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.

TurtleFest is not only a cool name for a fun and free family event but it also helps support sea turtles and the oceans where they reside. Plus, there’s nonstop entertainment, food & drink options, vendors, exhibits, hands-on activities and more. The festival is on Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 21-22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to …

Read More about Free TurtleFest event at Loggerhead Marinelife, Juno Beach, Feb. 21-22

Royal Palm Beach will once again host the annual free, family-friendly West Fest in 2026. West Fest When: Friday-Sunday, Feb. 20-22, 2026 Where: Royal Palm Beach Commons, 11600 Poinciana Blvd. Cost: Free entry; vendor and activity prices vary. Features: Fun zone, Carnival rides, Pony rides, Stage entertainment, Line dancing and more Website Times: Friday, Feb. …

Read More about Free entry: Royal Palm Beach West Fest features music, rides, dancing, Feb. 20-22

The Good Day Market is a free curated, outdoor community Sunday market hosted in Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. It’s a farmers market, but with so much more. They not only highlight small and local businesses, but also offer handmade goods, artisan products, boutique finds, vintage pieces, art, plants, specialty food, drinks, and activities for …

Read More about Free: The Good Day Markets, Delray & Boynton Beach

The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival and The Village of Royal Palm Beach present the 6th annual Shakespeare by the Palms production of this classic tale. MACBETH Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 12-16, 2026, at the Veterans Park Amphitheater, located at 1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd B, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411. All performances start at 7 …

Read More about Free: Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth,’ Royal Palm Beach, Feb. 12-15

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

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

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

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.

Living on the Cheap in the Media