Pembroke Pines prepares for the 17th Annual Mayor’s Kids’ Day Under Water Party featuring citywide activities, surprises, and community celebrations for local families

Pembroke Pines, Florida – A long-running summer tradition is set to return this June as the City of Pembroke Pines prepares for the 17th Annual Mayor’s Kids’ Day, a citywide celebration designed to bring families, local businesses, and community leaders together for a day of fun, surprises, and connection.

Scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the event will be hosted by Mayor Angelo Castillo at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, located at 601 City Center Way. The gathering marks another year of what has become one of the city’s most anticipated youth-focused events, offering residents ages 15 and under a chance to take part in a mix of activities, giveaways, and community experiences.

Presented by Baptist Health, this year’s Mayor’s Kids’ Day continues its tradition of transforming parts of the city into a playful, interactive environment where children are treated as VIP guests by participating local businesses. Organizers say the goal is simple but meaningful — to create a day where kids feel recognized, included, and celebrated across the entire community.

Before the main event begins, families will need to complete an important step. Participation requires a special wristband issued by the Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. Registration begins in person on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and continues until Thursday, June 11, 2026. Officials stress that wristbands must be picked up in advance and worn throughout the day on June 12 in order to take part in all activities and business promotions.

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Several registration locations have been set up across the city to make access easier. These include Pembroke Lakes Tennis Center at 10500 Taft Street, which operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Residents may also register at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, Rose G. Price Park, and Towngate Park during their regular office hours.

On the day of the event, the celebration begins with a special “Lunch with the Mayor” at the Charles F. Dodge City Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This portion of the program offers children a chance to meet Mayor Castillo in a relaxed and festive setting. It also includes appearances by celebrity characters, adding a playful and interactive element to the afternoon.

As part of the lunch activities, 17 children will be selected to participate in a raffle-style show, adding a sense of excitement and anticipation to the event. After the lunch concludes, participants will spread out across the city to visit local businesses that are offering a variety of promotions, including gifts, free samples, discounts, and surprise giveaways.

City officials emphasize that participation is limited to Pembroke Pines residents, and only local businesses are allowed to take part in the event’s promotional activities. This ensures that the program remains focused on strengthening community ties and supporting the local economy.

Organizers also note that the list of participating businesses may change frequently leading up to the event. Some offers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others may be limited to specific time windows. Families are encouraged to check for updates regularly on the city’s official website at www.ppines.com to stay informed about the latest participating locations and offers.

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Several important reminders have been shared ahead of the event. Residents are advised to wait until the night of June 11 to print the most updated participant list, as changes may occur up until the final hours before the celebration. Wristbands must be clearly worn throughout the day in order to access all participating businesses and activities.

For those with questions or needing assistance, the city’s Special Events Team can be reached at 954-392-2116. Officials say staff will be available to help guide families through the registration process and provide updated information as the event approaches.

Over the years, Mayor’s Kids’ Day has grown into more than just a single afternoon of activities. It has become a citywide effort that blends entertainment with community engagement, encouraging local businesses to connect directly with young residents and their families.

While the structure of the event continues to evolve, its purpose remains steady. It is designed to create a shared experience that brings the community together in a positive and accessible way, offering children a chance to explore their city in a festive and memorable setting.

As Pembroke Pines prepares for this year’s edition, anticipation is building once again for a day filled with energy, surprises, and widespread participation across the city.