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Patti Roth

Patti Roth, the editor of Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, scouts out state and national deals, discounts and coupons for our readers, finding the real deals and presenting them in an easy-to-read format. A veteran newspaper and magazine writer and a longtime South Florida resident, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel and Life, E Environmental Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, US Architecture and Earth911.com. Send your cheap tips to her at info@fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com.

Butterfly World is a popular walk-through attraction in North Broward with free-flight aviaries with tropical foliage and thousands of butterflies and birds from different parts of the world. Discount opportunities are offered. Regular prices are $32.50 for guests age 12 and older, $22.50 for children age 3-11 and free for age 2 and younger. However, …

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If you appreciate frugal excursions, plenty of entertaining events, attractions and interesting activities in Broward are ideal for a delightful date. Some are free, others are relatively inexpensive. Make the most of it. With extra dollars in your wallet, splurge on sparkling wine, a fancy dessert, or other romantic indulgence. We also have a list …

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Oakland Park Pride is a free event presented by Oakland Park Parks and Recreation featuring a dance party. The Pride event in 2025 is 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Friday, June 6, with things to do for kids and adults. The event includes DJs, food trucks and bars, photo booth, henna artist, balloon twist art, …

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Residents of Broward are eligible to nab a vouchers for discounts on swimming instruction for kids, teens and adults.  The vouchers are valued at $55 to $200 for lessons at participating venues, which include public parks with pools. Apply on the Watersmart Broward website.  With water safety so important, the vouchers are intended to offset …

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Enhance a walk in the park with a story along the way. Waters Edge Park in Tamarac features a story trail. Story trails, also referred to as story walks, are outdoor exhibits featuring pages from a storybook displayed along a path. It’s a free activity for families with kids — and a great way to …

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If you’re looking to soak  in the outdoors in South Florida, Fern Forest in north Broward is a lush oasis for nature walks and occasional free astronomy programs with telescopes. Delight in the scenic setting on your own or register for a guided hike. Most events are free or relatively inexpensive. Entry into the natural …

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Festive Juneteenth events in Broward include entertainment, speakers, and festivals with activities for kids. Juneteenth is a federal holiday representing freedom from slavery in the United States. In Broward, Juneteenth events are various dates, and plenty offer free entry. Please verify the event you are interested in is on. In 2025, Juneteenth events  in Broward …

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 Flippers theater in Hollywood features $5 ticket deals.  Flippers movie theater and arcade offers $5 movies Wednesdays.  The deal does not apply to new releases, special showings or  3D movies.  The $5 offer does not apply to holidays. Flippers theater and arcade is at 7001 Taft St., Hollywood 33024. Sign up for the South Florida …

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Fort Lauderdale is throwing a beach party loaded with entertainment and activities. It’s the Great American Beach Party. The fun and free event in 2025 is 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at the beach and Las Olas Oceanside Park.  Throw on your favorite pair of shades & pack up your towels & …

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Organizations in South Florida offer free food distribution for families needing help. Some sites provide drive-through pickups, while others offer doorstep deliveries for eligible participants. Food distributions are in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Often the organizations accept volunteers and donations. This list is periodically revised to reflect new distribution sites. It’s wise to phone …

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Sunrise Parks & recreation department offers an outdoor event space — Village Art Plaza — that is packed with sculptures and other vibrant outdoor art displays. Entry for many events is free. Parking is free. Village Art Plaza is at 2260 NW 68th Ave., Sunrise 33313. Events in 2025 at Village Art Plaza include Food …

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Living on the CheapMiami 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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