South Shore Plaza Hosting Back-To-School Celebration

BRAINTREE, MA — An area shopping mall is setting out to help familes and kids kick off the back-to-school season with a bang.

South Shore Plaza is set to host a Back-to-School Celebration from 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Macy's Center Court.

The event will include free entertainment like face painting, balloon twisting and other surprises. Samples and activities from retailers including Golf Lounge 18, Build-a-Bear, Gong Cha, Lush, Earthbound Trading, It’Sugar and J. Jill will also be available.

• Related: Back To School: Braintree 2025-26 School Calendar

Attendees can also participate in the ongoing Back-to-School Clothing Drive in partnership with Cradles to Crayons.

Simon Centers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire have partnered with Cradles to Crayons this summer in inviting shoppers to donate an outfit for students in need.

Shoppers at these malls will see a big yellow school bus display, where they can choose a tag before shopping. Donations can be returned to the location listed on that tag.

In Braintree, the display will be present at South Shore Plaza, 250 Granite St. It will be placed near the selfie wall at Macy's, officials said.

Cradles to Crayons is a Boston-based nonprofit organization, founded in 2002 to combat childhood poverty. Since its beginning, Cradles to Crayons has grown in Massachusetts and beyond, all with the goal of providing everyday essentials for children from birth to age 12, officials said.

All donated products will be sent to Cradles to Crayons for distribution. The displays will be set up through Sept. 1.

• Read more: Braintree Mall Partners With MA Nonprofit For Back-To-School Drive