Start the School Year with a Bash

Ask any kid and most any parent, and they'll tell you that summer has flown by. So while you're busy trying to pack in a few more events that were on your summer bucket list, mark your calendars for these upcoming fun workshops that will help kids ease into the school year and give them some important new skills too.

The St. Louis County Library is holding eight free programs with back-to-school themes, such as packing a healthy lunch, staying organized and just letting off some steam with fun games, crafts and activities. See the list below for a free workshop in your area:

Back to School Already? Saturday, Aug. 4, 10 a.m. Kids can make crafts, personalize a pocket folder for school and are invited to bring a school book or a book of their own to cover and decorate. For ages 5-12. Registration is required by calling 314-994-3300. At the Tesson Ferry Branch, 9920 Lin Ferry Drive, St. Louis. Click for map.

Back to School Games: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 3 p.m. Kids can unwind after the first week back at school by playing video games at the library. For ages 12-18. No registration required. At the Weber Road Branch, 4444 Weber Road, St. Louis. Click for map.

Back to School Bash:  Thursday, Aug. 23, 3 p.m. Who says going back to school can't be a blast? Kids in grades K-5 can kick off the new school year with notebook decorating, snacks, goodie bags and a movie. Registration is required by calling 314-994-3300. At the Natural Bridge Branch, 7606 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis. Click for map.

Back to School Blast: Thursday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. Kids ages 7-11 can celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of the new school year with fun back-to-school crafts and games. Registration is required by calling 314-994-3300. At the Daniel Boone Branch, 300 Clarkson Road, Ellisville. Click for map.

Back to School Bash for Teens: Friday, Aug. 24, 3 p.m. Teens with the back-to-school blues can cheer up with snacks, games and other fun activities. A goodie bag of school supplies will also be provided. For kids in grades 6-12. Registration is required by calling 314-994-3300. At the Natural Bridge Branch, 7606 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis. Click for map.

Packing Lunch: Tips From a Dietitian: Saturday, Aug. 25, 1 p.m. Perfect for kids and parents, at this workshop a registered dietitian will teach participants how to pack a simple, nutritious and fun meal for lunch. All ages. At the Bridgeton Trails Branch, 3455 McKelvey Road, Bridgeton. No registration required. Click for map.

Back to School: Friday. Sept. 14, 6 p.m. Kids ages 5-10 will learn to make a fun after-school snack, do crafts and other activities and hear a story. Registration is required by calling 314-994-3300. At the Meramec Valley Branch, 625 New Smizer Mill Road, Fenton. Click for map.

Back to School Locker Crafts: Monday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m. Kids and teens ages 10-17 will learn some awesome ideas about how to keep their lockers organized and make some organizational tools. Registration is required by calling 314-994-3300. At the Lewis and Clack Branch, 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd., St. Louis. Click for map.

All workshops are free. For more information on any workshop, visit www.slcl.org

For a daily list of these and other great events for kids, teens and families, visit our Things To Do calendar