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.

Family films, bounce house and food vendors are included at outdoor events offered in Tamarac. Entry is free for Movies in the Park. Food trucks, face painting and bounce houses are at 6:30 p.m. and the films are at 8 p.m at different venues. Events in 2025 include: Friday, March 14 Tamarac Sports Complex, 9901 …

The Fort Lauderdale Air Show features exciting aerial entertainment. The event in 2025 featuring the U.S. Navy jets flying in formation is May 3 and May 4 at the Fort Lauderdale beach. Reserved seating in a prime location is offered for a fee. You’re likely able to see the air show from much of the beach …

Dance, symphony and vocal performances are among the array of free events at Baily Hall theater in Davie. For many events, tickets are not required. Entry is offered while seating is available. Some events require reservations. Events in 2025 include: 2 p.m. January 26: Boyd Meets Girl musical duo, RSVP online 2 p.m. Sunday, February …

While lots of parks in South Florida are relatively flat, Vista View Park in Davie is distinctive for its relatively tall terrain, with parts about 65 feet above sea level. Entry to Vista View is free on weekdays. On weekends and holidays, the fee is $3 per vehicle for up to 8 people or $20 …

Train rides. Hay rides. Petting zoo. Pony rides. Horse rides. Marando Farms in Davie is a market with things to do. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekends train rides and hayrides, $5 each & free for ages 2 and younger 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. weekends pony & horse rides, $5 9 a.m. – 4 …

Watch a rescued turtle dine on greens. With a focus on protecting oceans and their wildlife inhabitants, Marine Environmental Education in Hollywood is open to the public with exhibits and a saltwater pool where you can watch a rescued sea turtle swim and eat. The female sea turtle on site is not releasable due to …

When the U.S. Navy docks in Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, the public is invited to free Fleet Week events and free Navy Band performances. Broward Navy Days events in 2025 include 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26. Top Gun Olympics at Healthy Kids Day event at the YMCA in Weston Saturday, April …

For outdoor afternoon entertainment, local performers entertain at events at Tunnel Top Plaza in Fort Lauderdale. Events in 2025 are 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in April and May. Musicians include: Friday April 25 Jonny Edwards Wednesday April 30 Chris Monteleone Friday May 2 Jeff Durham Wednesday May 7 Mike Daly Friday May 9 Wednesday …

Welleby Park in Sunrise is sporting fun features. For kids, amenities include a nature-theme splash pad for wet fun, a playground with a rubberized safety surface, and a Safety Town play area. For a stroll, a boardwalk runs along a lake. Dogs are welcome to nose around Pawgrass Dog Park. Welleby Park, 954-747-4600, is at …

If you’d like entertainment and activities with your shopping and dining excursions, Dania Pointe plaza in Dania Beach offers free events for kids and adults. Dania Pointe is a popular plaza with trendy shops, restaurants, Bowlero, Dania Improv and Regal theaters. Some of the venues offer Happy Hour deals. Featured event Mompreneur vendors are featured …

For folks who sign up for the free Family rewards program at Ikea, participating restaurants in the home goods stores offers deals. Ikea Restaurant deals include: Mondays $3 for 8-piece Veggie Ball & Plant Ball plates, requires Family Rewards ID, while the promotion is offered Tuesdays 50% off adult entrees, requires Family Rewards ID Wednesdays …