When Do Kids Go Back to School in Broward County?
Students in Broward County Public Schools go back to school on Monday, August 11, 2025. This marks the official first day of the 2025 – 2026 school year for most public school students in the county.
Whether you’re soaking up every last bit of summer or quietly counting down the days (no judgment here!), that gives us just enough time to squeeze in some memory making, grab those supplies, and get the kids back into school mode – without making it feel like a total chore.
Free Back to School Events
If you’re anything like me, you love anything affordable to do with the fam, let alone a good freebie – especially when it helps get your kids excited (and prepared) for school. Luckily, Broward County is full of free back to school events this year. From backpack giveaways to live music and face painting, these events are a great way to celebrate the new school year without having to spend a dime.
Rock the Block Back to School Outreach – Hollywood
Armory Community Center
Saturday, August 2, 11:30 a.m.
This high energy community bash has it all: live music, free snacks and drinks, face painting, games, and – yes – free school supplies and even sneakers for the kiddos. Everything is first come, first served, so arrive early and bring the whole crew.
Details here
Beach Clean-Up & Backpack Giveaway – Dania Beach
Dania Beach Pier
Thursday, August 7, 4 – 6 p.m.
This one’s extra special – kids can help with a beach clean up, earn community service hours if they need them, and then enjoy face painting, music, light refreshments, and a backpack giveaway. There’s even a prize drawing. And parking is free!
Back to School Bash – Deerfield Beach
412 SW 2nd St, Deerfield Beach
Saturday, July 26, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hosted by the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority and Family Empowerment Program, this event is focused on giving every child a confident, well-equipped start to the school year. Think free backpacks, school supplies, football cleats, fun raffles, and plenty of activities for all ages.
Pembroke Pines Back to School Event
Florida Technical College
Saturday, August 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This one packs a punch: free backpacks, live music, snacks, raffles (including electronics!), and a chance to meet the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders. Plus, there’s a coloring station and on-site program demos.
Back 2 School Bash – Hallandale Beach
OB Johnson Park Gym
Saturday, August 9, 10 a.m.
Join in the fun with music, school supply giveaways, and community partners handing out goodies for school age kids. This year’s bash is expected to be even bigger, so it’s a great chance to stock up and enjoy time together before school kicks off.
Back 2 School Drive – Fort Lauderdale
Carter Park
Saturday, August 2
This event has a little bit of everything – free backpacks and supplies, food and drinks, live performances, and games for the kids. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to stay local and still make a day of it.
Back to School Bash – Broward County Library (Margate)
Margate Library
Thursday, July 17, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Your local library is always a hidden gem for kid friendly events. This free family celebration includes activities, games, and backpack giveaways (while supplies last). Bonus: it’s indoors and usually air conditioned.
Tamarac Resource Fair & Backpack Giveaway
Tamarac Community Center
Saturday, August 9, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
This one’s ideal for families of kids with special needs or anyone who could use some extra community support. Enjoy free school supply giveaways, access to local resources, and a fabulous “Rip the Hallways” kids fashion show at 11:30 a.m.
Pre-registration required
More Back to School Events
Get the kids excited for the new school year with these high energy, family friendly back to school events happening across Broward County. From splash parties to fashion shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while getting into the school ready spirit.
Tamarac Back-To-School Splash
Caporella Aquatic Complex
Saturday, August 2, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$5 per person
This one is a total win if your kids love the water. For just five bucks, they’ll get access to the pool, splash pad, and water slide – plus games, music, and family friendly fun. The first 50 kids (ages 5–12) even get a free back to school gift, so plan to get there early! Don’t forget to register online to save your spot.
Register here
Coral Ridge Mall Back-To-School Bash
Coral Ridge Mall
Saturday, August 2 – festivities begin at 2 p.m.
If your back to school shopping list still needs checking off, this is a fun way to do it! Coral Ridge Mall is hosting a lively afternoon of giveaways, raffles, live entertainment, and more. And if your kids love a little spotlight? Don’t miss the Dillard’s Kids Fashion Show at 2 p.m. It’s the perfect way to get them excited about picking out those first day outfits.
Back to School Safety Splash Bash – Davie
David Posnack JCC
Sunday, August 17
$25 per family (up to 6 people)
For a back to school event with a focus on safety, this family pool party offers swim lessons, CPR demos, water slides, and more. A great way to combine fun with life saving knowledge before school starts. Bonus: the price covers the whole fam!
Event details here
End of Summer Activities to Get Kids Ready for School
Let’s be honest – getting the kids to think about learning during summer can feel like a lost cause. But these local spots around Broward County sneak in a little education while still keeping things light, fun, and totally summer approved. Think of it as gently waking up those school year brains… without them even realizing it.
Summer Storytime in the Park Series – Hollywood
Wednesday Evenings – July 16, 23 & 30
Rotating Locations
Before summer wraps, enjoy a calm, cozy evening with guest readers, free books for every child, and time to just unwind under the stars. Bring a blanket and make a picnic of it!
- July 16 – Washington Park Community Center
- July 23 – 811 Glenn Parkway
- July 30 – Zinkil Park
Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS) – Fort Lauderdale
Museum of Discovery and Science
Whether your kids are dino lovers, ocean explorers, or future engineers, MODS always has something hands on and exciting going on. This summer’s featured exhibit, “Expedition: Dinosaur – Rise of the Mammals,” is a crowd pleaser, and their Sea Turtle Walks (off-site) are a fun and educational way to learn about marine conservation. Bonus: it’s all air-conditioned and stroller-friendly.
Check current events at MODS
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens – Fort Lauderdale
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Now through August 31, families can enjoy this beautiful historic estate and tropical garden for free (well, at least the kids do – children 17 and under are free with a paid adult). It’s a peaceful way to walk through nature, learn about local history and art, and get a little fresh air before heading back to the classroom.
Explore Bonnet House
Broward County Libraries – Ongoing Summer Programs
Don’t sleep on your local library! Personally I think it’s one of the most underrated things we can do as a family in our communities. It’s always affordable. Most branches even offer free events like storytime, craft days, educational games, and early literacy programs, many of which continue right up until school starts. Plus, it’s a low stress way to get your kids excited about reading again after a few screen heavy weeks.
Find your local branch and events
Volunteer or Explore Outdoors
Late summer is a perfect time to explore some of Broward’s nature centers and parks. Look for simple ways to incorporate learning – scavenger hunts, journaling about what they see, or even volunteering for short clean-up projects (like the one at Dania Beach). It gets kids thinking critically and helps build that school-ready mindset.
Final Mom Tip
Use these last few weeks to mix fun with gentle structure – think one outing a week, early bedtime resets, and even a back to school countdown on the fridge. In our household we even do No-Screen Sundays. The goal isn’t to rush the fun away – it’s to help kids feel ready, not surprised, when that first bell rings on August 11th.
