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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.

Water playgrounds  in Deerfield and Hollywood that are typically for kids and families are open specifically for dogs at designated K9 Water Festivals, popular with pooches and their people. At water park events for dogs, some pups step into the shallow water and stand. Others fly into the water, swim and retrieve floating toys.  Dogs …

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Broward County parks are offering family evening events with hayrides. The evening event includes hayrides and roasting s’mores around a fire at parks in Hollywood, Deerfield Beach and Oakland Park.  The price is $4  with registration and payment is required with reservations. Reserve online or pay at the park office. The 2024 hayride events in …

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The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood offers free entry from noon to 4 p.m. the third Sunday of most months. In addition to art exhibits on display, Free Arts! Family Day often includes family-friendly activities like art workshops. Regular prices other days are $7 for adults and $4 for kids, students and seniors. Entry …

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Oktoberfest, Halloween hooplas and Hispanic Heritage events  are among the array of delightful things to do in October in Broward, including plenty that are free or relatively inexpensive. Pumpkin patches, fall festivals, and farmers markets are in abundance. Here are the top free and cheap events in Broward in October 2024, and perhaps an indulgence. …

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The  Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale offers occasional discounts and free entry days. The museum offers interactive exhibits and demonstrations, an outdoor science park and displays with animals.   Regular MODS prices are Adults $27 Ages 2-12 $22 Seniors $25 Military $24  The museum is  at 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale. …

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Some of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach and other towns in Broward are free. Allow your wallet a break and browse these recommendations. Places with free entry ArtServe Fort Lauderdale  The venue  offers a gallery and gift shop with an emphasis on work featuring South Florida artists. It is usually …

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Food, folk dancing and games are featured at Oktoberfest festivities in Oakland Park. Alpine Express performs.  German-style beers & Bavarian foods will be offered for purchase. Rides and activities for kids are part of the event. Oakland Park Oktoberfest for 2024 is: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, October 4 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. …

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If you’re eager to be out and about, Broward offers lots of events that are free or relatively inexpensive. Food trucks. Live music. Fall festivities.  Great for date nights, family activities and solo excursions. September events in 2025 in Broward Water slides in Parkland  Back to school Splash Bash is 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. …

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For a frugal family excursion, ArtsFest in North Broward is a free event. The event in 2024 is 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, September 14 with a theme of Pakistan and activities for kids. The event includes local artists and artisans activities live entertainment If you’d like a bite to eat, food vendors are …

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For kids who like water slides, Parkland is offering Splash Bash.  The back to school bash includes entertainment, games and food vendors. Water slides are featured.  The event in 2025 is 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, September 6, and entry is free. It’s at the Equestrian Center, 8350 Ranch Road, Parkland. Parking is free. …

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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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