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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.

Have you ever fed a shark or a stingray? Wouldn’t it be great if there were a place you could take the kids that would be educational and fun for an entire afternoon for only $10? Well, there is. Sandoway Discovery Center in Delray Beach offers the following activities all for the cost of admission: …

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There’s music in the air, so get ready to gather and groove to weekly and monthly entertainment. It’s free music and more on The Lawn at CityPlace in the heart of West Palm Beach. Free entertainment is offered on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and everyone is invited to attend for free. For a complete listing of …

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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 …

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Forget about painting the town red, soon it will be time to whip out your favorite green apparel for a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Delray Beach. The Parade is set and entry for the festivities is free. Parade: When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. Where: West along Atlantic Avenue from …

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Manatee Lagoon counted 230 manatees on a chilly morning recently – the highest number in the site’s history. Sightings are expected to remain strong leading into ManateeFest on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, celebrating Manatee Lagoon’s 10-year anniversary with a free, family-friendly event honoring Florida’s iconic manatees and local waterways. Those unable to visit in person …

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Delray Beach is hosting a free family movie night in February and March. Take a blanket or chair, grab your favorite snacks, and get ready for a cozy night of laughs, food, and fun under the stars. Movies at The Square Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026: The Lion King Thursday, March 19, 2026: Inside Out Where: Amphitheatre …

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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.  Where: …

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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 …

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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 …

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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

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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