Summer is winding down and the area schools will be ramping back up this month. But don't reach for the pumpkin spice lattes and the light jackets just yet. There is still plenty of fun to be had in Greenville and the Upstate in August. Catch a laser show to the sounds of Queen, Pink Floyd, The Beatles or The Stones. Test your Marvel knowledge at a trivia night at the Anderson County Library. Or just enjoy splashing around at one of the Greenville County water parks. Check out our calendar below to help you plan your family fun for the month ahead. 

Summer movies – “The Croods: A New Age” and “The Boss Baby: Family Business” are shown at select Regal theaters. See details at regmovies.com/static/en/us/smx.

Teens Geek Out: Disney is at 3 p.m. at the Spartanburg Main Library. Visit spartanburglibraries.org.

Celebrate National Night Out from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Mauldin Cultural Center. The event includes bounce houses, a dance performance, face painting, free food, appearances by the Greenville Swamp Rabbits and the Greenville Triumph and more. For details and updates, visit facebook.com/MauldinPolice.

Summer movies – “The Croods: A New Age” and “The Boss Baby: Family Business” are shown at select Regal theaters. See details at regmovies.com/static/en/us/smx.

Tween Interactive Movie Night: “Napoleon Dynamite” for ages 8 – 12 is at 5 p.m. at the Anderson Main Library. Visit andersonlibrary.org.

TR Makers Kids Maker Day: Stitchin’ & Stuffin’ for ages 5 – 10 is 9 a.m. – noon at TR Makers. For cost and registration, visit trmakersco.org.

Teens – Make mood notebooks at 3 p.m. at the Spartanburg Main Library. Visit spartanburglibraries.org.

TR Makers Kids Maker Day:: Seashells, Sandcastles, and Sailing for ages 5 – 10 is 9 a.m. – noon at TR Makers. For cost and registration, visit trmakersco.org.

A Friday Family Hike is at 10 a.m. at Paris Mountain State Park. Take a nature walk with a ranger or staff interpreter, and wade into Mountain Creek. Using one of the park’s nets, search for dragonfly nymphs, salamanders and more. Registration is required. The cost is $5 per person, including adults, in addition to admission. (If you have a Park Passport, you only pay the program cost). These hikes are limited to 25 participants. To register and to confirm that the scheduled hike will proceed, email ctaylor@scprt.com, call 864-244-5565, or check at the admission booth.

Countdown to Kindergarten is 6 – 8 p.m., presented by TCMU-Spartanburg. This is a free community event for families with rising 3K, 4K and kindergarteners to help them get ready for the school year ahead. The event will take place on Magnolia Street, in Downtown Spartanburg. Community partners will provide resources for children and families. Parents and caretakers can interact with community partners, while children learn how to pack a lunch tray, see the inside of a school bus and much more. The event is free to all who RSVP. For details, visit  tcmupstate.org/countdowntokindergarten.

Laser Days of Summer are at Roper Mountain Science Center. Laser Stranger Things is at 6 p.m. Pink Floyd: Welcome to the Machine is at 7:30 p.m. Laser Bowie is at 9 p.m. Advance ticket purchases are required. For details, visit ropermountain.org.

“In The Heights” is presented by Mauldin Theater Company at 7:30 p.m. at Mauldin Cultural Center. For tickets, visit mauldinculturalcenter.org.

The TD Saturday Market is 8 a.m. – noon in downtown Greenville. For vendors, children’s events and more, visit saturdaymarketlive.com.

Carolina Family Services’ 6th Annual Back 2 School Giveaway, benefiting students entering grades K5 – 8, is 9 a.m. – noon at 17 Memorial Medical Drive, Greenville. Admission is free. Students must be present with a parent or guardian. From 9 – 10:30 a.m. existing CFS families and clients may attend (pass is required). The public may attend from 10:30 a.m. – noon. Receive a free bookbag with school supplies. For details and additional information, visit carolinafamily.org or call 864-283-0637.

Make a summer camper in select Home Depot stores. Details for this event and virtual field trips are online at homedepot.com/c/kids.

Teens – Make monogrammed backpacks at 1 p.m. at the Chesnee Library. For details, visit spartanburglibraries.org.

