Yes, you read your calendar right. August has arrived. The fun and refreshing days spent during the big family summer trip to (insert vacation destination here) are slowly fading into smartphone pics and souvenir T-shirts. While this month wraps up with the big back-to-school event, there’s still some big fun to be had. Big trucks, bubbles and mythical beasts are all on tap for this Austin August.

August 3: Austin Pet Expo
Maybe the kids have been hinting about a pet. It’s not such a bad idea — pets can introduce kids to traits like responsibility, self reliance and litter box cleaning (not really a trait, but ask them to pretend they’re at the beach). Find tips, new products and even pets for adoption at the Austin Pet Expo, held at the Palmer Events Center. Celebrity pet pal Shorty Rossi from Pit Boss and his pal Hercules will make an appearance. Bring your kids to check out some furry friends. Giving a pet a new home has its own warm and fuzzy rewards for you, too.

August 2-4: Monster Jam
Boys are a destructive lot. Mine are willing and eager to spread their collection of assorted toys across our living room without the slightest inclination to clean up. This primal urge is probably what continues to drive boys and dads to monster truck rallies. The Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam takes over the Cedar Park Center for a three-day celebration of big wheels and big destruction. Tickets are inexpensive, and the event has plenty of opportunities to meet the drivers and meet these motorized beasts up close. It’s a crashing way to spend a Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

August 10: Bubblepalooza
Praise to the simple things that can grasp a child’s imagination for hours. Bubbles are a big hit in our house. There is still fun in seeing how long a bubble will last until it pops ... and then doing it all over again. Bring your bubble-loving kids to Bubblepalooza at the The Long Center City Terrace for a whole day of fun. Toy Joy will supply the bubbly, along with music, water fun and chalk art.

August 21-22: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Dragons
We get the circus. Three rings. Angry lions. Flexible acrobats. But, add mythical flying beasts that breathe fire and you have everyone's attention. Adding dragons to the mix gives The Greatest Show on Earth an imaginative and mythic twist. Full of the usual animals and acrobatic feats, the Dragons edition of the legendary circus honors the Year of the Dragon.

August 24: Back to School Bash
Parents may be relieved to get the kids out of the house, but buying or organizing immunizations, school supplies and after-school activities is no picnic. Austin ISD and the City of Austin are teaming up again for the Back to School Bash at the Convention Center. Almost everything you need to get your kids ready to hit the books is here. It can get a little crowded, so be prepared for long lines and cranky kids. Hmmm ... sounds just like my family summer vacation.