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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.

If you’d like homework help for your kids, local libraries in South Florida offer it online for free. At some libraries, in-person tutoring is available. Also, SAT prep is often is available at these libraries. To receive tutoring, you register with your personal library number to set up an online account. Obtaining a library account …

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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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Pull out your favorite plaid shirt. The Town of Davie is offering a Fall festival packed with activities and entertainment. Festivities in 2025 are 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, September 20, and entry is free. Parking and activities are free. The event includes: activities for kids inflatables face painting petting farm artisan vendors food …

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Nab a free game at Puttshack, which is opening at Dania Pointe plaza in Dania Beach.  Puttshack is an indoor venue that features a nightclub vibe with high-tech mini golf, where the golf balls keep track of your points.    It opens August 27, 2025, and offers an opportunity to earn free games, including a …

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If you like playing tourist in your hometown or if you are an actual tourist, nab a fabulous opportunity for 2-for-1 deals at attractions in Broward. Broward Attractions and Museums Month or BAMM, is in September and several popular venues are participating. BAMM also promotes attractions and museums that are free whenever you go.  The …

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Pull out your favorite swimwear. The water playground at Quiet Waters Park offers occasional extra events and opportunities for discounts. Splash Adventure is an interactive shallow water playground with slides and spritzy features. Quiet Waters Park, 954-357-5100, is at 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach 33442.  Water playground fees & discounts $6 per day, and …

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Deals and occasional extra events are offered at Old Davie School, an interesting historical attraction with an authentic old schoolhouse and a replica of a Florida pioneer home. Some events offer free or discounted entry.     Featured Event Summerween is 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday August 23 with a discounted entry fee of …

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From internationally renowned artist Wyland, a bronze and steel turtle sculpture is poised at a fresh environmental public art display in Dania Beach.  The 8,000-pound Sea Turtle Beach sculpture is part of Wyland’s global public art project, which focuses on representations of  marine life. Other Wyland pieces from that project are in Beijing and Alaska.  …

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Walk into a library and walk out with a digital tablet. Or a robot. Or a Frisbee. Participating libraries in South Florida loan items like electronic devices, robotic devices and bird watching gear. Use your library account number. Obtaining a library account is free for eligible residents.  Broward libraries loan  Digital tablets for ages 18 …

Read More about Libraries loan laptops, toys & other gear for free

Ikea in Sunrise is hosting a free performance featuring South Florida Symphony Orchestra.  The event in 2025 is 5 p.m. Saturday, September 6, with registration required online.  Activities are offered at the store prior to the performance.  Ikea is at 151 NW 136th Ave, Sunrise 33325 Sign up for the South Florida on the Cheap newsletter. Follow …

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For a price break on a fun activity in Broward, roller skating is $12 on Wednesdays in  Davie. The price includes skate rentals. The $12 deal is offered 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Galaxy Skateway.  The regular price is usually about  $15-$20 with skate rentals. Image: PixabayRecommendation: Phone first to ensure the venue …

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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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