β™Ώ This Week's Inclusive Events + September's Free First Weekend 🧩 Monday August 31


β™Ώ Miami-Dade Disability & Autism Newsletter 🧩

Good morning, my fellow Miamians 🦩

The 1st week of the month is my favorite stretch on the Miami calendar, because that's when the free stuff clusters. Museums drop their admission, the Home Depot hands your child a free project, and the places that are usually loud turn the lights and the noise down.

This past Saturday was the county's Disability Resource Fair, and it was a good one, with Mayor Cava and Commissioner Raquel Regalado holding a farewell ceremony for Heidi Johnson, who retired from heading the county's ADA office.

School is settling in, Labor Day lands next Monday, and the fall season of fairs, galas, and support groups is loading up fast. Deep breath. We planned for this.


Today's Edition Includes

  1. Youth Arts in the Parks Fall Creative Club For Youth 6-22 With and Without Disabilities: Registration Deadline Sept. 5th
  2. Animation Arts for Young Adults ages 22-30 With ASD and I/DD: Registration Deadline Sept. 14th
  3. This Week’s Events Calendar
  4. September's Events Calendar
  5. Ongoing Weekly & Monthly Events Calendar
  6. Events Further Out to Plan Ahead For

* * *

Victor Antunez β€’ (305) 401-6224

Real Estate Professional πŸ”‘ 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.


🫢🏼 This Week's Events

SATURDAY

​The Children's Trust Parent Club Music and Movement at Main Library, 10am: FREE in-person workshop for parents and caregivers of children ages 1-3 with the goal of enhancing early literacy activities in daily home routines. 101 W Flagler St

​READy, Set, Go: Music & Movement, 10-11am, FREE: Interactive storytime from The Children's Trust Parent Club showing how music, rhythm, and creative play build early literacy in children ages 0-5. In collaboration with the University of Miami. Main Library Children's Department, 101 W Flagler St


SATURDAY & SUNDAY

​Deering Estate Labor Day Weekend, 10am-4pm: $8 admission (ages 3 and under free) Saturday through Labor Day Monday, with a guided museum tour at 11:30am. Pack a picnic and spend the day on Biscayne Bay. 16701 SW 72 Ave, Palmetto Bay


SUNDAY

​Chuck E. Cheese, 9-11am: Opens early exclusively for Sensory Sensitive Sunday (Kendall, Hialeah, Aventura)

​LEGO Club, 10am: All supplies provided. Designed for people with disabilities, all welcome. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd


​​Now 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

​Now 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 πŸ”¦ Confirm Before Going

πŸ“Œ Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them ✏️

πŸ—“ September's Events Calendar

​Monday September 7th, Doral Water Park Labor Day BOGO Splash, 10am-6pm: Buy one admission get one FREE. Doral Central Park Water Park, 3005 NW 92nd Ave

Tuesday September 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

​Saturday September 12th, Swim 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

​Saturday September 12th, Miami-Dade County’s Adopt-a-Tree Program, 8:30am-11:30am: Provides homeowners with 2 free trees every year. Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St

​Saturday September 12th - Saturday December 12th, Youth 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 September 13th, Miami-Dade County's Adopt-a-Tree Program, 8:30am-11:30am: Provides homeowners with 2 free trees every year. Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St

Sunday September 13th, Karen 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. For more info call Karen: 305-298-5879. 11760 SW 72 Ave

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

​Thursday September 17th, 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.com​

​Friday 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

​Friday 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

​Friday 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

​Saturday September 19th, VIP 305 Gala "Night with Purpose," 7pm - Midnight: Empowering youth, supporting individuals with special needs, and creating meaningful impact. Ages 15+ accompanied by an adult over 21. Trump National Doral Miami, 4400 NW 87 Ave

​Saturday 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

​Saturday 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

​Sunday 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

​Monday & 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

​Saturday September 26th, Bella’s Ball,​ 6:30pm​: At Trump National Doral Miami, 4400 NW 87 Ave

​Sunday 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 πŸ”¦ Confirm Before Going

πŸ“Œ Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them ✏️

Ongoing Weekly & Monthly Events ✈️

Every Wednesday

​Ability 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

​My 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

​AMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: Adult audiences at participating locations


Every Thursday

​Veterans Adaptive Fishing at Shake-A-Leg Miami: 2620 S Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove

3rd Thursday

​FREE, The Bass Museum, 6-9pm: 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach


1st Friday

​FREE, Coral Gables Museum Gallery Night, 6-10pm: 285 Aragon Ave


Every Saturday

​We 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

​Gold Coast Railroad Museum, 10am-4pm: Free admission with train rides available for purchase. 12450 SW 152 St, next to Zoo Miami

​FREE, The Home Depot Kids Workshop 9am: Activities & crafts

2nd Saturday

​AMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations

​FREE with RSVP, Miami Children’s Museum, 9-11am: Sensory Friendly Activities for Kids, 980 MacArthur Cswy

​Museum of Miami 12-5pm: FREE Family Fun Day, 101 W Flagler Street

​FREE, Perez Art Museum (PAMM) 11am-3pm: Activities for children and adults, guided tours, guest artists, films, and performances. 1103 Biscayne Blvd

​FREE, The Sensory Lab: Ages 3-12, for details text Elton: 305.878.9654, 5825 SW 68 Street, Suite 2

3rd Saturday

​FREE, Coral Gables Museum Family Day 10am-6pm: Family Day, 285 Aragon Ave

​FREE, Frost Museum of Science 'JUST FOR ME' ​10am-11:30am: Sensory-friendly experience for kids with disabilities, 1101 Biscayne Blvd (limited number of FREE admissions)

​Miami-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

​Paradox Museum Sensory Friendly Sessions, 9 - 11am: $10 per person with 50% of proceeds benefiting The Dan Marino Foundation, 2301 N Miami Ave

4th Saturday

​AMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations


Every Sunday

​​Social 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

​Chuck E. Cheese, 9-11am: Opens early exclusively for Sensory Sensitive Sunday (Kendall, Hialeah, Aventura)

​LEGO Club, 10am: All supplies provided. Designed for people with disabilities, all welcome. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd

Last Sunday

​The 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

​Miami-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.

​SUPERBLUE Miami, Sensory-friendly sessions, 9am-10am: 1101 NW 23 St, tickets $5 - $15


Days & Times May Change πŸ”¦ Confirm Before Going

πŸ“Œ Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them ✏️

⏳ 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

​Saturday 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

​Sunday 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

​Friday 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

​Sunday 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

​Saturday 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

​Sunday November 1st, Autism Society of Miami-Dade 5K Run/Walk at Zoo Miami: Check-in opens at 6:30am, race begins at 8am

​Saturday November 7th, A Night in Paradise 2026 Journey of Dreams Gala, ​7pm: 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

​Saturday 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

​Saturday 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

​Sunday November 15th, Give Miami 5K Race + Festival, 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

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

​Thursday 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.

​Friday 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

​Saturday 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

​Saturday 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 πŸ”¦ Confirm Before Going

πŸ“Œ Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them ✏️

Have a great Miami day 🦩 I’ll see you out there

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Victor Antunez

This weekly newsletter is for parents, advocates, educators, and anyone serious about better outcomes for special needs kids.

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