August has arrived, and it has come quicker than expected for most. At the end of the month comes the end of the summer, and with the change in season comes the return to school. This guide highlights resources, and provides information for getting ready for the start of a new academic year.
INFORMATION BY COUNTY
Calvert County- The first day of school for Calvert County students is August 26, 2025. Be sure to check on their site for orientations, meet & greets, school supply lists and registration information here.
Charles County- The first day of school for Charles County students is August 25, 2025. Be sure to check on their site for orientations, meet & greets, school supply lists and registration information here.
Prince Georges County- The first day of school for Charles County students is August 26, 2025. Be sure to check on their site for orientations, meet & greets, school supply lists and registration information here.
St. Mary’s County- The first day of school for Charles County students is August 20, 2025. Be sure to check on their site for orientations, meet & greets, school supply lists and registration information here.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS
- Date: August 3, 2025
- Time: 2:00PM-4:00PM
- Location: Imagining With ME- 11110 Mall Cr. Waldorf, MD
- Details: Enjoy FREE face painting, activities and school supplies with admission. Be sure to show flier from Facebook link for a goodie bag.
- Facebook- Link
- Date: August 7, 2025
- Time: 4PM
- Location: 6090 Jenkins Road, BLDG 1194
- Details: This event is FREE and open to all with base access. Don’t forget to register for the Back to School Bingo event! On August 7 play some bingo and win school supplies! Registration is required. Please call the Library at (540) 653-7474 to register. https://www.navymwrdahlgren.com/…/5a3afa5e-5fdd-460a.
- Facebook- Link
- Date: August 9, 2025
- Time: 10AM-2PM
- Location: 11170 Mall Cr. Waldorf, MD
- Details: Join Commissioner Dr. Amanda Stewart for her annual Back to School Community Fiesta! The event will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 10 a.m.-noon at the new Sports & Wellness Complex parking lot. Don’t miss out – the first 350 students will receive a backpack!
- Facebook- Link
BACK-TO-SCHOOL- STEP UP EMPOWERMENT SERVICES
- Date: August 9, 2025
- Time: 11AM-3PM
- Location: 2670 Crain Hwy. Waldorf, MD
- Details: Step-Up Empowerment Services is excited to announce that they will be hosting their second annual Back-to-School event on August 9th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the rear of the building. Their mission is to kick-start the school year by providing essential supplies to Charles County families in need. They aim to supply at least 100-150 children with school supplies. Additionally, a variety of games and activities will be available for children. Please see the attached link for more information: https://linktr.ee/stepupemp…
- Facebook- Link
- Date: August 9, 2025
- Time: 11AM-3PM
- Location: 44065 Airport View Drive PO Box 129, Hollywood, MD
- Details: Pathways Back to School Free Family Celebration. Catered by Mission BBQ & Mrs. Moo’s. Fun games, “Ask a Therapist” Booth, Vendors and much more! Grab a free book bag for your student! First come, first served, quantity will be limited. Students must be present to claim a free book bag.
- Facebook- Link
- Date: August 10, 2025
- Time: 11AM-1PM
- Location: Tanger Outlet- 6800 Oxon Hill Rd.
- Details: Hey families! While you’re out scoring big savings during Maryland Tax-Free Week, swing by the playground area near Columbia to check out our Back-to-School Bash for a fun break the whole crew will love! Free family fun, Music & games, and Giveaways & school supply surprises. Shop the deals, then let the kids play—it’s the perfect way to wrap up summer and get ready for the new school year!
- Facebook- Link
KIDS DAY
- Date: August 16, 2025
- Time: 10AM-2PM
- Location: Bethel Baptist Church
- Details: Bible lessons, games, food, and fun.
- Link
- Date: August 16, 2025
- Time: 9AM
- Location: 9510 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD
- Details: Information for parents, caregivers, guardians, and children.
- Facebook- Link
- Date: August 16, 2025
- Time: 10AM-2PM
- Location: 90 Post Office Rd. Waldorf, MD
- Details: Come tour the Waldorf Senior & Recreational Center at our upcoming Open House & Bookbag Drive! Please bring a new or gently used bookbag to share with Charles County students in need.
- Link- Learn more at https://bit.ly/3UlOSzj
ROLL BACK TO SCHOOL
- Date: August 16, 2025
- Time: 12PM-4PM
- Location: MWR Strike Zone Bowling Center
- Details: Open to those with base access. The Strike Zone Bowling Center is offering one last summer ‘hurrah’ before the school year starts with a back-to-school bowling special!
