Thousands of Miami-Dade County families gathered at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo for the 18th Annual The Children’s Trust Family Expo, one of the county’s largest free back-to-school family resource event. Designed to help families prepare for the new school year, the Expo brought together parents, caregivers, and children for a day of educational resources, health services, community support, and family-friendly entertainment. More than 120 exhibitors, including after-school programs, health care providers, nonprofit organizations, and community partners, connected attendees with information, resources, and services to support children’s success throughout the upcoming school year.

Held both indoors and outdoors, the event featured a variety of interactive experiences, including face painting, balloon artists, character appearances, food trucks, and hands-on activities. New attractions this year included a Scavenger Hunt that encouraged families to explore the Expo while collecting stickers throughout the venue, as well as a College Readiness section that offered teens and their families guidance on college, trade school, and workforce opportunities. “The Family Expo is a trusted tradition for Miami-Dade families, bringing together the resources, services and support children need to thrive in school and beyond,” said James R. Haj, president & CEO of The Children’s Trust. “As we celebrate the Family Expo’s 18th year, we’ve expanded opportunities for families to learn, connect and prepare for the future.”

The Family Expo continues to serve as one of Miami-Dade County’s signature community events, connecting families with trusted organizations and resources that support children’s health, education, safety and overall well-being throughout the year. The event was made possible through the generous support of community partners, including Gold sponsors EdFed Credit Union, Pediatric Skin Research, UHealth Children’s Care Jackson and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, along with Silver sponsors Baptist Health, The Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, Uber and Webauthor.com.

About The Children’s Trust

The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue, supported by ad valorem property taxes, that funds hundreds of programs across thousands of sites in Miami-Dade to directly serve children and their families. Local voters established The Trust in 2002, and 86% of voters permanently reauthorized it in 2008 to ensure it continues to positively shape Miami-Dade’s future. For more information, visit The Children’s Trust.