Even though Monday, Aug. 11 is the first day of school for Broward County public school students, that doesn’t mean the summer has to end. There are still plenty of events for family fun —from digging up dinosaur bones at the Museum of Discovery and Science to creating nature-themed crafts at the library. There are also school supply giveaways for families. Broward sets the tone for summer’s end with these back-to-school events and educational workshops for kids and families.
Back-to-School Events
Back-to-School Weekend at Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens in Davie holds a “Back to School Weekend” on Saturday, Aug. 2 and Sunday, Aug. 3 for kids and families. The weekend features a variety of activities and special giveaways for guests, including board games on Flamingo Garden’s Wray Lawn (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), crafts at the Kids’ Corner (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), and school supply giveaways (while supplies last).
Outrageous Productions, a Florida-based entertainment company, will deejay music on the Wray Lawn from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Young at Art (YAA) will host a “Make & Take” craft workshop for kids on Saturday. Girl Scouts can even earn their “GS Love the Outdoors Challenge Patch” by participating in nature-focused activities at Flamingo Gardens during the event. The acclaimed Florida Children’s Theatre Circus Troupe will also perform during the weekend; the Circus Troupe features aerial and ground circus acts by young performers from the Florida Children’s Theatre.
Events included with admission to Flamingo Gardens.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Flamingo Gardens Back to School Weekend
WHERE: Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2, and Sunday, Aug. 3
COST: $24 admission, $17, children 3 to 11, free for children 2 and younger, Flamingo Gardens members, and SF Adventure Pass holders
INFORMATION: (954) 473-2955 or visit the Flamingo Gardens event page
BEST FOR: Kids
K-Day Events at Broward Libraries
Countdown to Kindergarten with K-Day events at Broward Libraries. Broward County Library encourages first-time Broward County Public Schools Kindergarteners to join. K-Day events are designed to help kids practice literacy skills and get ready for Kindergarten through a live reading of “Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten” (Joseph Slate, 2001), which introduces children to the letters of the alphabet. The event also includes activities, stories, and songs to celebrate Kindergarteners. All K-Day events are free.
K-Day at Deerfield Beach Percy White Branch
WHERE: Deerfield Beach Percy White Branch, 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 2
INFORMATION: (954) 357-7680 or register on the event page
K-Day at Pembroke Pines/Walter C. Young Resource Center
WHERE: Pembroke Pines/Walter C. Young Resource Center, 955 NW 129th Ave., Pembroke Pines
WHEN: 11 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Aug. 5
INFORMATION: (954) 357-6750 or register on the event page
BEST FOR: Kids entering Kindergarten
School Supply Giveaway Events in Broward
The entire month of August is Florida’s “Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday.” Starting Aug. 1, and ending Aug. 31, Floridians can purchase qualifying school supplies—including clothes, certain computer accessories, and learning aid materials tax free. School supply giveaways around Broward County will also be giving out school-related items to kids and families for free at select events. Many of these school supply giveaways also include music and fun, kid-friendly activities. Here’s a list of school supply giveaway events in Broward:
The “4th Annual Back-to-School Block Party & Backpack Giveaway” at Johnny L. Tigner Center in Deerfield Beach includes a DJ, games, free food, and of course, free school supplies. Each student receives one free backpack filled with school supplies; students must be at the event to receive a backpack. Other vendors and organizations will be on site to offer additional free supplies.
WHERE: Johnny L. Tigner Community Center, 445 SW 2nd St., Deerfield Beach
WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 2
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 480-4449 or visit the event page
“Back 2 School Blast” at Franklin Park is a community event that includes school supply giveaways for students aged 6 to 17.
WHERE: Franklin Park, 2501 Franklin Drive, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-7080 or visit the event page
Florida Technical College hosts its annual “Back to School Giveaway” at their Pembroke Pines campus. The event includes music, a coloring station, refreshments, campus tours, and raffles to receive free electronic devices for school. Free backpacks with school supplies are limited to one per child on a first-come, first-served basis.
WHERE: Florida Technical College – Pembroke Pines Campus, 12520 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines
WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 2
COST: Free
INFORMATION: Visit Eventbrite
The annual “Back-to-School Beach Clean-up” at Dania Beach gives students the chance to earn community service hours for school by joining the beach clean-up. Refreshments will be served and participating students receive a free backpack. The event also includes face painting, music, and a drawing for prizes.
