4:00) 
Columbus Zoo
Location: 
Columbus Zoo 
4850 Powell Road
Powell, OH 
Cost: FREE 
The Columbus Zoo traditionally has a FREE admission day on President’s Day.   It is
important to know that Parking will still cost $10.00. Come on out and enjoy the day with
the animals. 

February 22 (8:00 - 12:00)
Worthington Farmers Market 
Location: 
The Shops at Worthington Place
7227 North High St. 
Worthington, OH 43085
This farmers market has over 70 vendors and it is an enjoyable time to walk around and
check out the opportunities for locally grown food and items.    My son’s personal favorite is
the pickle stand. They always give out samples. Although it is a little expensive, it is his 1
treat. 

February 22, 2020 (1:00 - 2:00) 
Sahaja Meditation Yoga for Families (Orange Library)
Location:
 Orange Library
7171 Gooding Blvs.
Delaware, OH 43015
Come and enjoy this workshop to learn how to benefit from the relaxing benefits of
meditation and yoga.    No experience is needed in either medication or yoga. This
program is recommended for ages 5+.

February 23. 2020 (12:00 -2:00) 
Maple Sugaring at Homestead (Hillard) 
Location: 
Homestead Barn Shelter 
4675 Cosgray Road
Hillard, OH 43026
Learn how to collect sap to make maple syrup and watch a demonstration on how to make
maple syrup.   

February 23, 2020 (2:00- 3:00)
Family Campfire Building 
Location:
Highbank (Nature Center) 
9466 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, OH 43235
Learn various techniques/methods to build a campfire and then make a simple campfire
snack to enjoy. 

February 23, 2020 (10-4:00)
MakerX: The Columbus Maker Expos
Location: 
Ohio Expo Center and Fair Ground (Lausche Building) 
717 E. 17th Street
Columbus, OH
Cost: FREE ($5.00 parking fee at Fairgrounds)
MakerX features VR, gaming, robotics, drones, 3D printing, music & design technology,
automation, and making of all kinds!!

March 1, 2020 (10:00 -5:00) 
Franklin Park Conservatory Community Days
Location:
Franklin Park Conservatory 
1777 E. Broad Street
Columbus, OH
Cost: FREE (Franklin County and City of Columbus Residents- ID Required) 
The First Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is Free for all Franklin County and CIty
of Columbus Residents.    Come on over and check it out. .


What is your favorite thing to do on a budget?  

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