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Patti Roth

Patti Roth, the editor of Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, scouts out state and national deals, discounts and coupons for our readers, finding the real deals and presenting them in an easy-to-read format. A veteran newspaper and magazine writer and a longtime South Florida resident, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel and Life, E Environmental Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, US Architecture and Earth911.com. Send your cheap tips to her at info@fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com.

South Florida usually offers perfect winter weather to venture out. If you’re out and about December 25, festive light displays, restaurants, attractions, art installations, parks, and places to shop are open.  Please return to this feature as other information is added for Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.   If you want to recommend a venue …

Read More about Things to do Christmas Day (lots are free)

Going out to see holiday lights is an important part of the holiday season. In South Florida, many of those lights are on palm trees and not on evergreens, but that doesn’t make them any less desirable. Florida Christmas lights are still beautiful, and we also have beautiful weather in which to enjoy outdoor light …

Read More about Where to see holiday lights in Broward, updated and with map

For a fun evening out that’s friendly for your wallet, direct yourself to downtown Pompano Beach, where you’ll delight in entertainment, food trucks, and art displays indoors and outdoors as part of Old Town Untapped events. The events are usually 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the first Fridays of the month, except for summer. Entry …

Read More about Free Old Town Untapped in Pompano Beach

Inflatables, DJ entertainment and a wide array of public safety vehicles are included at Weston Winter Safety Expo. The event is ideal for families with an emphasis on interacting with fire and law enforcement personnel and their equipment, including boats. trucks, and a helicopter. Entry is free. Food and drinks are offered for purchase.  The …

Read More about Free entry for Winter Expo in Weston with entertainment, inflatables & police vehicles on display

The South Florida Amateur Astronomy Association offers telescopes at Fox Observatory in Sunrise for peering into the night sky. Fox Observatory is in Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise 33326.  The facility is usually open Saturdays from about dusk until about 11 p.m, weather permitting, and representatives of South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association …

Read More about Use telescopes for free at Fox Observatory in West Broward

Grab some food. Delight in the live entertainment.  Taste of Dania is 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, January 10, and entry and parking are free.  Taste of Dania Beach offers food and beverages for purchase.  The event includes games, face painting, and entertainment.  Tasting Tickets Tasting tickets offer access to nibbles from a selection of …

Read More about Taste of Dania offers free entry and discount opportunity for optional for tasting tickets

Fort Lauderdale is offering free New Year’s Eve festivities including an outdoor street party with a lighted anchor drop.  Music entertainment is featured at the event.  The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Countdown includes bounce houses, inflatables and games.  The event in 2025 is 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. December 31, at Southwest Second Street and Southwest …

Read More about Free New Year’s Eve fest with dazzling anchor drop, entertainment & inflatables

For folks who sign up for the free Family rewards program at Ikea, participating restaurants in the home goods stores offer deals. Some deals require the Family rewards ID, others do not.  Ikea restaurant deals include: Kids eat free Kids eat free in December with purchase of an adult entree. Valid for 1 or 2 …

Read More about Deal: Youngsters eat free at Ikea restaurants

It’s a party. New Year’s Eve events in Miramar Regional Park include entertainment, food trucks and fireworks. Entry is free. Parking is $10.  New Year’s Eve events in 2025 in Miramar include  12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, with kids’ activities including inflatables, face painting, and DJ entertainment 9 p.m. to 12:30 am. …

Read More about Miramar hosts New Year’s Eve events with inflatables and fireworks

If you’re looking to soak  in the outdoors in South Florida, Fern Forest in north Broward is a lush oasis for nature walks and occasional free astronomy programs with telescopes. Delight in the scenic setting on your own or register for a guided hike. Most events are free or relatively inexpensive. Entry into the natural …

Read More about Fern Forest is ideal for nature walks & entry is free

Water Taxi on The Intracoastal Waterway runs scenic routes in Fort Lauderdale & Pompano Beach, and an express route from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood. Information about Water Taxi and purchasing tickets is at 954-467-6677 or online. Discount opportunities are offered.  Water Taxi routes in Fort Lauderdale Some use the yellow vessels to travel from place …

Read More about Water Taxi offers routes on the Intracoastal Waterway in Broward and discounts

Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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