Back-to-school events begin this weekend

School for most families begins in a little over a week, and this weekend’s activities are geared toward helping parents get prepared while keeping the kids entertained.

•Tax-free weekend in South Carolina is Aug. 7-9. Haywood Mall will host back-to-school activities Aug. 7-8 with a kid zone 1-6 p.m. both days on the lower level in front of Belk. The area will feature an inflatable play area, face painting and balloon animals. The Salvation Army will also be accepting clothing donations during mall hours. For details, visit www.simon.com/mall/haywood-mall.

•There is no Second Saturday event at Roper Mountain Science Center in August. However, families can enjoy Starry Nights Friday, a chance to learn about the stars, at Roper Mountain Science Center. The 7 p.m. feature show is “Cowboy Astronomer.” The 8:30 p.m. feature show is “Sunstruck.” For details, call 864-355-8900 or visit www.ropermountain.org.

•The Children's Museum of the Upstate will host Innoskate 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 8 with the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation and Michelin North America. Innoskate 2015 will explore skateboarding culture, bringing audiences together for inter-generational learning while broadening the public’s perception about skateboarding and the innovations that have made wheeled sports an important catalyst for community redevelopment throughout the world.

The one-day-only forum will feature iconic skateboard inventors and innovators, panel discussions exploring the connections between the science of skateboarding, history and innovation, hands-on skate activities from The Lemeslon Center’s Spark! Lab and demonstrations by professional athletes. All who wish to skate during the event must sign a waiver, which is available on the museum’s website. For more details, visit www.tcmupstate.org.

•Unify Greenville is 7-10 p.m. Saturday at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Organized by area youth from different churches, the event will focus on worship and prayer, led by the Unify Worship Band. Tickets are $10 for individuals with discounts available for church groups. Tickets can only be purchased online at www.unifygreenville.com.

•Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” continues daily through Sunday at The Peace Center. The Tony-award-winning Broadway musical brings the classic fairytale to life on stage with original songs. Shows are 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. For tickets, visit www.peacecenter.org.

•Mark your calendars for the Countdown to Kindergarten Festival 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13 at the Children’s Museum of the Upstate. The evening will include free admission to the museum, free vision screenings, informational booths, games, music and dance for rising K5 children and their families. Families can connect with representatives from Upstate school districts, state agencies and local organizations to learn about educational, health and community resources available to them. In addition, rising kindergarteners can see a real fire truck up close and learn safety skills in the Greenville County Fire Department’s safety house.

This event is specifically designed as a celebration for rising K5 children who are beginning the K5 curriculum and their families. Members without a rising kindergartener in their families will have to pay admission for this special after hours event designed solely for K5 children. For details, visit www.TCMUpstate.org.

Find more events and contests online at www.UpstateParent.com.