7 hot summer kids deals in metro Phoenix

Once classes start, kids can easily get bogged down by homework and school activities.

Before that happens, take advantage of these deals and cheap things to do for kids.

Butterflies for less

Save $5 on kids' admissions to Butterfly Wonderland. Valid for kids ages 3 to 11. Regular kids admission is $9.95.

Details: 2 to 5 p.m. daily through August. 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Salt River Reservation. 480-800-3000, butterflywonderland.com.

Meet Skippyjon Jones

Kids can listen to stories and get their pictures taken with Skippyjon Jones, a hyperactive Siamese kitten with big ears featured in books by Judy Schachner, during a free storytime. Kids: Dress up in your favorite costumes. Parents: Bring your cameras.

Details: 10 a.m. Saturdays, Aug. 2 and 9. Changing Hands, 480-730-0205, changinghands.com.

Free backpack

The American Federation for Children, an advocacy organization, and Sea Life Arizona have partnered to hold a backpack giveaway to the first 1,000 at Arizona Mills. While there, shop the sales for back-to-school and toddler gear at such stores as Gymboree Outlet, Gap Outlet and Carter's.

Details: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. Entry 1, Arizona Mills, Baseline Road and Interstate 10, Tempe. 480-491-7300, simon.com/mall/arizona-mills.

Back-to-school Batman celebration

At this event, you can make school shopping easier for those in need. Donate a backpack filled with school supplies and get a Limited Edition Batman 75th Anniversary cape. The backpacks will be given to Children First Academy, a school of homeless and impoverished kids. Find out which supplies are needed at cfaphoenix.org/donate. The event also will feature a Batman-themed bake sale, face-painting and make-your-own superhero capes.

Details: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. Samurai Comics, 1051 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-265-8886, samuraicomics.com.

Students can get hair, nails done for less

Students of any age can get a variety of deals, including buy-one-get-one-free haircuts, $2 off any regularly priced haircut and $4 off acrylic nail services. Services are performed by supervised students. No appointments are necessary.

Details: Through Tuesday, Sept. 30. International Academy of Hair Design. Four Valley locations. intlacademyaz.com.

Get screened during a back-to-school health fair

At the 10th annual Niños Seguros Back to School & Safety Fair, school-aged children can get a backpack and supplies; get free health, dental and vision screenings, and more. Get there early because the number of backpacks is limited.

Details: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. In the old gymnasium at Grand Canyon University, 3300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. arvisu.com.

See a Disney movie for free

See Disney films from the 1970s and 1980s on the first four Saturdays in August. Admission is free. "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" on Aug. 2; "The Fox and the Hound" on Aug. 9; "The Black Cauldron on Aug. 16; "The Little Mermaid" on Aug. 23.

Details: 1 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 23. Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave. 480-350-5100, tempe.gov/museum.

Reach the reporter at sue.doerfler@arizonarepublic.com.