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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.

The Parks and Recreation Department in Parkland offers occasional free festivals, free films and events.  Events in 2025 include Eats ‘N Beats Parkland offers free entry for Eats ‘N Beats  events that include food trucks and live entertainment 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Pine Trails Park. Events include: May 3 MixTape June 7 Majesty …

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For an interesting twist on nightlife activities, register for evening nature walks at Broward parks.  Some parks occasionally offer night hikes in forests, prairies, on shorelines and other intriguing outdoor spaces. On the tour, you’ll savor distinctive nocturnal sights, scents and sounds of evenings in the wild. It’s a nice idea for a romantic date, …

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For an easy nature excursion, the Deerfield Beach Arboretum features about 200 trees from different parts of the world. The nickname for the venue is “Tree Zoo.” Entry is free.  The arboretum is on about nine acres with a walking path. The route includes flowering tropical fruit trees, exotics, palms, wetlands, bamboo, natives, butterfly garden, …

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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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For a deal at a popular Fort Lauderdale historical attraction, teens and youngsters 17 and younger enter free with adults paying $25. The deal at Bonnet House in 2025 is offered June, July and August, and includes entry to the historical house and the lavish gardens at the 35-acre beachfront property.   Bonnet House, 954-703-2614, is …

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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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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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For an indoor event that features a variety of local entertainment, Lauderhill is offering a talent show.  The show features students in grades 6 – 12 from Broward.  The talent show in 2025 is 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, July 12 and entry is free.  The venue is Lauderhill Performing Arts, 3800 Northwest 11th …

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The waterpark at T.Y. Park in Hollywood, Castaway Island, offers opportunities for discounts and occasional extra events. Water playground and pool at T.Y. Park The waterpark at T.Y. Park includes a swim lagoon pool, wading pool and a water playground with interactive features and water slides.  In 2025, it’s open March 25 – March 31 …

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Parades. Picnics. Water parks.  Plenty of events and things to do on Fourth of July don’t involve fireworks.  Plenty are free.   With a wide variety of things to do, it’s easy to make the holiday ideal for you.  Things to do Fourth of July without fireworks  Broward Parks Broward Regional Parks are waiving the usual …

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While plenty of towns in Florida feature fireworks on the Fourth of July, Weston uses a different schedule for  its Independence Day extravaganza, with fireworks and festivities July 3 and for July 4, there’s a parade.  Weston Hometown Fourth of July Celebration Weston Hometown Fourth of July  in 2025 in Weston includes fireworks, games and …

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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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