For years, the annual The Children’s Trust Family Expo has served as both a practical resource fair and a community celebration, helping parents prepare for the school year while giving children a memorable day filled with entertainment, activities and giveaways. This year’s main expo takes place Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, 10901 SW 24th St, Miami, FL 33165.
Last year alone, Family Expo events attracted more than 5,000 children and families across Miami-Dade County, with thousands of backpacks and school supplies distributed and dozens of providers offering information on programs and services for youth and parents alike.
Here are 10 things families won’t want to miss at the 2026 The Children’s Trust Family Expo:
- Meet providers and community partners
Looking for after-school programs, tutoring, youth sports, STEM activities or family services? The Expo will feature more than 100 booths with providers, civic organizations, governmental agencies and community partners ready to answer questions and connect families with resources throughout Miami-Dade County.
2. Back-to-school giveaways
Backpacks, folders, pencils, notebooks, pencil bags and other school essentials will once again be distributed to help families prepare for the upcoming school year.
3. The Children’s Trust Island
Families can meet staff members from The Children's Trust at the centrally located “Trust Island,” where staff will provide information about programs, answer questions and help parents navigate the organization’s Find-a-Program resources.
4. Parent Club and Book Club sign-ups
Two of The Trust’s most popular initiatives — Parent Club and Book Club — will have dedicated spaces at the Expo. Families can sign up children for Book Club activities and giveaways, while parents can learn about Parent Club workshops and the Parent Club Pass program, which offers free admission opportunities and family experiences.
5. Free family fun
One of the trademarks of Family Expo is seeing children walking around with painted faces, balloon animals and giant smiles. Face painting, balloon artists, arts and crafts and other family-friendly activities will once again be offered free of charge.
6. Live stage entertainment
The Expo’s entrance stage will keep the energy high with youth performers, character shows, professional entertainers, and DJs throughout the day.
7. Food trucks and refreshments
Families can cool off with free water distributed at the event. For those looking for tasty bites, a variety of food trucks will have lunch and snacks during the event available for purchase.
8. Indoor comfort
Unlike many summer events in South Florida, the Family Expo will once again be held indoors in an expanded air-conditioned space at the Fairgrounds, giving families a chance to enjoy the event without battling the summer heat.
9. New this year: Scavenger Hunt & College Readiness
New this year, The Trust Family Expo will feature a Scavenger Hunt that adds extra excitement to the event. Children can pick up a guide at The Children’s Trust Island, then visit participating exhibitors, booths and areas throughout the Expo to collect stickers. Those who complete the guide will receive a prize and be entered into a raffle for a larger giveaway.
This year, the Family Expo will also feature a College Readiness section that will group several exhibitors that will provide information, resources, and more for high schoolers and others looking toward college and their lives after school.
10. Free Uber rides
Transportation assistance is returning again this year thanks to a partnership with Uber. Eligible families will be able to receive vouchers for free rides to and from the event, helping remove transportation barriers that might otherwise prevent attendance.
For more information about this year’s events, schedules and transportation details, visit The TheChildrensTrust.org/FamilyExpo.