WHERE: Dania Pier Beach, 100 N. Beach Road, Dania Beach
WHEN: 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 7
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 924-6800 or Dania Beach event page
Join the “Back to School Bash and One City at a Time Anniversary Celebration” at OB Johnson Park Gym in Hallandale Beach. The “Back to School Bash” includes family activities, music, and free backpacks (limit one per child) and school supplies for attendees. The event also celebrates the City’s partnership with Memorial Healthcare System with a health fair.
WHERE: OB Johnson Park Gym, 400 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 457-1489 or Hallandale Beach events page
Teen End of Summer Bash at Alvin Sherman Library
Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University hosts a teens-only “End of Summer Bash.” The event includes free snacks, crafts, and games. This event takes place in program room 1017 on the first floor of the library. The event is for teens, ages 13-17, or middle and high school-aged students and registration is required.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Teen End of Summer Bash”
WHERE: Nova Southeastern University Alvin Sherman Library, Research and Information Technology Center, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd.., Davie
WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 1
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 262-5477 or register on event page
BEST FOR: Teens
End of Summer Celebration at Sunrise Athletic Complex
The City of Sunrise returns with its “End of Summer Celebration” at the Sunrise Athletic Complex for Sunrise residents. The event helps families get ready for school and gives participants a chance to enjoy some last summer fun with kid-friendly activities. Local school representatives will be in attendance to answer questions regarding the upcoming school year and the first 1,000 students (K-12 grade) will receive free school supplies and an age-appropriate book. Students must arrive with a parent or legal guardian. Admission is free; attendees must show their driver’s license as proof of residency.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “End-of-Summer Celebration”
WHERE: Sunrise Athletic Complex, 11501 NW 44th St., Sunrise
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 747-4600 or the event page
BEST FOR: Kids
History & Science Events
Civil War-Era Illustrations from AARLCC Special Collections at AARLCC
The African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) honors the 160th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War (1861-1865) with a special exhibit of Civil War-era illustrations from the Library’s Special Collections. The exhibit includes 12 prints from illustrated newspapers active during the Civil War and Reconstruction period (1863-1877) that show the contributions of African Americans to the War.
The 12-print collection shown in the AARLCC’s exhibition includes images of African Americans from these illustrated papers and the role African Americans played in the Civil War. Admission to the exhibit is free. “Civil War-Era Illustrations from AARLCC Special Collections” is on view at AARLCC’s Gallery D (first floor) through Friday, Aug. 1.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Civil War-Era Illustrations from AARLCC Special Collections”
WHERE: African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Through Friday, Aug. 1
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-6282 or the exhibit page
BEST FOR: All ages
Black History Saturday School at AARLCC
Black History Saturday School comes to the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) on Saturday, Aug. 2 for an interactive lesson on the Civil Rights Movement. Black History Family Presentations at AARLCC are family-centered, educational sessions exploring a particular topic in Black History. The event is a free, all-ages event to help children and adults develop a deeper understanding of history and how its lessons apply to everyone’s lives.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Black History Family Presentation: Black History Saturday School” at AARLCC
WHERE: African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-6282 or the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
Educational Nature Events at Broward County Parks
Broward has more than 50 different parks throughout the county offering kids, teens, and adults outdoor activities, educational programming, recreational opportunities, and access to nature. Access to many Broward County Parks is free and programs are low-cost or offered free. Check out some of the upcoming educational programs for kids and families happening in Broward this August.
Meet one of the many reptiles in residence at the Secret Woods Nature Center during the monthly “Reptile Roundup” event. Secret Woods Nature Center is home to many forms of reptile wildlife and during this event, a park naturalist will introduce participants to a different reptile and give a short lesson about the animal. Following the presentation, participants can hike one of the many nature trails at the Park.
WHERE: Secret Woods Nature Center, 2701 W. State Road 84, Dania Beach
WHEN: (Reoccurring every first Saturday) 10 a.m. to 10:15 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-8884 or the event page
“Investigate It!” at Boaters Park is a nature event for kids at Boaters Park, Fort Lauderdale, where they learn about plants, wildlife, and the environment from a park naturalist during these monthly events. A park naturalist will guide participants through interactive experiments and investigations during the event. “Investigate It” is designed for ages 5-12 years; families must register the Monday before the program by phone.
WHERE: Boaters Park, 2450 S.W. 42nd St., Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: (Reoccurring every first Thursday) 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 7
COST: $5 (pre-registration required)
INFORMATION: (954) 357-8884 or the event page
The “Mangrove Adventure Hike” at Anna Kolb Nature Center brings participants on an educational hike to learn all about mangrove trees and Florida’s unique mangrove estuary ecosystem. The program involves walking so participants are encouraged to wear suitable shoes and be prepared for sun and insects; “Mangrove Adventure Hike” is suitable for all ages.
