
On Saturday, March 16, at Soho Studios in the arts district of Wynwood, Miami Children’s Museum delighted 600 attendees to its Annual Be A Kid Again Gala “Color Your Imagination,” a world of unique and fascinating colorful dreams! $1 million was raised to support educational programming with the help of generous donors, sponsors and extensive silent auction. This year’s gala was chaired by Heide & Jose Dans with the auction chaired by Melissa Netkin and Annie & Jordan Trachtenberg as After Party Chairs.
Guests felt like a kid again from the moment they entered Soho Studios. The night kicked off with a not to be missed cocktail reception filled with an extensive silent auction with unique pieces including an autographed guitar by Grammy Award Winner, Shakira, Rolling Stone Concert Tickets, a first-class Napa Valley getaway, Gucci tote bag donated by Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour and so much more! Adding the spice to our colorful themed extravaganza was a taste tempting array of treats provided by Chef David Schwadron Catering and Event Design with a twist that brought to life all the iconic visions of fantasy and fun. Julie Durda, Local 10 meteorologist, joined Chef David for an incredible live chef demonstration that filled the room with delicious aromas.
Sponsors for the event included: Dr. Brigitt Rok Potamkin & Mr. Alan Potamkin; Yolanda & Jeff Berkowitz; Heide & Jose Dans; Susan & Richard Lampen/ Jackie & Adam Malamed/Ladenburg Thalmann; Allied Universal Security Services; CPM Visit Ready; Greenberg Traurig, P.A.; Northern Trust; The Fairholme Foundation; Plaza Construction; 1220 Exhibits, Academica; Bilzin Sumberg; Capital Contractor Services; Carnival Foundation; Cathy & Bob Berkowitz; Century Risk Advisors/Tom Gallagher Insurance; City National Bank; Holland & Knight; Felicia & Andrew Berkowitz/Jolie & Michael Berkowitz; Vanessa & Lee Krelstein/ Louis N. Cassette Foundation; Legends; Medina Family Foundation; Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation; Motorola Solutions, Inc.; New Tradition Media; Rycon Construction, Stark Weber PLLC; Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.; and US Trust. Partners included: Miami Magazine, Miami Herald, Soho Studios, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, WOW MKTG, Fototastic Events and Chef David Schwadron Cuisine and Event Design.
And then there was the most playful Gala After Party of the season: “Play After Dark”! Chaired by Annie & Jordan Trachtenberg and hosted by Playmakers, the Museum’s Young Professionals support group, Miami’s most influential emerging professionals joined Gala goers and together the party boogied late into the night. Attendees were treated to open bars, light bites and sweets catered by Chef David Schwadron Cuisine & Event Design. Guests were transported to a rainbow of excitement for a night of celebration! Sponsors for the After Party include Flagler Strategy Group LLC, &gallery; Trachtenberg Architecture, Design and Development; Shutts & Bowen LLP, Kelly and Chris Melchiondo; John Arrien; Brittany A. Sharpton; 13th Floor Investments; Toshiba Business Solutions, Duffy’s Foundation and Wells Fargo.
Miami Children’s Museum offers bilingual and interactive exhibits, programs, classes and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication. The Museum has 16 interactive galleries as well as housing many exciting and fun traveling exhibits. The Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning through play and enabling children to realize their highest potential. Through arts and educational programs, the Museum seeks to include and target all audiences in Miami’s changing and diverse community by becoming the “town center” for Miami-Dade County’s children and families.’
The Miami Children's Museum is known in South Florida for its fun, hands-on exhibits that turn learning into an adventure for kids. The top five exhibits are favorites among families because they each offer something special. Whether they spark creativity or teach about the environment, these experiences are memorable and keep families returning. Find out why these main exhibits are so popular with both children and parents.
At the Miami Children's Museum, learning is made fun and exciting through interactive play. Kids learn and grow by exploring each exhibit, which encourages curiosity and hands-on discovery. This approach helps children build important thinking and problem-solving skills while having a great time.
We use a hands-on approach to learning, which matches current educational ideas. This way, kids understand more and remember what they learn. They can try activities like building, making music, or exploring a pretend ocean, following their interests and learning at their own speed. This freedom helps kids develop a love for learning that lasts.
We also make sure our exhibits are accessible and fun for all children, no matter their abilities. This focus on inclusivity means every child can take part and benefit from what we offer. It shows our important role in helping kids learn and bringing families together.
We feature exhibits that inspire curiosity and imagination in kids. Here’s a look at some of our most popular attractions that both children and parents enjoy.
The Castle of Dreams welcomes kids into a magical space where they can use their imaginations. Children can pretend to be knights, princesses, or dragons with dress-up areas and storytelling corners. A small castle makes the experience even more fun, letting kids invent their own stories.
The Ocean Odyssey exhibit takes kids on an underwater adventure in the middle of Miami. It shows bright displays of ocean life, including coral reefs and touch tanks where children can feel sea creatures. Kids can also learn about why protecting the ocean matters through fun, interactive panels.
The Music Makers Studio is a fun place where kids can explore music. They can try digital keyboards, drums, and even record their own sounds. Kids enjoy this studio because it lets them be creative and express themselves through music.
The Health & Wellness Center turns learning about healthy habits into a fun adventure. Kids can try activities that teach about fitness and good nutrition in a playful way. They can run obstacle courses, play games about healthy eating, and even pretend to shop for groceries.
In the Construction Zone, kids become young builders and engineers. They use blocks and tools to create everything from simple towers to complex structures. Working together on projects helps them practice problem-solving, teamwork, and spatial skills.
These exhibits bring families together by making learning fun. Each one uses play to spark curiosity and help kids understand new things. Parents appreciate that the museum is a safe and exciting place for children to explore. Visiting us at the Miami Children's Museum helps kids grow and gives families special memories. Plan your visit today and see how interactive learning can be both magical and memorable.