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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.

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 Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum is continuing to waive general admission fees and opening its doors to the public for Free Fun Saturdays on the first weekend of the month, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families can peruse the exhibits, but also enjoy a fun craft-based activity from 2 to 3:30 p.m. General …

Read More about First weekend: Free Fun Saturdays at Boca History Museum

The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach was founded more than 40 years ago, but the challenges it faces today have not only been compounded by the effects of recent climate change but also by the increase of red tide and toxic blue-green algae on sea creatures and ocean ecology. Situated on one of the …

Read More about Free admission at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach

There’s always something happening in Boca, so we’ve compiled a list of some popular free and cheap events to bring to your attention. Many are recurring, so we’ve provided links to calendars you can also search to get more details and the best updated information. We’ve also included a list of some of the main …

Read More about What’s happening in and around Boca Raton

Boynton Beach is a thriving seaside community that is welcoming and active for residents and visitors alike. It offers a variety of cultural and community activities year-round. Many are hosted at the Arts & Cultural Center, the public library, at Oceanfront Park, and at various other sites sponsored by the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency …

Read More about What’s happening in and around Boynton Beach

Wellington is a family town with oodles of activities, festivals and outdoor entertainment. Most notable are the weekly Thursday Food Trucks & Music series at the amphitheater, and the seasonal Lakeside Market along the Town Center Promenade, both of which are free to attend. Visit Saturday & Sunday Concerts for a list of monthly outdoor concerts …

Read More about What’s happening in and around Wellington

On the third weekend of each month, Manatee Lagoon hosts Sensory Saturdays for family members who prefer an inclusive experience with softer lighting, less noise, and still a lot of fun from 8 to 9 a.m. Admission and parking are free; advance registration required. Fun fact: Did you know the manatee’s closest living mammal is …

Read More about Sensory Saturday, monthly at Manatee Lagoon, Riviera Beach

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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