School’s out. Here’s how to keep your kids busy this summer in Pembroke Pines
School’s out, Pembroke Pines. If you’re a parent dreading the task of filling up your kid’s free time, we’ve got you covered.
This city’s got no shortage of ways to keep your little ones entertained and tired out by the end of the day so you can enjoy plenty of “me-time” this summer, too.
Got an artsy kid who needs a creative outlet? Pick from art workshops, plays and music performances.
Need something a bit more active? A city-wide freebies scavenger hunt, baseball game and archaeology workshop are sure to do the trick.
Not to mention Pembroke Pines’ many family-friendly bashes and festivals that ensure you make plenty of memories with your kids this summer.
Check out these events to pencil in fun for the whole family this summer in Pembroke Pines.
Storywalk in the Pines
Get a storyworthy start to your summer with this family-friendly reading event at the Frank C. Ortis Gallery on Saturday, June 6. From 10 a.m. to noon, kids can enjoy a reading of “See Marcus Grow” — about a young boy who learns life lessons by tending to his grandmother’s garden — courtesy of Broward County Library. Children can also go home with a free copy of the book, participate in games and art activities, and gain free entry to The Frank’s Summer Exhibition. Admission is free.
Info: https://www.ppines.com
Summer Symphony Series
Soundtrack your kids’ summer with an orchestral performance by South Florida’s premier musicians. Concerts headlined by the South Florida Symphony Orchestra will take place once a month through September in two city venues on June 14, July 12, Aug. 16 and Sept. 13. Admission is free and tickets are not required, but seating is limited. For more information, call the city’s Recreation and Cultural Arts department at 954-392-2122.
Info: https://www.ppines.com
Mayor’s Kids Day
Mayor’s Kids Day returns to Pembroke Pines on Friday, June 12, bringing a mayor meet-and-greet, celebrity character sightings and complimentary swag from local businesses. The fun kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with a two-hour “Underwater Party” lunch alongside Mayor Angelo Castillo at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, followed by a scavenger hunt for surprise prizes and discounts from participating businesses across the city. Participants must show proof of residency and pre-register in person for a free wristband from the Recreation and Cultural Arts Department through Thursday, June 11.
Info: https://www.ppines.com
Family Day 250
The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery invites residents to leave their mark on a unique birthday celebration: the 250th anniversary of United States’ independence. On Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., families can enjoy free entry to the gallery, face painting, light refreshments, a storytime reading of “Be Kind” by Pat Zietlow Miller and participation in a large-scale community tapestry craft. Admission is free with registration.
Info: https://www.eventbrite.com
Juneteenth Celebration
Honor the history and legacy of Juneteenth — commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865 — on Friday, June 19, at City Hall. From 6 to 9 p.m., families can tour “America’s Story Through the Eyes of Its People,” an exhibition by the Sankofa Museum, groove to a live performance by The Deep Fried Funk Band, participate in arts and crafts, listen to guest speakers, enjoy festive food, and more. Admission is free and open to the public.
Info: https://www.ppines.com
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
If you’re looking for a fantastical getaway, let yourself be whisked away to Oz on Tuesday, June 23, at 10 a.m. at the Susan B. Katz Theater. Touring group Fantasy Theater Factory will put on a special production of the “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” that claims to “reimagine the classic story with bold theatricality and a fresh point of view.” Admission is free and registration is not required, but seating is first come, first served.
Info: https://www.ppines.com
Caribbean American Heritage Festival
Island culture will be on full display Saturday, June 27, from 7 to 11 p.m. for the City of Pembroke Pines’ Caribbean American Heritage Festival. The event will be held at City Hall, and attendees can expect live music, dance performances, authentic cuisine, a selection of dry goods, cultural exhibits and family-friendly activities by the Island Space Caribbean Museum. Music headliners include Wayne Wonder, Tricia Kelshall, Devine Songz and more. Admission is free.
Info: https://www.ppines.com
Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate 250 years of American freedom at the City of Pembroke Pines’ annual Independence Day bash on July 4. Starting at 6 p.m., guests can enjoy patriotic, colonial-themed decor, amusement rides, arts and crafts, and classic games such as potato sack racing, horseshoe tossing and cornhole. Festivities are followed by a 9 p.m. red-white-and-blue fireworks show. Admission is free.
Info: https://www.ppines.com
Mayor’s Play Ball
Nothing says “summer” like a game of the national pastime with Pines’ Mayor Angelo Castillo. On Friday, July 10, from 10 a.m. to noon, the city will host a pitch, hit, run baseball and softball event at Flamingo Park with separate age, beginner and advanced divisions. Postgame, players can enjoy free snow cones, hot dogs and popcorn, games, prizes and music. Admission is free and doesn’t require registration.
Info: https://www.ppines.com
Boogie on Wheels
Boogie on Wheels makes its way to the Charles F. Dodge City Center on Friday, July 24, bringing indoor rollerskating, retro fun and throwback turntable tracks. The event kicks off with family skating from 5 to 7 p.m. and continues with a “Friday freestyle” for adults 21 and over from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Also headlining the fun are a live DJ performance, vintage arcade games, giveaways and more. Tickets range from $21.30 to $42.80 via Ticketmaster and include skate rentals.
Info: https://www.charlesfdodgecitycenter.com
Treasure Hunting: Pirates & Archaeology
Got a curious kid on your hands? Take them to this maritime archaeology workshop at the South Regional/Broward College Library on Saturday, July 25, from 2 to 3 p.m. Kids will learn how archaeologists study underwater sites and analyze artifacts with activities such as simulated shipwreck investigations and mapping exercises, honing in on the local SS Copenhagen shipwreck in Pompano Beach. Admission is free and registration opens on July 8.
Info: https://www.eventbrite.com
Splash in the Pines
Close out the summer with a splash — literally — at this annual Pembroke Pines water play day on Wednesday, Aug. 8. Details about this year’s edition are still under wraps, but attendees can expect water games, foam party slides, food trucks and surprise giveaways based on last year’s festivities. For updates, check out the city’s website and Instagram.
Info: https://www.ppines.com