Little-known fact: August 15 is National Back To School Prep Day, which means it’s getting to be that time. Here are a few events that include deals and freebies ahead of the new school year.
Throughout August
Kids Eat Free at Moe’s
Multiple Locations
Throughout August, kids can eat for free with the purchase of any adult entrée before they head back to school. This is valid for Moe’s Reward Members, once a week, and expires each Saturday.
Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon
Multiple Locations
Anyone who spends $30 in gift cards can get a free original free pretzel and a Minibon, when ordering online before September 1. You can also get a free 5-count CinnaSweeties with the purchase of any baked good at Cinnabon when you bring your kids under 12 to the store.
August 9
Celestial Fire Annual Back to School Community Event
Celestial Fire Church, Camden
The Community Fun Day will include food, groceries, backpacks, gifts and prizes for students.
August 16
DJ Wagner’s Annual Community Drive
Whitman Park, Camden
DJ Wagner puts on a community day that includes a bookbag giveaway, school supplies, bounce houses, basketball court games, face painting, ice cream and music.
Back to School Bash
Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, Tinton Falls
There will be face painting, kids’ entertainment, fresh food, free giveaways, and more.
Back to School Giveaway
Starbucks, Kearny
Families can come by for free school supplies, and stay for music, food, games and raffles.
Rock-AWAY the Summer
Rockaway Townsquare, Rockaway
Come to Center Court for music, activities and back-to-school giveaways.
Back to School Bash
Tanger Outlets, Atlantic City
There will be activities, games, face painting, giveaways and an Alveole bee workshop for students and their families.
August 20
Back to School Backpack Giveaway
McDonald’s, Woodbridge
Kids will get free backpacks filled with school supplies.
August 23
Back to School Glow Party
Nanuet Town Centre, Nanuet, NY
Start out early shopping at GAP, where there will be an exclusive pre-party with in-store discounts, a personalized shopping experience, a mini runway-style showcase featuring the latest back-to-school fashion trends, free snacks, and an exclusive giveaway. Then move outdoors for the DJ Dance Party, which will feature glowing games, interactive creative activities, and picture-perfect photo ops. There will be free glow giveaways, while supplies last. Kids can get a drink from the Mocktail Glow Bar.
August 23-25
“Stuff the Bus” School Supply Drive
Doherty-owned Applebee’s: Parsippany, Manahawkin, Howell and Totowa
Bring school supplies or make a cash donation by the bright yellow school bus parked outside participating restaurants.
August 24
Back to School Festival
Oriental Lodge No. 1, Camden
There will be free backpacks and school supplies, plus face painting, bounce houses, a game truck and food.
August 25-29
Back to School Bash
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Before the summer ends, the park will host a week of back-to-school fun, featuring Honker’s Super Fun Science Show and the Back to School Bash Dine with Elmo & Friends.
August 26
Back to School Backpack Giveaway
McDonald’s, Neptune and Hackensack
Presented by the Gillis Organization – who own and operate the restaurants along with several across New Jersey – students are invited to get a free backpack, first come, first-served.
Teacher Appreciation Day
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
This one’s for the adults: Teachers will receive one free One-Day Ride/Slide Pass for the amusement park and the water park.
September 5
Teacher Appreciation Happy Hour
Shannon Rose Irish Pub, Clifton and Ramsey
Teachers can look forward to a drink after work; kicking off on September 5, every first Friday of the month will be happy hour where teachers can get food and drink deals.
September 6
Be Fort Lee & Main Street Pops Artisan Market
Hudson Lights Park, Fort Lee
There will be 50+ artisan vendors, live music by Steve Kelman, and back-to-school shopping.
September 12
Back to School Picnic
Hamilton Park, Jersey City
After the school year begins, JC Feministival Events will hold a community-building party. There will be a bubble show, music by Dave from Hello Music NJ and Carol Lester, craft sessions, vendors, and time to picnic.
September 19
Teacher Appreciation Happy Hour
JINYA Ramen Bar, Totowa
Every third Friday of the month throughout the school year, teachers will get exclusive food and drink specials, as well as special raffle giveaways.
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