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Living Large In The Cheap Seats- February 20

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.
** Check out your local Universities for small museums that are located on grounds.   
These museums are normally open during the week with limited weekend hours and are
free to the public. 
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 20- March 8, 2020

February 22, 23,29, March 1, 15 ,16  (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. 

** Google Farmers Market’s in your local area.   These Markets are normally free to enter
and are a great opportunity to check out what your community is doing and what local food
is available.  

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+.

** Check out the events your local library has available to attend.   Our library has Preschool
through Adult activities such as Reading events, Chess, Legos, Book Clubs, Lectures, etc.   

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.   

** Local Historical Sites or Local Parks have many events that are open to the public and
admissions are Cheap or FREE.    We have seen sheep shearing, historic farms, maple
syrup making and so much more.   

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!!

February 23, March 1,8,15
Free Sundays at Columbus Museum of Art
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 CMA 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. CMA is providing support for the Columbus
Museum of Art’s Free Sundays through the Free for the Future Campaign. CMA’s Free
Sundays increase accessibility for all residents of Central Ohio, regardless of their ability to
pay. 

February 23, March 1,8,15
Free Sundays at Columbus Museum of Art
Location: 
Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art
632 North Park Street Columbus, OH 43215
Cost: FREE
** Everywhere I have lived the local museum has offered an admission FREE day 1 time per
week (usually Sunday).  Check out your local museums and see if they too offer this to the
community. 

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. .

March 7 & 14, 2020 (9:00- 4:00)
2020 Maple Fest at Camp Lazarus 
Location: 
Camp Lazarus 
4422 Columbus Pike
Delaware, OH
Cost:  Admission $10.00
Admission, Meal and Patch $15.00

Come one Come all to the Maple Fest!  This year there will be Pioneer Games, Blacksmiths
making nails, BB Guns, Fire Building, Maple Syrup Making and so much more.   Along with
these fun activities, for a small fee there is also a Pancake Feast available all day or a Hot
Dog Lunch in the afternoon.  

March 7, 2020 (1:00-2:00)
Maple Sugaring (Blacklick Woods) 
Location: 
Blacklick Woods
6975 E. Livingstone Ave. 
Reynoldsburg, OH 

Learn how to collect sap to make maple syrup and watch a demonstration on how to make
maple syrup.   

March 7,  2020 (4:00- 5:00) 
Dog Hike For All Ages
Location: 
Highbanks Park
9466 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, OH 

Enjoy a 3.5 mile hike with your dog.    
NOTE- All Dogs MUST be leased. 

March 8, 2020 (10-11:00) 
Bird Hike: Waterfowl 
Location: 
Blendon Woods
4265 E. Dublin Granville Rd. 
Westerville, OH 
Cost: FREE

Enjoy a 1 mile hike on a paved walkway looking for migrating ducks. 

March 8, 2020 (11-1:00) 
For Families: Backyard Birds
Location: 
Highbanks Park
9466 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, OH 
Cost: FREE
Come and enjoy the birds at Highbanks Park Bird Feeders and learn how to tell them apart. 

March 14, 2020
Bird Hike: Woodpecker
Location: 
Blendon Woods
4265 E. Dublin Granville Rd. 
Westerville, OH 
Cost: FREE
Come and take a  2 Mile Hike and look for woodpeckers along the way. 

March 15, 2020 (2-4:00) 
Lookin” For Leprechauns
Location:
Sharon Woods 
1069 W. Main Street 
Westerville, OH
Cost: FREE

** Take a hike and find all of the Leprechauns along the way.  If you are lucky enough to
locate these tricky guys you will win a prize. 

March 15, 2020 (10-2:00) 
Backyard Poultry Champion Recyclers 
Location: 
Blendon Woods
4265 E. Dublin Granville Rd. 
Westerville, OH 
Cost: FREE

* This fun class focuses on all kinds of backyard birds (chickens, qual, or ducks).   Come on
over and learn from experienced keepers or just share ideas with like minded people.   

March 15, 2020 (2-2:30)
Creature Feature (Ages 3-10) Amphibians and Reptiles 
Location: 
Highbanks Park
9466 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, OH
Cost: FREE
* Come on over and meet some of these incredible creatures and learn about these
amazing animals. 


What is your favorite thing to do on a budget?   

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