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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.

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

If you are a student, educator, veteran or first responder, and you don’t mind making plans at the last minute, here’s an opportunity to check out at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Education & Veteran “rush” Ticket Program Please note that availability is limited and is not valid for all performances. The cost …

Read More about ‘Rush’ discounts at Kravis Center for those eligible, West Palm Beach

Making the arts more accessible and affordable to full-time students is now a reality, thanks to the ArshtPass student discount program, which provides $25 tickets to select shows. Plus, they are also offering similar $50 tickets to those 18-35 years old. ArshtPass members get exclusive access to limited discounted tickets for select shows, including concerts, …

Read More about ArshtPass offers $25 tickets for full-time college students, $50 for ages 18-35 years, Miami

You just get home from work and the kids are hungry and you’re tired. If it’s Tuesday and you’re near West Boca, you’re in luck. Here’s a seasonal event for the whole family but it varies between weekly and monthly (on the 4th Tuesday) depending on the season.  Tasty Tuesday When: Tuesday, weather permitting, from …

Read More about If it’s Tasty Tuesday, we must be in West Boca

Ask yourself: Are you interested in a naturalist-led group night hike to search for the superstars of the night like nocturnal animals?  How does a guided walk through a pine flatwood forest to encounter wildlife along with a red-shouldered hawk sound? Are you interested in learning more about and seeing up close an American alligator …

Read More about Many Palm Beach Parks & Rec programs are free or cheap

Whether you’re into jazz, live theater, dance, musicals, or perhaps a touring troupe of acrobats, the  Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts has something in store to satisfy even the most discriminating cultural palate. Location: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132. Check out the roster for upcoming …

Read More about Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, a stunning hub of culture in Miami

The Children’s Science Explorium in Sugar Sand Park is a free hands-on science center designed for children 5-12 years of age and their caregivers. It offers fascinating and interactive exhibits, programs that bring the physical sciences to life. Admission is free, however a suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated. The  Sugar Sand Park …

Read More about Children’s Science Explorium highlights new aerospace exhibit, Boca Raton

There are plenty of activities at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 U.S.-1, Juno Beach. Admission is free, however some of the programs do have participation fees. Here are some popular ones, especially for fall that are free for all ages. Free Friday Hikes Fridays at 10:30 a.m.; free for all ages. Juno Dunes Natural Area Hike: …

Read More about Free Friday hikes and more, Loggerhead Marinelife, Juno Beach

Fall festivals in Palm Beach County If you know of a free or cheap Halloween event or fall festival we should cover, please email the details to news@southfloridaonthecheap.com. You can also enter your events of any price range at our community calendar. Pumpkin patches, fall festivals, Oktoberfests and Halloween events in South Florida Pumpkin Patches …

Read More about Fall festivals in Palm Beach County 2025

The City of West Palm Beach is once again offering an essential service for downtown visitors who prefer two wheels to four, and never need to worry about where to park their bikes. Bike Valet WHEN: Saturday, October, 2025, through May 30, 2026, (except Feb. 14 and March 28). WHERE: 143 N. Narcissus Avenue, West …

Read More about Free Bike Valet through May, downtown West Palm Beach Saturday mornings

The West Palm Beach GreenMarket returns to the Great Lawn on Saturday mornings, October, 2025, through April, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Features include a mix of unique and diverse offerings in food and art, from seasonal produce, roving entertainment and live music, to popup workshops and competitions.   Visit WPB GreenMarket City …

Read More about GreenMarket: Food, vendors & entertainment, Saturdays, West Palm

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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