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Free school supplies and backpacks in Miami, Broward and Palm Beach

Free school supplies are offered at lots of events in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties for students returning to school in fall 2022.

Back To School events sometimes focus on fun, with fashion shows, activities, live entertainment. Some provide free backpacks stuffed with school supplies for eligible students.

Eligibility requirements vary at different events for free backpacks and other free items.  

Please return to this feature as other 2022 Back To School events are added.

2-1-1

Dial 2-1-1, a free referral line which offers free information about local resources and events, including distributions of free school supplies in Broward, Miami-Dade and greater Palm Beach 

Teacher deal

Target is offering teachers an opportunity for 15% off on eligible purchases. The discount requirements include signing up for the store’s loyalty program. Information is online.

Back-to-School Events events & Giveaways in Broward

 

Pompano Beach

Back To School festivities are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 13 at Hunter Manors Park, 1801 NW 4th Street, Pompano Beach, Facebook

  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m is a drive-thru food distribution
  • 12 p.m. to 5 p.m includes a school supplies distribution, while supplies last and free haircuts. Bounce houses and other fun are featured

Fashion show & live entertainment in Plantation, Broward Mall

Kidz Fest is 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. August 13 featuring a fashion show, activities and live entertainment. It’s at Broward Mall, 8000 W. Broward Boulevard, Plantation 33388. Fun includes

  • rock ‘n roll from The Fuzz featuring Plantation Police performers at 4 p.m.
  • live performance 1 p.m.
  • fashion show 2 p.m.
  • fun from Young at Art including face painting
  • martial arts demonstration 3 p.m.

 

Fort Lauderdale, Osswald Park

Back To School event is 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. August 13 at Osswald Park, 2220 NW 21st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33311, with free supplies for K-12 students while supplies last. Event includes speakers and entertainment by Beat Street Dance Studio, 954-828-6455

Hollywood

Family Fun Day & Back To School event is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. August 13 including backpacks with school supplies and free hair cuts for boys and hairstyles for girls. Event is at Washington Park community center, 5199 Pembroke Road, Hollywood 33021. Parents must register online and at least one parent must attend with their kids. Event is presented by Washington Park Homeowners Association and Community Enhancement Collaboration. 

Dania Beach

Back To School Beach clean-up and backpack giveaway is 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. August 6 at Dania Beach Pier, 300 N. Beach Road, Dania Beach. The event includes free backpacks, while supplies last. Light bites, face painting and entertainment are offered.  Equipment for beach cleanup is provided. For information, 954-924-6800 extension 3607

Sunrise

Entry is free for Back To School event 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. August 6 in Sunrise with refreshments and kids’ activities. The first 1,000 Sunrise students in kindergarten through 12th grade with proof of Sunrise residency receive a book and drawstring backpack with school supplies. The giveaway will be at the Sunrise Civic Center, 10610 W Oakland Park Boulevard. For more information, you can call 954-747-4600

Pompano Beach, Festival Marketplace

Festival Marketplace is distributing backpacks with school supplies 10 a.m. August 6 to students while supplies last. Students need to be present. Festival Marketplace is at  2900 W. Sample Road, Pompano Beach 33073. 

Pembroke Pines

Back To School event 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 30 includes free backpacks with school supplies, while supplies last. Event includes activities and entertainment. Student with parent or guardian must be present. Florida Technical College, 12520 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines 33027, website

Fort Lauderdale

Family Fun & Fit Day is 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. August 6, including distribution of backpacks with school supplies for students ages 5 to 16, while supplies last, and free haircuts, while available. Students must attend to receive free backpack with supplies. The event includes entertainment, activities and food trucks. Carter Park is at 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33311, 954-828-5411

Hollywood

MLK Jr. community center, 2400 Charleston Street, Hollywood is featuring an event with games, entertainment, a book bag giveway and basketball clinic. 

The event is August 6 with basketball clinic for elementary and middle school students at 8:30 a.m. and at 11 a.m. book bag giveaway for eligible students while supplies last. Students must be at the event to receive a book bag.

Back-to-School Events and Giveaways in greater Palm Beach

Download information on these & other back-to-school events in greater Palm Beach 

Delray Beach

Unity Festival 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. August 6 includes bounce houses, family games, informational exhibits, dance performances, food vendors and entertainment. Free school supplies are offered while supplies last. Venue: Pompey Park, 1101 NW Second Street, Delray Beach, 561-243-7158

Lake Worth

Registration is required on Instagram page for Salem community church Back To School Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. August 6 at Salem Community Church, 3200 Roberts Lane, Lake Worth. Registration is offered until August 1 for free backpacks with supplies and free physicals, 914-433-4519

Lake Park

Back To School Extravaganza is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. August 6 at Town Hall, 535 Park Avenue, Lake Park. The event includes free backpacks and school supplies for eligible K-12 students, while supplies last. Student and parent must be present to receive supplies. The event includes information on technical programs and academic programs.  561-840-0160

West Palm Beach

Back To School party is 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. August 6 at United Methodist Church, 900 Brandywine Road, West Palm Beach. The event includes bounce house, face painting, petting zoo, and free backpacks and school supplies, while supplies last. 