“In The Heights” is presented by Mauldin Theater Company at 3 and 7:30 p.m. at Mauldin Cultural Center. For tickets, visit mauldinculturalcenter.org.

Laser Days of Summer are at Roper Mountain Science Center. Movie Madness is at 6 p.m. Laser Motown is at 7:30 p.m. Laser Rush is at 9 p.m. Advance ticket purchases are required. For details, visit ropermountain.org.

“In The Heights” is presented by Mauldin Theater Company at 3 p.m. at Mauldin Cultural Center. For tickets, visit mauldinculturalcenter.org.

Summer movies – “Trolls” and “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” are shown at select Regal theaters. See details at regmovies.com/static/en/us/smx.

See The Critter Keeper at 2 p.m. at the Hughes Main Library. Entry is not guaranteed. For program details, visit greenvillelibrary.org.

Chess Club for ages 13 and older is at 5 p.m. at the Pendleton Library. Visit andersonlibrary.org.

The 2022 Mauldin Makers Market features its Dog Days Market 5 – 8 p.m. at the Mauldin Outdoor Amphitheater. For details, visit mauldinculturalcenter.org/events/festival-season/mauldin-market.

Song Fest with Dr. Jean is at 10:30 a.m. at the Five Forks Library. Ages 2 – 6. Visit greenvillelibrary.org.

Summer movies – “Trolls” and “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” are shown at select Regal theaters. See details at regmovies.com/static/en/us/smx.

TAG: Teen Advisory Group meets at 3 p.m. at the Spartanburg Main Library. Visit spartanburglibraries.org.

Dark Sky Astronomy Night is at 9 p.m. at PARI – Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. The event is for astronomers of all experience levels. For details and registration information, visit pari.edu.

TR Makers Kids Maker Day: Minecraft Mania for ages 5 – 10 is 9 a.m. – noon at TR Makers. For cost and registration, visit trmakersco.org.

Laser Days of Summer are at Roper Mountain Science Center. Lasers of Oz is at 6 p.m. Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon is at 7:30 p.m. Laser Prince is at 9 p.m. Advance ticket purchases are required. For details, visit ropermountain.org.

The Really Good, Big, Cheap Book Sale, benefitting Greenville Literacy Association, is at McAlister Square. For details, visit greenvilleliteracy.org.

TR Makers Kids Maker Day: Ninja Academy for ages 5 – 10 is 9 a.m. – noon at TR Makers. For cost and registration, visit trmakersco.org.

Laser Days of Summer are at Roper Mountain Science Center. That ‘90s Laser Show is at 6 p.m. Beatles: Sgt. Pepper’s Laser Show is at 7:30 p.m. Laser Rolling Stones is at 9 p.m. Advance ticket purchases are required. For details, visit ropermountain.org.

“In The Heights” is presented by Mauldin Theater Company at 7:30 p.m. at Mauldin Cultural Center. For tickets, visit mauldinculturalcenter.org.

The Really Good, Big, Cheap Book Sale, benefitting Greenville Literacy Association, is at McAlister Square. For details, visit greenvilleliteracy.org.

The TD Saturday Market is 8 a.m. – noon in downtown Greenville. For vendors, children’s events and more, visit saturdaymarketlive.com.

Saturday Toddler Time – Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice is at 10:30 a.m. at the Upcountry History Museum. For details, visit upcountryhistory.org.

Laser Days of Summer are at Roper Mountain Science Center. Laser Pop Rox is at 6 p.m. Laser Queen is at 7:30 p.m. Pink Floyd: The Wall is at 9 p.m. Advance ticket purchases are required. For details, visit ropermountain.org.

“In The Heights” is presented by Mauldin Theater Company at 3 and 7:30 p.m. at Mauldin Cultural Center. For tickets, visit mauldinculturalcenter.org.

The Really Good, Big, Cheap Book Sale, benefitting Greenville Literacy Association, is at McAlister Square. For details, visit greenvilleliteracy.org.

“In The Heights” is presented by Mauldin Theater Company at 3 p.m. at Mauldin Cultural Center. For tickets, visit mauldinculturalcenter.org.

Saturday Toddler Time – Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice is at 10:30 a.m. at the Upcountry History Museum. For details, visit upcountryhistory.org.

