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βΏ Miami-Dade Disability & Autism Newsletter π§©
Good morning, my fellow Miamians π¦©
The waterpark in Doral marks Labor Day Monday with a buy one, get one admission deal, so bring a towel. After that the calendar settles into its school-year rhythm and saves its best material for the weekend.
The 2nd Saturday of the month is when the free museum mornings stack up, and this one lands inside our week: sensory-friendly hours at the children's museum, free family programs downtown and on the bay, a sensory lab in South Miami. Pick one, get there early, let your child set the pace. Sunday brings the county's last tree giveaway of the year at Zoo Miami, 2 free trees per home while they last.
Victor Antunez
Real Estate Professional π Autism Dadvocate
PS. If buying or selling a home is on your mind, and you want to talk it through, text or call me at (305) 401-6224
PSS. Nothing means more than a real estate referral. If someone comes to mind, please send them my way.
Today's Edition Includes
- Financial Planning for All Families: The 4 Financial Cornerstones
- Book Bash at Christopher Columbus High School: Inclusive event celebrating literacy with free books
- This Weekβs Events Calendar
- September's Events Calendar
- Ongoing Weekly & Monthly Events Calendar
- Events Further Out to Plan Ahead For
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π«ΆπΌ This Week's Events
MONDAY
βDoral Central Park Waterpark Labor Day BOGO, 10am - 6pm: Buy one admission and get one free at Doral Central Park Waterpark for Labor Day. In-person only; no advance or online purchases. 3000 NW 87th Ave
TUESDAY
CARD Just for Moms Support Group, 6:30pm: For Moms raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Daniela Chaparro at dchaparro@miami.edu
WEDNESDAY
βMusic and Movement at Pinecrest Community Center, 10:30am, FREE: Workshop for parents and caregivers of children ages 1-3, focused on early literacy through music and movement. Hosted by The Children's Trust Parent Club. Register in advance. 5855 SW 111th St, Pinecrest
βChess Club at Lakes of the Meadow Branch Library, 6pm - 7pm, FREE: Chess club for ages 6+. 4284 SW 152nd Ave
βAMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: Adult audiences at participating locations
THURSDAY
βFREE, Toddler Play & Funtime at Bay Harbor Islands Branch Library, 10am - 11am: Sensory play in a welcoming, inclusive setting where toddlers build sensory skills through interactive play with their caregivers. Ages 0-5. 1175 95th St, Bay Harbor Islands
SATURDAY
βSwim with a Mermaid, 1:30 - 3:30pm: Swim with a mermaid in the shallow water grotto. For neurodiverse families across the lifespan. $15 per vehicle. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd
βAMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations
βFREE with RSVP, Miami Childrenβs Museum, 9-11am: Sensory Friendly Activities for Kids, 980 MacArthur Cswy
βMuseum of Miami 12-5pm: FREE Family Fun Day, 101 W Flagler Street
βFREE, Perez Art Museum (PAMM) 11am-3pm: Activities for children and adults, guided tours, guest artists, films, and performances. 1103 Biscayne Blvd
βFREE, The Sensory Lab: Ages 3-12, for details text Elton: 305.878.9654, 5825 SW 68 Street, Suite 2
βYouth Arts in the Parks Fall Creative Club, 9:30am - 11:30am: Accessible arts program for youth ages 6-17, and youth with disabilities up to age 22. Meets Saturdays across 6 sites by discipline. Registration deadline September 5th. $40 Miami-Dade residents, $300 non-residents:
- Animation Arts: Sandrell Rivers Theater (north) and West Kendall Regional Library (south)
- Creative Arts & Movement: The Women's Park (central) and William Dickinson Community Center (south)
- Visual Arts: Oak Grove Park (north) and Camp Matacumbe (south)
SUNDAY
βMiami-Dade Countyβs Adopt-a-Tree Program, 8:30am-11:30am: Provides homeowners with 2 free trees every year. Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St
βKaren Peterson and Dancers Audition in Pinecrest, 12 noon: For individuals with and without disabilities for the 2026-2027 dance season. Includes paid rehearsal, performance, and teaching opportunities in the Miami-Dade Schools. Call Karen to schedule an audition appointment: 305-298-5879. 11760 SW 72 Ave
ββNow through September 27th, Pop Air - Art is Inflatable at Balloon Museum, 10am - 8pm: Large inflatable installations you can walk through and touch. Mana Wynwood Convention Center, 318 NW 23 St
βNow through October 31st, Bugtopia at Zoo Miami: 13 giant animatronic insects, with bug-detective microscope stations where kids earn a junior entomologist certificate.