Register with text: Text PARTY to 561-571-8964

Pahokee

Back To School event 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. August 6 at Pahokee High School, 900 Larrimore Road, Pahokee, 561-924-5534, including bookbags, school supplies, games, food, and entertainment.

Riviera Beach

Nelson’s Outreach Ministries & Men of Tomorrow are offering free backpacks with school supplies and refreshments 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. July 23 at Alpha Education center, 251 W. 11th Street, Riviera Beach, 561-667-9177

Boynton Beach

School Kits for Kids is 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. July 30 at Meadows Park. The event distributes school supplies for K-12 students, while supplies last. Parents must be with students.

Venue: 4305 N. Congress Avenue, Boynton Beach, 561-410-1545

Wellington

Wellington Back to School Backpack bash is 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. July 30 at Promenade behind Wellington community center, 12150 Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington, 561-868-8610, event includes free backpacks with school supplies, face painting and bounce house.

Download information on these & other back-to-school events in greater Palm Beach 

Back-to-School Giveaways and Events in Miami-Dade

South Miami

Back to School Celebration with Miami Kids Magazine is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at Sunset Place, 5701 Sunset Drive. The free annual Back to School Celebration at Shops at Sunset Place will be offering various amazing giveaways for the whole family. Don’t miss out on a free eye vision test and glasses when prescribed (by appointment only). Please call (305) 856-9830 to book your appointment.

Cutler Bay

The Back-To-School Community Event and Block Party is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at JL and Enid W. Demps Park, 11350 SW 216th St. Attendees will receive free backpacks with school supplies, food and drinks, ice cream, prizes, FREE medical testings, community resources and more. Enjoy games & activities for the whole family and amazing performances. Guests must register to attend

South Miami

Back to School Free Community Event is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at Florida Technical College, 20505 South Dixie Hwy, 33189. The event includes multiple activities, music, and more! Backpacks will school supplies will be given away. 

North Miami

Back To School festivities are 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. August 5 in a park at 13498 NE 8 Avenue, North Miami 33161. Free supplies for North Miami residents. Event includes booths featuring vendors and educational information. Information is online.

Doral

Back To School & National Night Out event is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. August 2 at Doral Legacy Park, 11400 NW 82nd Street, Doral. The event includes pubic safety demonstrations. Registration is full for free backpacks and school supplies. For information, 305-593-6600

 

Doral

Kiddos 2022 Back to School & 9th Anniversary Event is 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 at CityPlace Doral, 8300 NW 36 St. Arts and crafts, face painting, science and art projects, toddler zone, reading corner and storytelling, safety, performances, character meet & greet, free backpacks, hula hoop contest, food, goodie bags, music, raffles, and much more.

 

Miami

Back to School event 11 a.m. August 6 includes backpacks with school supplies, while supplies last, and activities. Venue is Mana Wynwood convention center, 318 NW 23rd Street, Miami 33127, Information is online.

Florida City 

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. August 5, 1634 NW 6th Avenue, Florida City 33034, includes free school supplies, while supplies last

Other Things to do with kids this summer (free, low-cost & deals)

Free & inexpensive fun for kids & families

Monday, May 29, 2023

Museums free for military families this summer

All Day | FREE | South Florida Museums

MOSAIC deals & discounts: Various days, times & venues in PBC

Discounted | Various sites in Palm Beach Co.

$5 admission to Deering Estate

10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Discounted | Deering Estate

Dragons and Mythical Creatures

10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Discounted | Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feedings

12:30 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Sea Turtle Talk

2:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Museums free for military families this summer

All Day | FREE | South Florida Museums

MOSAIC deals & discounts: Various days, times & venues in PBC

Discounted | Various sites in Palm Beach Co.

Displays & interactive exhibits

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Public Walking Tour

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Dragons and Mythical Creatures

10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Discounted | Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Regal Cinemas kids' summer movies for $2

10:00 am | Discounted | Regal Cinemas

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feedings

12:30 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Shark & Stingray Feedings

1:00 pm | $10.00 | Sandoway Discovery Center, Delray Beach

Sea Turtle Talk

2:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Museums free for military families this summer

All Day | FREE | South Florida Museums

MOSAIC deals & discounts: Various days, times & venues in PBC

Discounted | Various sites in Palm Beach Co.

