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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.   
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.    

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. 

** If you are interested in finding more museum opportunities then check out the upcoming 
Living Large Double Feature.  
 February 27- March 15, 2020

February 27- March 24 (9:00 - 6:00 PM)
Chick Hatching: Watch Live in Children’s Area 
Location:
Westerville Library
126 S. State Street
Westerville, OH
Cost: Free
Watch the incubating eggs turn into cute fuzzy chicks.    Estimated hatch date is March 18th. 

February 29 ( 10-2:00)
Maple Sugar Time for all ages 
Location: 
Blendon Woods
4265 E. Dublin Granville Road
Westerville, OH 
Cost: Free
Drop by Blendon Woods Sugarbush Day Camp to watch a demonstration of Maple Sugar
Making. 

February 29, March 7&8 (10-2:00) 
Project FeederWatch for All Ages 
Location: 
Blendon Woods
4265 E. Dublin Granville Road
Westerville, OH 
Cost: Free
Come on out and find out how you can help with this very important citizen project.   We are
collecting data of birds trends in winter bird distribution and abundance. You are able to
participate in data collection from your very own backyard.  No experience is necessary.  

February 29 (10:00-11:30)
Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Event
Location: 
Participating Target Stores
Cost: Free
Come and enjoy singing Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss, giveaways and activities.    

February 29 (February 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.  

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 7 (8-10)
Morning Coffee and Wildlife Watch
Location: 
Blacklick Woods
6975 E. Livingston Ave. 
Reynoldsburg, OH
Cost: Free
Come and enjoy watching the through the nature center windows while enjoying a cup of
coffee. 

March 7 (9-12)
Home Depot Workshop (Binoculars)
Location: 
Home Depot (You MUST Register) 

Cost: Free
Enjoy this hands-on workshop where you and your child can build a project together. Once
your child's project is built, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All kids get to
keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a
commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate
in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.

March 7, 2020-Binoculars
April 4, 2020-Recycling Truck
May 2, 2020-Mirrored Vanity
June 6, 2020-Tool Bench
July 4, 2020-Soccer Game
August 1, 2020-Locker
September 5, 2020-Crane
October 3, 2020-Ladder Truck
November 7, 2020-Battleship
November 28, 2020-Elf Ornament
December 5, 2020-Santa’s Treat Tray
January 2, 2021-ATM Bank


March 7 & 8  (10-2:00) 
Coffee, Cocoa & Birds
Location: 
Blendon Woods
4265 E. Dublin Granville Road
Westerville, OH 
Cost: Free
Drop by and enjoy a cup of coffee/cocoa and watch the birds through the viewing window.   

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 8 (10-2)
PNC Free Sundays at Columbus Art Museum
Location
Columbus Art Museum
480 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 
Cost: Free
From the 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.


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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