Teens – Play D&D at 4 p.m. at Woodruff Library. Visit spartanburglibraries.org.

Teens – Play real-life Tetris at 4:30 p.m. at the Cowpens Library. For details, visit spartanburglibraries.org.

Teens – play “Kill Dr. Lucky” at 4:30 p.m. at the Spartanburg Main Library. Visit spartanburglibraries.org.

The TD Saturday Market is 8 a.m. – noon in downtown Greenville. For vendors, children’s events and more, visit saturdaymarketlive.com.

Build a Muscle Car with Your Mini-Mechanic is at select Lowe’s stores. In this hands-on workshop, kids will construct a creative container to store their own little gems and trinkets. Register by Aug. 19. at lowes.com/events.

Marvel Night: Agent Carter and Trivia Games for ages 12 – 18 is at 5:30 p.m. at the Anderson Main Library. Visit andersonlibrary.org.

Baby Play Date is at 10 a.m. at the Five Forks Library. Babies ages 0 – 18 months and their caregivers are invited to an open playtime. Visit greenvillelibrary.org.

Chess Club for ages 13 and older is at 5 p.m. at the Pendleton Library. Visit andersonlibrary.org.

Family Night: “The Story of Zippers and Buttons” by Leigh Ann Buckner and Mary McAlister is at 6:30 p.m. at the Anderson Main Library. Longtime Anderson educators have collaborated on a new picture book for children, “Zippers and Buttons.” This story of two very different cats is written by Leigh Ann Buckner and illustrated in watercolor by Mary McAlister. Learn about the book’s creation and purchase a copy of the book to be signed. For details, visit andersonlibrary.org.

Baby Play Date is at 10 a.m. at the Travelers Rest Library. Babies ages 0 – 18 months and their caregivers are invited to an open playtime. Visit greenvillelibrary.org.

Teen Cosplay Workshop: Food Props is at 4:30 p.m. at the Spartanburg Main Library. Visit spartanburglibraries.org.

Family Craft Night: Back to School is 5 – 7 p.m. (drop in) at the Five Forks Branch Library. Visit greenvillelibrary.org.

Teens – Play “Madden” at 4:30 p.m. at the Spartanburg Main Library. Visit spartanburglibraries.org.

Miracle Hill’s Annual Kids Ninja Challenge is a family-friendly fundraising event for children ages 4 – 12. The event starts at 8 a.m. at the YMCA program Center in Simpsonville. It includes more than 10 obstacles on a .75-mile course, along with food trucks, inflatables and face painting. Register at runsignup.com/kidsninjachallenge.

The TD Saturday Market is 8 a.m. – noon in downtown Greenville. For vendors, children’s events and more, visit saturdaymarketlive.com.

Family Fun Day is 10 a.m. – noon at the Upcountry History Museum. Families can enjoy game and craft stations, group story time, and more. The program is included with admission. For details, visit upcountryhistory.org.

Kids’ Bingo is 1 p.m. at the Pacolet Library. Ages 5 – 12. Visit spartanburglibraries.org.

An Audition Workshop for “Charlotte’s Web” is Aug. 6 at Spartanburg Youth Theatre. Two sessions are offered, 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4 p.m., with the same content offered at both sessions. The cost is $30 each. Registration is required. Call 864-585-8278 or enroll online at spartanburgyouththeatre.com/auditionsworkshops.

Auditions for “Charlotte’s Web” are 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9 or 10 at Chapman Cultural Center. Auditionees should only audition one of the two nights and may arrive at any time during the two-hour block. Students in grades 3 – 12 may audition. See audition requirements and more at spartanburgyouththeatre.com/auditions.

Auditions for Mauldin Youth Theatre’s “Once on This Island JR.” are Aug. 20 at Mauldin Cultural Center. For details, visit mauldinculturalcenter.org/events/theatre-season/auditions.

Fall programs at TR Makers begin this month. StoryVenture and Masters & Makers are for grades 1 – 5, Afterschool Makers is for grades K5 – 5, Afterschool Art School is for grades 2 – 6 and Junior Afterschool Makers is for ages 11 – 16. For cost and registration, visit trmakersco.org.