Days & Times May Change π¦ Confirm Before Going
π Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them βοΈ
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π September's Events Calendar
βMonday September 14th, Therapeutic Dance Class Free Trial at The Moss Center, 5pm - 5:50pm, FREE: Sample class for children with disabilities ages 7-13 before committing to the 6-week program. Class uses dance and occupational therapy principles. Led by a licensed occupational therapist. 10950 SW 211 Street
Tuesday September 15th, CARD Just for Dads Support Group, 6:30pm: For Dads raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Dr. Alessandri at malessandri@miami.edu
βTuesday September 15th, Adult Adaptive Cook and Create at Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 6pm - 8:30pm: Adaptive cooking class for adults 18+ with disabilities to practice making decisions, following instructions, taking turns, and using kitchen appliances. $14.02. 405 University Dr
βWednesday September 16th - Wednesday October 21st, Therapeutic Dance Classes at The Moss Center, 5pm - 5:50pm: 6-week program for children with disabilities ages 7-13. Meets Wednesdays. Class uses dance and occupational therapy principles in a group setting. Led by a licensed occupational therapist. 10950 SW 211 Street
βThursday September 17th, Caregiver Compass Webinar: Financial Planning for All Families, 7pm - 8pm, FREE: Stephen Clark and Benjamin Vilchez on the 4 financial cornerstones: protection planning, wealth accumulation, retirement planning, and estate planning. Part 1 of a two-part series that sets the foundation for special needs financial planning. Registration required.
βThursday September 17th, Teen Adaptive Cook and Create, 6pm: Teens 13-17 follow a recipe, prepare a meal, and make a craft while dinner cooks. War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. Questions: PlayForAll@CoralGables.comβ
βFriday September 18th Family Storytime - Celebrate Fall at Tamiami Branch Library, 4pm - 5pm, FREE: Storytime for all ages. 12700 SW 8th St
βFriday September 18th, Celebrating the Hearts Behind the Mission, 10:45am-2pm: A luncheon hosted by Many Happy Hearts marking nearly 2 decades of non-profit work. Individual and table sponsorships are available. 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables
βFriday September 18th, Miami Schools Fair & Conference, 9am-12pm: Pre-K through high school parents explore schools, meet school representatives, and preview programs. Registration opens at 8:45am. University of Miami, 1320 S Dixie Hwy
βFriday September 18th, International Day of Peace at Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 10am - 1pm, FREE: Observance of the International Day of Peace with a peace assembly, youth dialogue, and art. Student artwork will be on display and a peace march will be held for all to partake in. Reservation required. 2000 Convention Center Dr.
βSaturday September 19th, Breakfast Club at No Limits Coffee Shop, 9:30am - 11:30am, FREE: Samantha's Purpose hosts a morning of breakfast, games, arts & crafts, and making new friends for kids with special needs. Registration required. 13450 SW 128th Street.
βSaturday September 19th, Rodeo with a Purpose, 1pm - 4pm, FREE: VIP 305 welcomes families and individuals for a rodeo-themed afternoon with a mechanical bull, line dancing, arts and crafts, rodeo games, music, and food. Guests of all ages and abilities welcome. RSVP required. 12300 SW 240th Street, Homestead
βSaturday September 19th, Book Bash at Christopher Columbus High School, 10am - 1pm: Inclusive event celebrating literacy with free books, arts and crafts, games, prizes, and raffle. 3000 SW 87 Ave, L Building Lobby
βSaturday September 19th - Saturday November 21st, Animation Arts for Young Adults with ASD and I/DD at Mary Collins Community Center, 2pm - 5pm: Animation program for young adults ages 22-30 with ASD and I/DD covering storyboards, computer animation, and sound design using industry-standard software. Meets Saturdays. Registration deadline September 14th. $40 for Miami-Dade County residents. 15151 NW 82nd Ave
βSunday September 20th, Chase a Cop 5K Run/Walk at Haulover Park, 7:05am: Proceeds benefit Florida law enforcement families through Bleeding Blue non-profit. $35 registration includes a race t-shirt, and every finisher receives a medal. Registration opens 5:30am; national anthem 7am; race start 7:05am; awards ceremony 8:30am. 10800 Collins Ave
βMonday & Tuesday September 21-22nd, FIU Embrace Disability Conference, 8am - 5pm: From Evidence To Action - Turning Knowledge Into Systems Change. 11200 SW 8 St, Graham Center Ballrooms G140/150
βSaturday September 26th Crafty Kids Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Lakes of the Meadow Branch Library, 4pm - 5pm, FREE: Craft session for ages 6-11. 4284 SW 152nd Ave
βSaturday September 26th, Bellaβs Ball,β 6:30pmβ: An Evening Honoring Children Battling Cancer. Trump National Doral Miami, 4400 NW 87 Ave