Displays & interactive exhibits

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Public Walking Tour

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Dragons and Mythical Creatures

10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Discounted | Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Regal Cinemas kids' summer movies for $2

10:00 am | Discounted | Regal Cinemas

Fandom: Kowai Yo! Demons, Monsters & Spirits in Japan for teens

12:00 pm to 1:00 pm | FREE | Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feedings

12:30 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Shark & Stingray Feedings

1:00 pm | $10.00 | Sandoway Discovery Center, Delray Beach

Sea Turtle Talk

2:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Haitian Heritage Month Guest Storytime

3:30 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | North Miami Public Library

$9 deal for roller skating in Davie

6:00 pm to 8:30 pm | Discounted | Galaxy Skateway Davie

Kompa Classes at North Miami Library

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | North Miami Public Library

The Moth - Miami StorySLAM

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $15.00 | Sandrell Rivers Theater

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Museums free for military families this summer

All Day | FREE | South Florida Museums

Displays & interactive exhibits

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Public Walking Tour

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Dragons and Mythical Creatures

10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Discounted | Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feedings

12:30 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Shark & Stingray Feedings

1:00 pm | $10.00 | Sandoway Discovery Center, Delray Beach

Sea Turtle Talk

2:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

$12 Adult Skate Night in Fort Lauderdale

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $12.00 | Xtreme Action Park

Friday, June 2, 2023

Museums free for military families this summer

All Day | FREE | South Florida Museums

Free outdoor film & fun in Tamarac

FREE | Tamarac Sports complex

Displays & interactive exhibits

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Public Walking Tour

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Dragons and Mythical Creatures

10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Discounted | Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feedings

12:30 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Shark & Stingray Feedings

1:00 pm | $10.00 | Sandoway Discovery Center, Delray Beach

Sea Turtle Talk

2:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

First Fridays @ 5 concert in the Amphitheater

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Centennial Park, Boynton Beach

First Friday Concert

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Centennial Park, Boynton Beach

Art After Dark Fridays: Entertainment, activities & times vary

5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $5.00-10.00 | Norton Museum of Art, Palm Beach

Live entertainment at Dania Pointe

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Dania Pointe

Art After Dark: Jazz Fridays

7:00 pm | $5.00-10.00 | Norton Museum of Art, Palm Beach

Night Forest Walk in North Broward

7:30 pm to 8:30 pm | $5.00 | Fern Forest Nature Center

Free outdoor films in Hollywood

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | ArtsPark

Saturday, June 3, 2023

Museums free for military families this summer

All Day | FREE | South Florida Museums

Gold Coast Museum free first Saturday

All Day | FREE | Gold Coast Railroad Museum

Displays & interactive exhibits

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Public Walking Tour

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Dragons and Mythical Creatures

10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Discounted | Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Farm Tours at Tradewinds Park

11:30 am to 2:00 pm | $3.00-4.50 | Tradewinds Park

Free tour of the Adrienne Arsht Center

12:00 pm to 1:00 pm | FREE | Adrienne Arsht Center

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feedings

12:30 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Shark & Stingray Feedings

1:00 pm | $10.00 | Sandoway Discovery Center, Delray Beach

Live entertainment at Dania Pointe

1:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Dania Pointe

Sea Turtle Talk

2:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Cultural Saturdays at Dania Ponite

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Dania Pointe

Night sky viewing with telescopes in west Broward

8:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Fox Observatory

Sunday, June 4, 2023

Museums free for military families this summer

All Day | FREE | South Florida Museums

Displays & interactive exhibits

9:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach

Dragons and Mythical Creatures

10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Discounted | Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Free live music at Jazz Brunch in Fort Lauderdale

11:00 am to 2:00 pm | FREE | Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

Farm Tours at Tradewinds Park

11:30 am to 2:00 pm | $3.00-4.50 | Tradewinds Park

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feedings

12:30 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Shark & Stingray Feedings

1:00 pm | $10.00 | Sandoway Discovery Center, Delray Beach

Family Sundays at Dania Pointe

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Dania Pointe

Live entertainment at Dania Pointe

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm | Dania Pointe

Sea Turtle Talk

2:00 pm | FREE | Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

Ocean Drive Promenade Music Series

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Ocean Drive Promenade, Miami Beach

Poinciana Fiesta and Celebration Party and Reception

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $10.00-25.00 | Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

$12 Adult Skate Night in Fort Lauderdale

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $12.00 | Xtreme Action Park

Patti Roth

About Patti Roth

Patti Roth, the editor of Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, scouts out state and national deals, discounts and coupons for our readers, finding the real deals and presenting them in an easy-to-read format. A veteran newspaper and magazine writer and a longtime South Florida resident, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel and Life, E Environmental Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, US Architecture and Earth911.com. Send your cheap tips to her at info@fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com.

Living on the CheapMiami on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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