Art Classes with Cindy Roddey are offered for fall – at Wild Hare Gallery in Travelers Rest on Tuesdays for kids (3:45 p.m.) and teens and tweens (5:30 p.m.), and at 10 Central Avenue Studios in Greenville on Wednesdays and Thursdays for kids (3:45 p.m.) and teens and tweens (5:30 p.m.) and Mommy & Me at 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. For details, contact cindyroddeyarts@gmail.com or 864-376-5952.

Wheels on the Ground is open at TCMU-Greenville. This state-of-the-art exhibit introduces children and families to the exciting concepts of the racing and automotive industry, featuring a fully interactive pit crew station, various stations designed for building model cars, an engine repair simulation, and a life-size bus. For details visit tcmupstate.org.

Summer Adventure is 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays through Aug. 6 at Roper Mountain Science Center. This year’s traveling exhibit, “Mystery of the Mayan Medallion,” is open. Look for STEM Days on select Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. Admission is $12 each for ages 13 and older, $10 each for ages 3 – 12 and ages 60 and older. Admission is free for children ages 2 and younger and to Roper Mountain members. Lunch is available through the Connections Café from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and is free for ages 18 and younger. For details, visit ropermountain.org. 

Greenville County Waterparks are open. Visit greenvillerec.com for hours and ticket details.

Little Learners Club, available from the Greenville County Library System, is designed especially for children under age 5 to encourage the development of kindergarten readiness skills using the Palmetto Basics. Details are at greenvillelibrary.org/kids/little-learners-club.

Free Books – Greenville First Steps has launched a pilot of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Greenville County. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is an early literacy program that mails free age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age 5. Currently in Greenville County, children in 29690, 29611, and 29669 can sign up for Imagination Library. Registration is available at ImaginationLibrary.com.

Display Your Art – The Back Door Art Gallery in Fountain Inn has a kids’ art wall. Children ages 12 and younger can hang one piece of their art for free for one month. For specifications and contact information, visit backdoorartgallery.com.

Story Time is at 10 a.m. Thursdays at Barnes and Noble at Greenridge. For details, visit stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2221.

Prisma Health Children's Hospital – Your Healthy Body is at TCMU-Greenville. Learn about healthcare and healthy habits in a child-friendly, engaging and positive way. Visit tcmupstate.org.

Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice is open at Upcountry History Museum through Jan. 29, 2023. Designed for young explorers ages 3 – 10, the bilingual (Spanish and English) exhibit features three distinct sections that build on a child’s innate curiosity about dinosaurs: Land of Fire (a warm dinosaur habitat), Land of Ice (a cold dinosaur habitat), and a Field Research Station (complete with a Big Dig experience). For details, visit upcountryhistory.org.

Music Adventure Classes are at 10 a.m. Mondays at Swamp Rabbit Café. Classes are geared for pre-K – K but all ages are welcome. The cost is $15 per class ($5 for each additional sibling) and includes a coffee and pastry. For details and registration, visit @musicadventure on Instagram or email musicadventureforkids@gmail.com. 

Family Story Time for ages birth – 5 is Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Pendleton and Lander Memorial Libraries, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Powdersville Library, and Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Anderson Main Library. Visit andersonlibrary.org.

Preschool and Toddler Story Times are offered at Spartanburg Library locations. For details, visit spartanburglibraries.org.

Preschool Story Time for ages 3 – 5 is at 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Anderson Main Library. Visit andersonlibrary.org.

Toddler Storytime for ages 18 – 36 months is at 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the Anderson Main Library. Visit andersonlibrary.org.

Family Connection’s “Look!” Photography Exhibit honors children and youth living with a disability. It is open through Sept. 16 at the Richland County Library Gallery in Columbia. Several Upstate families are included. For details, visit familyconnectionsc.org/look.

Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is open at Biltmore Estate. For tickets and up-to-date health and safety policies, visit biltmore.com.

Preschool Storytimes for ages 2 – 5 are offered at the Pickens County Library. Call 864-850-7077 or visit pickenscountylibrarysystem.com.

STRIDES, a nonprofit program, offers individualized instruction for ages 6 – 20 who need to catch up before school starts. Students with disabilities or ESOL are welcome. Virtual instruction is available. In-person or virtual tutoring is available at Cherrydale, Fountain Inn, Greer, Boiling Springs or Easley. For details, call 864-246-9898 or stridestutor.org.