βSunday September 27th, Miami Beach Cancer Walk, 9am-12pm: Uniting the community in the fight against cancer. Beach wheelchairs available. $30 donation includes the walk, an event t-shirt, and refreshments. Proceeds benefit Mount Sinai Cancer Medical Center. Altos Del Mar Park, 7600 Collins Ave
Days & Times May Change π¦ Confirm Before Going
π Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them βοΈ
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Ongoing Weekly & Monthly Events βοΈ
EVERY WEDNESDAY
βAbility Allies: Fun Without Limits, 5-6pm: Inclusive social meetup for special needs teens ages 16+ and their families, with sensory-friendly activities and creative play. Caregiver participation encouraged. Coral Reef Branch Library, 9211 Coral Reef Dr
βMy Squad, 6-9pm: Social gathering for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd
2nd & 4th WEDNESDAY
βAMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: Adult audiences at participating locations
EVERY THURSDAY
βVeterans Adaptive Fishing at Shake-A-Leg Miami: 2620 S Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove
3rd THURSDAY
βFREE, The Bass Museum, 6-9pm: 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
1st FRIDAY
βFREE, Coral Gables Museum Gallery Night, 6-10pm: 285 Aragon Ave
EVERY SATURDAY
βWe Can Sail at Shake-A-Leg Miami, 10am-2pm: Ages 6-22, inclusive sailing and waterfront activities. No experience needed. $50 per session. 2620 S Bayshore Dr
1st SATURDAY
βGold Coast Railroad Museum, 10am-4pm: Free admission with train rides available for purchase. 12450 SW 152 St, next to Zoo Miami
βFREE, The Home Depot Kids Workshop 9am: Activities & crafts
2nd SATURDAY
βAMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations
βFREE with RSVP, Miami Childrenβs Museum, 9-11am: Sensory Friendly Activities for Kids, 980 MacArthur Cswy
βMuseum of Miami 12-5pm: FREE Family Fun Day, 101 W Flagler Street
βFREE, Perez Art Museum (PAMM) 11am-3pm: Activities for children and adults, guided tours, guest artists, films, and performances. 1103 Biscayne Blvd
βFREE, The Sensory Lab: Ages 3-12, for details text Elton: 305.878.9654, 5825 SW 68 Street, Suite 2
3rd SATURDAY
βFREE, Coral Gables Museum Family Day 10am-6pm: Family Day, 285 Aragon Ave
βFREE, Frost Museum of Science 'JUST FOR ME' β10am-11:30am: Sensory-friendly experience for kids with disabilities, 1101 Biscayne Blvd (limited number of FREE admissions)
βMiami-Dade Tax Collector Neuro-Inclusive Service Day 8:30am - 4:30pm: Connect with county services: disability parking permit and autism decal, Florida ID cards, voter registration, disability tax exemption assistance, and disabilities sunflower lanyards, 200 NW 2 Ave
βParadox Museum Sensory Friendly Sessions, 9 - 11am: $10 per person with 50% of proceeds benefiting The Dan Marino Foundation, 2301 N Miami Ave
4th SATURDAY
βAMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations
EVERY SUNDAY
ββSocial Program at Shake-A-Leg Miami, 10am - 2pm: Water activities, socialization, and professional training for students & young adults with IDD in a safe and supportive environment, 2620 S Bayshore Dr
1st SUNDAY
βChuck E. Cheese, 9-11am: Opens early exclusively for Sensory Sensitive Sunday (Kendall, Hialeah, Aventura)
βLEGO Club, 10am: All supplies provided. Designed for people with disabilities, all welcome. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd
LAST SUNDAY
βThe Bass Museum Family Day, 12-5pm, FREE: Hands-on art making from 2-4pm, a scavenger-hunt art explorer guide through the galleries. 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
MONTHLY, DATES VARY
βMiami-Dade Public Library Inclusive Programs: For kids & teens with intellectual or developmental disabilities, featuring movies, crafts, and gaming in an environment where jumping, dancing, singing, and shouting are welcome, plus inclusive social meetup groups for special needs children and teens with their families.
βSUPERBLUE Miami, Sensory-friendly sessions, 9am-10am: 1101 NW 23 St, tickets $5 - $15
Days & Times May Change π¦ Confirm Before Going
π Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them βοΈ
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β³ Events Further Out to Plan Ahead For
Saturday October 3rd, Key Biscayne Inclusion & Disability Symposium, 9am-3:15pm: For families raising children with disabilities, from early intervention and school supports to planning for adulthood and long-term security. Key Biscayne Community Center, 10 Green Way
βSaturday October 3rd, Fresh A.I.R. Messy Paint: Monthly series for neurodiverse families to explore accessibility in nature. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. Questions: PlayForAll@CoralGables.com
βSunday October 4th, Not So Scary Halloween Bash, 1pm - 5pm: Put on your best costume and get ready to trick or treat at Miami Children's Museum. Activities include pumpkin decorating, spooky arts & crafts, lunch, and character meet & greets.