WHERE: Anna Kolb Nature Center, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood
WHEN: (Reoccurring every second Saturday) 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 10
COST: $3 (pre-registration required)
INFORMATION: (954) 357-5161 or the event page
James is Turning 7 Years Old! At Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens celebrates James the flamingo’s seventh birthday on Sunday, Aug. 10. American Caribbean Flamingos (also known as the Caribbean Flamingo and the American Flamingo) like James are amongst the largest species of flamingo and can live for up to 40 years. The celebration at Flamingo Gardens starts at noon and birthday guests can eat cake; those who show up in their “flamingo best” receive a special prize (starting at 9:30 a.m., while supplies last). Sing “Happy Birthday” to James and watch him enjoy cake and gifts. Learn more about flamingos at the Animal Specialist Talk at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., then join the Otter Talk and otter feeding at 2:30 p.m.
Entrance to James’ Birthday Celebration is included with the cost of admission to Flamingo Gardens.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Flamingo Gardens Back to School Weekend
WHERE: Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 10
COST: $24 admission, $17, children 3 to 11, free for children 2 and younger, Flamingo Gardens members, and SF Adventure Pass holders
INFORMATION: (954) 473-2955 or Flamingo Gardens event page
BEST FOR: Kids
Professor Science’s Float or Flop Lab Artist Workshop at Young At Art Museum
Young at Art Museum (YAA) in Plantation brings professional, local artists to host interactive workshops for kids. The final workshop of their summer series is “Professor Science’s Float or Flop Lab” on Thursday, Aug. 7.
Professor Science from Ready Set Puppets returns to Young at Art to teach kids about the principles of buoyancy and density using puppets and hands-on experiments. Predict, test, and learn why certain objects float or sink during the workshop.
Participation in “Professor Science’s Float or Flop Lab” is free with museum admission.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Professor Science’s Float or Flop Lab
WHERE: Young at Art Museum, 8000 W. Broward Blvd., Suite 1208, Plantation
WHEN: 4 to 5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 7
COST: $12, children and adults, free for children 2 and younger
INFORMATION: (954) 424-0085 or Artist Workshop series event page
BEST FOR: Kids
MODS – Roar and Explore
Participants learn all about Paleontology (the study of ancient life on Earth like dinosaurs, plants, fungi, bacteria, and more, through fossilized remains) during the “Roar and Explore Weekends” at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS).
Dig for fossils, learn how dinosaurs evolved into modern animals, understand prehistoric plant life and ecosystems, and learn about the extinction event that ended dinosaur life on Earth through the “Expedition: Dinosaur Rise of the Mammals” exhibit at MODs (on view through Monday, Sept. 1). The program includes access to the “Expedition: Dinosaur – Rise of the Mammals,” a fun, engaging exhibit with true-to-size animatronic dinosaurs and ancient mammals, fossils, and replicas of dinosaur skeletons to help kids learn about dinosaurs and the rise of the mammals in prehistoric Earth.
“Roar and Explore Weekends” take place during museum hours on Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, Aug. 31. Admission to “Roar and Explore Weekends” is free with museum admission.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Roar & Explore Weekends” at MODS
WHERE: Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), 401 S.W. Second St., Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays, and 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., Sunday, June through Aug. 31
COST: $25, adults, $23, seniors 65+, $22, military members, $19, children up to 12, free for MODS members and children 1 and younger.
INFORMATION: (954) 467-6637 or visit the Roar and Explore Weekends event page
BEST FOR: Kids
Arts & Literacy
Florida Panthers Summer Reading Tour 2025 at West Regional Library
Join the Florida Panthers and Broward County Library for the “Florida Panthers Summer Reading Tour 2025” at West Regional Library on Saturday, Aug. 2.
The event includes a Florida Panthers special guest reader, games and activities, giveaways, and an appearance from a Florida Panthers mascot, Viktor E. Ratt. or Stanley C. Panther. The event also includes a question and answer time with the guest and ASL interpretation for the book reading and Q&A. Participants are encouraged to wear their Florida Panther gear.
The “Florida Panthers Summer Reading Tour” is a free, all-ages event.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Florida Panthers Summer Reading Tour 2025” at West Regional Library
WHERE: West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation
WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 765-1560 or the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
“The Lab: 2025 Summer Poetry Workshop Series”
The five-workshop series for teens on writing poetry at South Regional/Broward College Library addresses spoken word poetry and narrative poetry, and helps writers develop their voice and poetry by working on sound, rhythm, imagery, symbolism, storytelling, and other poetic devices. The fifth and final workshop, “Spoken Word Poetry with Humor and Satire” on Friday, Aug. 1 coaches teens on how to use satire, wit, and humor into their spoken word poetry. Attendees will also learn how to write poetry that is both thought-provoking and humorous.
