Clicky Skip to Content

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.

Performances, activities and free books are are featured at a Broward Library BookFest for youngsters and their families. The family BookFest event in 2026 is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Saturday, May 30, and entry is free. Books are distributed while supplies last.  It’s at West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation 33324. Parking …

Read More about Entertainers, dancing & free books at Youth BookFest at library in Plantation & it’s free

Sports enthusiasts and families are drawn to Weston Regional Park for its array of features and free events. The park amenities include shaded playground roller hockey rinks beach tennis pickle ball sand volleyball picnic shelters lighted walking path bike DIY repair station EV vehicle station basketball team athletic  fields The park offers free occasional events …

Read More about Weston Regional Park offers shaded playground for kids, sand volleyball and other amenities

Reducing water waste is kind to your wallet. And to the planet. As an incentive to replace old toilets with fresher versions that save water, rebates are offered to eligible Broward residents. The Broward Water Partnership offers rebates of $125 per toilet when replacing an older model with a more efficient, low-flow, WaterSense-rated toilet. Eligible …

Read More about $125 toilet rebate for eligible Broward residents

For fun, free outdoor excursions, lots of people delight in nature walks in parks.  For extra fun, direct your attention on birds. If you’re interested in bird watching or birding, libraries in Broward and greater Palm Beach loan equipment for free.  Sierra Taliaferro, a parks naturalist in Broward, offers some information on the delightful activity. “All …

Read More about Free birding backpacks on loan at libraries for nature hikes

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 …

Read More about Free homework help from local libraries online & in branches

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 …

Read More about Free Arts! Family Day in Hollywood

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 2026  7:30 p.m. April 21, Broward Choral Society and choir performing Gospel, theater favorites and others.  7:30 …

Read More about Free film festival at Bailey Hall in Davie

  Deerfield Island is a natural area on the Intracoastal Waterway in north Broward that’s accessible by boat. Free water shuttle excursions to Deerfield Island Natural Area are weather permitting, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  The free boat shuttle service usually runs from a dock at Sullivan Park, 1701 Riverview Road, Deerfield Beach, at 10 a.m., …

Read More about Free entry & free rides onto Deerfield Island

If you’re interested in upgrading your outdoor irrigation system, perhaps you’ll qualify for a rebate of about $200 to $600. Different factors determine eligibility for Broward residents, including Where you reside, use eligibility map your existing irrigation is operational your existing irrigation uses metered city water If you’re eligible,  apply online prior to performing any …

Read More about Rebates for upgrading irrigation in eligible Broward residential yards

It’s free to play outdoor Bingo at a park in Sunrise. Participants receive a game packet for about nine games, while supplies last.  The events in 2026 are usually third Sundays, and entry is free. Games are at 3 p.m. and participation is limited. The event includes entertainment and prizes. The venue is Village Art …

Read More about Free outdoor Bingo in Broward with prizes

Switch out your old bike helmet for a free one, while supplies last.  Bike helmets, bounce houses, and safety demonstrations are featured at Play It Safe Palooza, an event that emphasizes safety for youngsters.  The event in 2026 is 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, May 30 and entry is free.  It is presented at …

Read More about Play It Safe Palooza offers activities for kids

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.

Living on the Cheap in the Media