Surviving September one coffee at a time.
Is it just us, or does August feel like the Sunday scaries of the whole year? One moment you’re floating in a pool, pretending sunscreen counts as a skincare routine... the next, you're standing in the Target school supply aisle trying to decode what a “non-rolling, soft-sided, mesh-bottomed backpack in forest green” even is.
Here at Macaroni KID Harrisburg & West Shore, we know that back to school isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a full-contact sport. There are forms to fill, haircuts to schedule, lunches to pack, and approximately 472 decisions to make before your kid even puts on one sock.
But don’t panic. This 2025 Harrisburg & West Shore Back to School Survival Guide is your one-stop sanity-saving shop. Whether your kids are headed to kindergarten, homeschool, high school, or just the neighbor’s driveway with a magnifying glass and a worm—they need support. And so do you.
We’re talking:
✅ Haircuts that won’t end in tears (for anyone)
✅ Affordable school supplies and giveaway events
✅ Local photographers for awkward sibling photo ops
✅ Tutoring, childcare, extracurriculars, enrichment, and more
✅ Support for neurodivergent families, new preschoolers, and tired parents who are just trying their best
💡 Even if your kids are already back in school, there’s still time to get organized, supported, and possibly even caffeinated.
So grab your planner (or a napkin), sharpen your pencils (or just find one without bite marks), and dive in.
This school year? We’ve got your back.
Stay tuned to the end for a sneak peek at our Fall & Halloween Fun Guide—coming soon!
Excuse our mess! This guide is under construction. Even after completion, please note this is a dynamic guide and we are updating and adding to it every day! Are we missing something? Email me at rachaelb@macaronikid.com to let me know. You can also submit events, organizations, and businesses directly.
🎒 School Supply Giveaways & Back to School Events
📸 Back to School Photography Guide
Because if you’re going to cry on the first day of school, it may as well be into a glossy print.
✂️ Haircuts That Don’t Cause Emotional Damage
Kids and sensory-friendly haircuts = back-to-school essential.
🏫 Private, Religious & Charter Schools
For families re-evaluating educational options as they gear up for fall.
🧒 Preschool, Pre-K, and Early Intervention Resources
This is its own beast. Highlight screenings, checklists, and how to start strong.
💃 Extracurricular Activities & Clubs
Dance, sports, STEM, theater, and anything else that wears them out before bedtime.
🛍️ Consignment Sales & Thrift Finds
Budget-friendly back-to-school shopping tips + local events.
❤️🩹 Get Help: Community Resources & Family Support
Because not every family is okay—and support should never feel out of reach.
🧠 Special Needs & IEP/504 School Readiness Checklist
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - COME BACK AFTER 8/15
A must-have resource for neurodivergent learners and their families.
📚 Tutoring & Academic Enrichment
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - COME BACK AFTER 8/15
Now that you know your child’s teacher didn’t inherit a magic wand.
🧩 Homeschool Resources & Co-Ops
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - COME BACK AFTER 8/15
Essential for nontraditional learners or those exploring alternatives.
⏰ Before/After School Care & Childcare Options
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - COME BACK AFTER 8/15
Because school lets out WAY earlier than work does.
13. 🎃 Sneak Peek: Fall & Halloween Fun Guide (Coming Soon!)
You survived summer. You semi-survived back-to-school. Now it’s time for the main event: spooky season. Our Fall & Halloween Fun Guide is brewing behind the scenes like a witch’s cauldron full of candy and chaos. From hayrides and haunted houses to toddler-friendly pumpkin strolls, we’re rounding up everything festive happening across Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, and beyond. Check back soon... or risk being haunted by the fear of missing out.
