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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.

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

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. ‘Tis the Seas’n at Gumbo Limbo! Experience holiday …

Read More about Gumbo Limbo Aglow lights up Nature Center, Fridays in Boca Raton

Mizner Park in Boca Raton is transformed each by a sleigh full of elves with winter holiday decorations and public festivities. Following is a partial list. What: Boca Jolly Days & Merry in Mizner When: Tree, displays and activities extend through Dec. 31, 2025 Where: Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton & other venues. …

Read More about Merry in Mizner & Boca Jolly Days, through Dec. 31

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

If you’ve never been to the Zoo Lights presentation at the Palm Beach Zoo, here’s an opportunity to get discounted tickets on certain days and nights. It’s a dazzling display offered on select evenings with more than 1 million eco-friendly lights.  Palm Beach Zoo Lights Starting Nov. 21, 2025, and running through Jan. 4, 2026, …

Read More about Zoo Lights has advance discounts on certain days, Palm Beach Zoo

All of Howard Alan Events and American Craft Endeavour shows are free of charge for visitors. Plus, artists are on site for the duration of the events, allowing visitors to discover the creative inspirations and processes behind every piece. Attendees can stroll along city blocks and chat with artists while viewing their works, including larger-than-life …

Read More about Free entry: Downtown Delray Beach Art Festival on 4th, Jan. 10-11

If you have a partner and dancing shoes and want to participate in the Que Bacano! Latin Dance Showcase, you will need to register in advance. However, even if you just want to watch on the sidelines and tap your toes under the table, you should still register since seating is limited. Admission is free and …

Read More about Free Latin Dance Showcase, West Palm Beach, Dec. 5

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

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 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

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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