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Mary Lou Cruz

Mary Lou worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel for 21 years. She was a special sections writer in the advertising department for 7 years and worked in the newsroom for 14 years. Before her newspaper career, she worked in the airline and travel industry and has lived in Brazil, Puerto Rico and vacationed in more than 25 countries. Motto: "Learning to live a frugal lifestyle is both an art and a science." She can be reached at marylou@miamionthecheap.com.

Each week, after regular hours, the Norton Museum of Art presents a new experience, with an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more, called Art After Dark. Every Friday there’s something new to do and see, plus a showcase of up-and-coming and established performers. In essence, this after-hours weekly discounted event …

Read More about $10 Art After Dark features something new every Friday, West Palm Beach

Take advantage of this ongoing series of free concerts under the stars, with food trucks and vendors, plus pop-up family events in 2026. The amphitheater at Wellington Town Center has a capacity of 1,500 people. Plan to take portable seats or blankets to enjoy festivities under the stars. Free Food Truck & Music Series: Jan. 15, …

Read More about Free: Weekly Food Truck & Music concerts, Wellington

Now that the holidays are over (or are they?) South Floridians can get back in the groove of attending feasts, fairs and festivals, with music, dance, activities and entertainment. Here’s a sampling of what is happening in Palm Beach County during January of 2026; listed chronologically. 30th Anniversary Celebration, Wellington When: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 …

Read More about Top things to do in January in Palm Beach County

If you’re on a quest to discover a place where you can take the kids and enjoy the day for next to nothing, then the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton is definitely a place for the whole family to enjoy an authentic outdoor Florida adventure. NOTE: Normally, general admission is free, however special …

Read More about Free entry: Daily feedings at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Delray Beach offers a robust arts and entertainment vibe, including the popular self-guided First Friday Art Walk, and the “any time” Art Trail. Both offer public art displays, murals, installations and open galleries, but also a variety of free music and pop-up performances. Start off the New Year in an artful way by attending the …

Read More about Free: First Friday Art Walk & ‘anytime’ Art Trail in Delray Beach

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach is so much more than a mere museum and it also offers opportunities for discounts for many of its programs. Last Saturdays of  2026 Frontline Workers’ Discount: Half Price for Heroes offers 50% off general admission for themselves and up to 4 guests on the …

Read More about Cox Science Center and Aquarium: Half Price For Heroes on last Saturday

The City of Boynton Beach continues to offer a free concert series on the First Friday at 5 p.m., monthly through November, 2026. There will be food trucks and beverage vendors and activities for kids, plus an artisan market. First Friday @ 5 When: First Friday of each month, from 5 to 9 p.m. Next: …

Read More about First Friday @ 5 free concert, vendors & healing arts, Boynton Beach, Jan. 2

Lion Country Safari is doing something different this year, so we thought it was worth mentioning. It’s offering a “get ready to glow” first-ever lantern festival. Lanterns & Lights at Safari Nights When: Select nights, November 2025 through January, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m. Where: 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee Price range: $28 …

Read More about Lanterns & Lights at Safari Nights, Lion Country Safari

Walking in nature has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits, both physical and mental. Experts say it can not only help reduce stress, but it also may improve one’s mood, boost creativity, and even improve cognitive function. So, grab the sunscreen and bug repellant, your comfy walking shoes, and if you …

Read More about Guided nature walks, animal encounters and more at Riverbend Park, Jupiter

Communing with nature has never been more fun and the Daggerwing Nature Center has so many opportunities for kids and their families to take advantage of the great outdoors. Admission is free; access to trails and boardwalk are free; most programs have fees usually from $5 to $10. Weekly: ANIMAL FEEDINGS & TALKS Wednesdays, Thursdays …

Read More about Free entry & cheap activities with animals at Daggerwing Nature Center, Boca Raton

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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