For many central Arkansas students, it's the last weekend of the summer before school starts on Monday, Aug. 17. You know what that means--time to party the weekend away at fun, family events! Several back-to-school events will get kids excited about the new school year, while other activities are all about enjoying the outdoors (like the Mystic Creatures exhibit at Garvan Woodland Gardens) before heading back to the classroom.

Head of the Class Bash and Free Admission Day at Clinton Presidential Center & Park: Celebrate President Clinton's birthday with free admission to the library all day long. Plus, families can commemorate the new school year with the fifth annual back-to-school celebration: the Head of the Class Bash. The first 1,500 students will receive free backpacks and school supplies. The event will also offer immunizations, haircuts, ACT prep information, and Hour of Code computer science tutorials. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 15. Free admission day is held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Head of the Class Bash will be from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: (501) 374-4242, ClintonFoundation.org. FREE!

9th Birthday Picnic Party at The Wonder Place: Celebrate The Wonder Place's 9th birthday with discounted admission and fun all day long! Children can have their faces painted, participate in a scavenger hunt and make art. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Aug. 14. Admission is $3.50 per person. Info: (501) 225-4050, TheWonderPlace.com.

Arkansas Travelers vs. San Antonio Missions at Dickey Stephens Park: Watch the Travs run the bases against the Missions for three nights in a row! Special events include a post-game frisbee toss on Aug. 15 and Operation: Military Appreciation is Aug. 16. If you're at the ballpark on Aug. 14, visit the Little Rock Family booth near the Kid's Zone--we'll have free games for the kids and prizes! 7:10 p.m. Aug. 14-15; 6:10 p.m. Aug. 16Price: $4-$12 in advance; add $1 per ticket on game day. Info: (501) 664-1555, Travs.com.

Range Day & Creature Feature at Central Arkansas Nature Center: Kids elementary age and older can test your archery or BB gun skills with targets and instruction provided. Either the archery or BB gun range will be set up for target shooting from noon-2 p.m. After target practice, families can meet one of the resident critters at 2 p.m.; they’ll learn about the animal’s unique characteristics and where it can be found in Arkansas. Noon-2 p.m. Aug. 15. Info: (501) 907-0636, CentralArkansasNatureCenter.com. FREE!

Evening Canoe Float & Summer Star Party at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Explore the Big Maumelle River on a guided canoe float as twilight changes into a peaceful moonlit night. Or, head to the Visitor Center for a free Summer Star Party with the members of the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society. Telescopes are provided. Canoe float 7-10 p.m. Aug. 15; $40 per canoe. Star party 9-11 p.m. Aug. 15; free. Info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain.

Mystic Creatures: Topiary Art Takes Flight at Garvan Woodland Gardens: There are only a few more weekends to see this amazing outdoor exhibit at Garvan Woodland Gardens. The Gardens are inhabited by a menagerie of mystical creatures, including a 40-foot long sea serpent, 13-foot tall sasquatch, Fairy Gourdmother playhouse, a family of mushrooms and a new 20-foot wide "flaming" Phoenix. Families won’t want to miss the miniature structures in the Fairy Village, which was expanded this week to include fairy versions of Hot Springs’ historic bathhouses and iconic buildings. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Daily Price: $15; children 6-12 are $5; kids 0-5 & members are free. Info: (501) 262-9300, GarvanGardens.org.

The Color Vibe 5k Run at Barton Coliseum: A unique 5k fun run that takes participants on a colorful course! Individuals run, walk, or dance their way through color stations, where vibrant colors tie-dye white outfits and costumes. When it’s over, everyone is invited to stick around for a large, colorful dance party hosted by a professional sound crew and DJ. 9 a.m. Aug. `5. Price: $30. Info: TheColorVibe.com.

For more central Arkansas events, browse our full online calendar here.