- Play at the Strike Zone on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 12-4 p.m. and pay just $3.50 for games and $2 for shoe rentals (2 hours max). PLUS….spin the wheel to win school supplies and be entered to win a backpack full of school supplies!* Reservations are recommended – call 301-342-3994. Open to all with base access! *One entry per child. Must purchase a game or hour to enter.
- Facebook- Link
COMMUNITY DAY
- Date: August 16, 2025
- Time: 1PM-5PM
- Location: 15522 Livingston Rd. Accokeek, MD
- Details: Free school bags, supplies and food & fun.
- Link
- Date: August 16, 2025
- Time: 1PM-5PM
- Location: 9300 Livingston Rd. Fort Washington, MD
- Details: We’re turning 20 and YOU’RE invited to celebrate two decades of impact, growth, and community with us at our 20th Anniversary Community Bash! Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration honoring our journey of educating, empowering, and entertaining young minds since 2005. Whether you’re a current family, alumni, staff member, supporter, or a neighbor in the Fort Washington community, this is your moment to celebrate with the Edutainment family! Enjoy: Games & Activities for All Ages, Live DJ & Performances, Food & Treats, Face Painting & Art Stations, Photo Booth Fun. This is more than a party — it’s a THANK YOU to our village for 20 amazing years of learning and laughter. Let’s make new memories while celebrating the legacy we’ve built together. FREE Admission Open to the Public | Bring Your Friends & Family!
- Facebook- Link
- Date: August 23, 2025
- Time: 10AM-2PM
- Location: Garret Music Academy- 10425 Southern Maryland Boulevard, Dunkirk, MD
- Details: Join us for our FREE Back to School Music Festival! Take a tour of the academy, meet the instructors, listen to live music, and MORE!
- Facebook- Link
- Date: August 23, 2025
- Time: 10AM-2PM
- Location: 4450 Indian Head Hwy, Indian Head, MD
- Details: The USBTA Back-to-School Bash is happening Saturday, August 23 at our Indian Head, MD facility—and we’re calling on our community to help make it a success. This free event will provide: · Backpacks filled with school supplies, Food, entertainment, and games for the whole family, Raffles, giveaways, and interactive demos, and a day of fun, learning, and connect with local resources. Learn more here.
- Facebook- Link
- Date: August 23, 2025
- Time: 10AM-4PM
- Location: 106 Saint Mary’s Ave. La Plata, MD
- Details: Pop Up Vendors, Summer Fun! Games for the kids and school supplies giveaway by Kidz Kab Express!
- Facebook- Link
- Date: August 23, 2025
- Time: 11AM-3PM
- Location: All American Steak House- 35 St. Patrick Dr. Waldorf, MD
- Details: Back to school will be here before you know it and this year more people are in need!
- Facebook- Link
BACK-2-SCHOOL- SUPPLY GIVEAWAY
- Date: August 23, 2025
- Time: 12PM-2PM
- Location: Redeemed House of Prayer Church of God-
- Details: It’s that time of year again, and it’s our 12th year serving the community! Team Redeemed and Redeemed House of Prayer Church of God will host our Back to School Supply Giveaway! This will be a drive-up event! This year, we are partnering with Malcolm Elementary School. Please come out to share with Team Redeemed at our ” Back To School Supply Giveaway event! This event is for our Youth and the Community! All are Welcome! Free School Supplies! While supplies last! “REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.” Please refer to the link below! Please click on the link to register or copy the link into a browser. https://forms.gle/vXkj13ZokE8GMwwd8
- Date: September 7, 2025
- Time: 3PM-6PM
- Location: 4590 Saint Josephs Way, Pomfret, MD
- Details: Celebrate back to school.
- Facebook- Link
CHILDRENS AID BACKPACK PROJECT
Details: Our annual School Supplies Project will be here before you know it.
Make sure to register soon! Registration is being done on our website: https://www.childrens-aid-society.org/school-supplies
Facebook- Link
EXTRA ARTICLES
Back to school can be a positive or even stressful experience. Here are some extra articles to help with little ones dealing with back to school anxiety, and those considering homeschool and not sure of where to start.
***The Playful Parent is a 501(C)(3) Non-profit created to advocate learning through play, and promote family bonding. All content is intellectual property of TPP, and information shared is to help provide a non-biased resource for families. If you have questions about programs or events be sure to contact the business directly. The Playful Parent isn’t affiliated with any of the schools or events.***