Teaching artists from The Omari Hardwick bluapple Poetry Network lead the workshop. The group works with South Florida K-12 students to help them express themselves through spoken word poetry. They organize workshops, poetry readings, and conferences such as the Poetry and Leadership Conference, and Louder Than A Bomb Florida Festival.
This workshop is a free, teens-only event; participants must pre-register online for the workshop through the event page.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Workshop 5: Spoken Word Poetry with Humor and Satire”
WHERE: South Regional/Broward College Library, 7300 Pines Blvd., Building 81, Pembroke Pines
WHEN: noon to 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 1
COST: Free (registration required)
INFORMATION: (954) 201-8825 or register online
BEST FOR: Teens
ARTventures Family Fun Activity at Coral Springs Museum of Art
The Coral Springs Museum of Art holds a monthly ARTventures Family Fun Activity every second Saturday of the month for kids (ages two and older) and families. The monthly events aim to provide arts education and creative exploration suitable for the whole family.
Each event starts with a tour of the Museum’s current exhibit and concludes with a kid-friendly creative activity. The Saturday, Aug. 9 ARTventure includes a tour of the latest exhibition on view, “Style Masters: The Birth of the Graffiti Movement,” which traces the history of graffiti art and its power as a global art movement through 150 unique pieces.
Admission to ARTventures and the Coral Springs Museum of Art is free; families are encouraged to RSVP to ARTventures on the museum website.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: ARTventures Family Fun Activity
WHERE: Coral Springs Museum of Art, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs
WHEN: 2 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 340-5000 or ARTventures Family Fun Activity event page
BEST FOR: All ages
Our Loving World Exhibit and Create, Connect, Grow Activities
Local artist, Stephanie McMillan, brings her playful, nature-focused art installation, “Our Loving World” to The Storefront exhibition space at Broward Main Library during the months of July and August. Throughout July and August, McMillan will be working on her evolving exhibition, “Our Loving World,” at The Storefront. Visitors can drop by the exhibition space on the first floor of Broward Main Library to view the exhibit. The closing reception takes place Wednesday, Aug. 27.
“Our Loving World” is an interactive, community-focused exhibit centered around understanding and appreciating the plants and animals native to South Florida. The exhibit incorporates McMillan’s quirky, playful illustrations for plant labels, coloring pages, plant identification games, noncommercial ways of distributing art, and food forest and garden tours.
McMillan will also hold “Create, Connect, Grow” activities and art as part of the exhibit. Activities include a coloring station featuring McMillan’s art, plant identification games, and a make your own journal activity. Participants can also share recipes, art, growing tips, and plant seeds and cuttings for edible and medicinal plants. Activities take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at The Storefront through Saturday, Aug. 23.
McMillan is an ongoing Artist-in-Residence at the New River Inn History Museum (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), and recipient of an Artist Support Grant from the Broward County Cultural Division.
All events, including the closing reception on Wednesday, Aug. 27 and the “Create, Connect, Grow” events, are free to the public. All ages are welcome.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Our Loving World” Exhibit and “Create, Connect, Grow” Activities at The Storefront
WHERE: Broward Main Library, 100 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: (“Create, Connect, Grow” Activity Days) 1 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 30 and Aug. 13, 1. 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23. Closing reception, 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 27
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-7444 or visit the event page and Closing Reception event page
BEST FOR: All ages
“Descendants: One-Act Version”
Students from The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and The Performance Project School of the Arts put on a performance of “Descendants” for audiences at Amaturo Theater as part of its annual Summer Theater Camp program.
This one-act version of “Descendants” is based on the popular Disney Channel movie, “Descendants: The Musical,” (2015) which follows the children of infamous Disney villains like Maleficent, Jafar, Cruella and the Evil Queen as they join the kids of Disney princesses and heroes at school for a chance at redemption from their parents’ mistakes.
Performances of “Descendants” by campers, ages 10-13, from The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and The Performance Project School of the Arts Summer Theater Camp Wednesday, July 30 through Tuesday, Aug. 12.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Descendants” by BCPA Performance Project School of the Arts
WHERE: Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Southwest 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 6 and 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, Aug. 6, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 12
COST: Tickets start at $11.80
INFORMATION: (954) 462-0222 or click here to purchase tickets
BEST FOR: Families
