As parents and children get ready for the upcoming school year, shopping for art supplies and sitting in barber shop lines can be a hassle.

This week is filled with several back-to-school events designed to be easy for parents and cool for kids.

Here are the top three events selected by MyArlingtonTX:

Back to School Bash 2013

WHERE: Any Arlington aquatics facility.

WHEN: Now through Friday, August 16

The Arlington Parks and Recreation Department has teamed up with Mission Arlington to help send underprivileged kids back to school with the items they need for a great education. You can save 50% off pool admission to any Arlington Aquatics facilities by donating at least one school supply item per person. Download and print the school supply list here. If you have any questions, contact Aquatics Manager Maria Campbell at [email protected] or call 817-459-5481.

9^th Annual Back to School Rally

WHEN: Saturday, August 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Sam Houston High School, 200 Sam Houston Drive

City Councilman Robert Rivera, Arlington ISD and the Arlington chapter of the NAACP are hosting a back-to-school event for Arlington students to receive free health checkups, school supplies and haircuts. School-aged children can pick up pencils, pens, construction paper, markers, colored pencils, crayons and a roomy backpack to stuff it all in.

YMCA to Host Back to School Bash Open House

WHEN: Saturday, August 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Any YMCA of Arlington family center

Enjoy free food, games and other fun activities during a"Back to School Bash" open house at any of the three YMCA of Arlington family centers. Afterward, enjoy a free swim at the outdoor pool at the central branch at 2200 S. Davis Drive or the indoor pool at the Cooper Street branch at 7120 S. Cooper Street from 1-3 p.m. Boxes will be at each center for members to bring school supplies. Not a member? Visit a YMCA family center and purchase a Y backpack for $20. In exchange, you can join the Y without having to pay the $75 membership fee. The backpack will be donated to an Arlington student. Learn more at www.ymca-arlington.org.