Clicky Skip to Content

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.

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 annual Downtown Delray Festival of the Arts When: Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 10-11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: 104 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach Admission: Free of charge This is an annual juried art festival that includes original arts and fine crafts from over 100 exhibitors. Event offers an extensive display of sculptures, …

Read More about Free Downtown Delray Beach Festival of Arts, Jan. 10-11

Each week, the Norton Museum of Art presents a new experience, with an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more. 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 has something for all ages and it’s …

Read More about $10 Art After Dark at The Norton, West Palm Beach, Fridays: Always something new!

Floridians know how to celebrate the winter holidays, even if “winter” doesn’t mean here what it means elsewhere. The snow may be fake or manmade, but the fun is real. South Florida has holiday parades, boat parades, Christmas tree lightings, menorah lightings, holiday concerts, family festivals and more. Many events are free or cheap. We …

Read More about Winter holiday events & festivals in Palm Beach County

The Delray Beach Holiday Village is a tradition that kids of all ages will enjoy. It features a walk-through 100-ft. tree, Santa’s House, ice skating, mini golf, vendors and much more. Note: There will not be a New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, 2025. Holiday Village When: Through Dec. 31, 2025. Where: Along Atlantic …

Read More about Delray Beach 100-ft. tree & Holiday Village open through Dec. 31

The holidays at CityPlace feature a world of wonder illuminated by nightly snowfalls and light shows, with lots to do and see for the whole family. Wrapped in Wonder When: Holiday festivities continue through Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Where: CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach Featured activities (weather permitting) include the following: Snow …

Read More about CityPlace holiday events, West Palm Beach, now through Dec. 31

Santa’s helpers and visiting elves have been busy decorating for one of its biggest and most imaginative holiday lineups ever. Seasonal highlights range from a life-size Candy Land game and candy-themed “Storytime Spectacular” to hands-on gingerbread workshops, musical performances, and tech-forward holiday crafting, and more. What: Festive programs for all ages When: Throughout the month …

Read More about Free, festive programs for all ages, Mandel Public Library, West Palm Beach

There is always so much to see and do during the month of December, it’s not easy to cover everything going on in the greater Palm Beach area, but we’ve done our best to compile a list of some of the best of the best from a frugal standpoint. Please check back with us since …

Read More about Top seasonal things to do in December in Palm Beach County

The Shops at Boca Center presents Jingle & Mingle: Holiday Cheer Lights & festivities will continue through Dec. 31, 2025. Kickoff event highlights from Nov. 22: Nutcracker Fantasy – Delight in the presence of Nutcracker Stiltwalkers, along with Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy Ballerinas, bringing the magic of the classic tale to life. Santa’s Spectacular …

Read More about Jingle & Mingle, plus holiday cheer, at Boca Center through December

Winter in paradise comes early in Palm Beach County, where some venues and malls are already in full swing of hosting holiday trees, “snow” and lights galore. These holiday tree lightings are perfect for the entire family and often include a variety of holiday activities, from free concerts, Santa photos, elf sightings, and a lot …

Read More about Holiday Tree Lightings & Santa Sightings, Palm Beach County

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.

Living on the Cheap in the Media