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Go back to school in style with these fun and educational events in four counties. There’s something for the whole family, including free backpacks, face painting and food trucks. Welcome back, students!
Pinellas County
Back to School Open House and Expo – Get all the information you need before school starts at this informative and entertaining event in Dunedin. There will be games for the kids to enjoy and the first 200 students will receive a free backpack. Free. From 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 28. MLK Jr. Recreation Center, 550 Laura Lane. (727) 738-2920.
Back-to-School Splash & Ecofest (Splash Park): Usher in the new school year with this exciting event from Tarpon Springs Recreation. There will be water slides, games and music, and vendors will help kids learn about being green. Free. 10:00 – 14:00 Saturday, August 20. Splash Park, 508 Live Oak St. (727) 942-5628.
Pasco County
HOPEFEST 2022: New Life Covenant Tampa Bay will celebrate the back-to-school season with tons of fun giveaways: games, backpacks, school supplies, groceries and more. Free, but students need a ticket to receive gifts. From 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 22. Depot Park, 39110 South Ave. (813) 395-8529.
Hernando County
Back-to-School Smash: Put the pedal to the metal with this back-to-school event in Brooksville. The party features monster trucks, wrestling, a car show, live music from the 80s and more. Tickets are required, but children under 12 enter for free. From 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, August 6. Lead Foot City, 17109 Old Ayers Road. (844) 532-3366.
6th Annual Back to School Party: This Spring Hill event is sponsored by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and aims to give away 3,000 backpacks to students. There will also be free physicals, food, prizes and more. Free. 09:00 – 12:00 Saturday, July 23. Crosspoint Church, 2440 Anderson Snow Road. (352) 754-6830.
Hillsborough County
Back-to-School Bash: Celebration Church in Tampa will hold a Back-to-School Bash complete with bounce houses, haircuts, games and raffles, as well as free backpacks for the first 200 students. Free. 10:00 – 13:00 Saturday, July 30. Celebration Church, 16235 Lake Magdalene Blvd. (813) 961-0910.
Back-to-School Bash: The second annual Florida Penguin’s Back-to-School Bash at Tampa Premium Outlets will feature a scavenger hunt, performers, free backpacks, a business expo and more. This event also features a special area for neurodiverse children to join in the festivities. Free. 12-4 pm Sunday, August 7. Tampa Premium Outlets, 2300 Grand Cypress Drive. (727) 674-1464.
Back to School – Back to Nature: Before kids head back to the classroom, this Ruskin event invites them to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Students and their families can explore nature stations, get free school supplies and more. Free, but registration required. 09:00 – 12:00 Saturday, July 30. Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, 4140 24th St. SE. (813) 641-8545.
BY ERIN FEITSMA
Times Total Media Correspondent