Saturday October 10th, Harvest and Wellness Family Festival at Tropical Park Westchester Cultural Arts Center, 10am - 3pm, FREE: Fall festival with a pumpkin patch, music, arts and crafts, adapted sports, active adult activities, rides, concessions, a Little Artisan Market, and a kid's costume contest (no masks). 7930 SW 40 Street
Tuesday October 13th, CARD Just for Moms Support Group, 6:30pm: For Moms raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Daniela Chaparro at dchaparro@miami.edu
βFriday October 16th - Saturday October 17th, Best Buddies Family Forever Conference: For parents and caregivers of individuals with IDD. Workshops, wellness sessions, expo, and a welcome reception to help families connect, learn, and recharge. $249 registration covers meals, workshops, and materials. Columbus, Ohio
βSaturday October 17th, Breakfast Club at No Limits Coffee Shop, 9:30am - 11:30am, FREE: Samantha's Purpose hosts a morning of breakfast, games, arts & crafts, and making new friends for kids with special needs. Registration required. 13450 SW 128th Street.
βSunday October 18th, Superblue Sensory-Friendly Session, 9am: For guests who are neurodiverse or have other disabilities. 1101 NW 23 Street
Tuesday October 20th, CARD Just for Dads Support Group, 6:30pm: For Dads raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Dr. Alessandri at malessandri@miami.edu
βSaturday October 31st, Parkinson's Moving Day Miami, 8:30am - 12 noon, FREE: The Parkinson's Foundation's annual fundraising walk brings together people living with Parkinson's disease, their care partners, and loved ones for a family-friendly 1-mile walk course. Registration required. 7900 SW 40th St
βSunday November 1st, Autism Society of Miami-Dade 5K Run/Walk at Zoo Miami: Check-in opens at 6:30am, race begins at 8am
βSaturday November 7th, A Night in Paradise 2026 Journey of Dreams Gala, β7pm: Hosted by Parent to Parent of Miami at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, fundraiser supporting families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. 255 Biscayne Blvd Way
βSaturday November 7th, Amigos Night 2026, 8pm-1am: Programs empowering families through after-school enrichment, parent education, and wrap-around support. The Hangar at Regatta Harbour, 3385 Pan American Drive
Tuesday November 10th, CARD Just for Moms Support Group, 6:30pm: For Moms raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Daniela Chaparro at dchaparro@miami.edu
βSaturday November 14th, Fresh A.I.R. Slime, 3 - 5pm: Monthly series for neurodiverse families to explore nature. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. Questions: PlayForAll@CoralGables.com
βSunday November 15th, Give Miami 5K Race, 8am: 100% of registration fee goes to the Give Miami Day nonprofit of your choice. Post-race Festival is a FREE community celebration with live entertainment, activities, food, wellness, prizes, and a 305-meter Kids' Dash. Maurice A. FerrΓ© Park, 1075 Biscayne Blvd
βSunday November 15th, Team Casa Familia at Give Miami 5K, 8am: Join Team Casa Familia at the Give Miami 5K. Every dollar raised goes to Casa Familia to build Exceptional Housing for Exceptional People, supporting adults with IDD. Runners and walkers welcome. 1075 Biscayne Blvd
Tuesday November 17th, CARD Just for Dads Support Group, 6:30pm: For Dads raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Dr. Alessandri at malessandri@miami.edu
βThursday November 19th, Give Miami Day: The Miami Foundation's largest annual initiative, a 24-hour online fundraising event powering over 1,400 nonprofits across Miami-Dade. Early Giving opens November 14.
βFriday November 20th, Love Serving Autism's 5th Annual Match Point Gala at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club in Boca Raton, 6-9pm: Proceeds support tennis instruction and life skills programs for individuals with IDD. 2425 W Maya Palm Dr, Boca Raton
βSaturday December 5th, Spectrum Stars Autism Talent Show, 3pm: FREE all-ages autism talent show. Cash prizes and every performer receives a trophy. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach
Tuesday December 8th, CARD Just for Moms Support Group, 6:30pm: For Moms raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Daniela Chaparro at dchaparro@miami.edu
βSaturday December 12th, Fresh A.I.R. Snow Magical, 2 - 4pm: Monthly series for neurodiverse families to explore nature. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. Questions: PlayForAll@CoralGables.com
Tuesday December 15th, CARD Just for Dads Support Group, 6:30pm: For Dads raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Dr. Alessandri at malessandri@miami.edu
Days & Times May Change π¦ Confirm Before Going
π Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them βοΈ
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Have a great Miami day 𦩠Iβll see you out there
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Share This Newsletter With A Friend Who Needs It π«ΆπΌ
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