As you run around trying to prepare for the upcoming homework loads, shopping lists, lunches and after-school activities (not to mention your own never ending to-do list), turn to technology to help with the chaos of the back-to-school season. Here are some must-have (and mostly free!) options to help kids and parents manage the school year ahead.

VolunteerSpot Are you a class parent this year? In charge of the team snack schedule? Or did you get roped into organizing the annual carnival at your kid's school? This online service is great for coordinating parent helpers for school or after-school activities. Quickly schedule jobs and items needed, invite parents to sign up and send automated reminders help parents remember when it’s their turn to pitch in. Join VolunteerSpot -- Free

RedLaser Shop smart when looking for school supplies -- both before and during the school year. Scan an item's barcode and this app will compare online and offline prices at local stores to find the best deals.

Download RedLaser for iOS -- Free
Download RedLaser for Android -- Free

Artkive Get fridge space back! This app makes it easy to store and organize children's artwork and projects. Take a photo, select the child who created it and the app tags the image with their name, grade and date. You can save it all in one place, share with family and friends on Facebook and order a hardcover book of your kids' work. Download Artkive for iOS -- $4.99
Download Artkive for Android -- Free

Cozi Family Organizer Do you and your husband have a hard time figuring out what child is supposed to be where at what time? Create a virtual shared calendar that the whole family (and any caregivers!) can access. Other features include shopping lists, to-do lists, a family journal, meal planning, reminders and more. Download Cozi for iOS -- Free
Download Cozi for Android -- Free

LaLa Lunchbox  Work with your kids to plan nutritious lunches with this handy app. Kids can pick fun monsters to represent different lunch boxes and choose healthy foods to add to their boxes. Create lunch menus for the whole week ahead and quickly build a shopping list.

Download LaLa Lunchbox for iOS -- Free

And be inspired by these 4 Easy Lunch Box Recipe Ideas.

Life360 Family Locator Keep track of your kids when you're at work or on the go. Download this app, register your children's phones (doesn’t have to be a smartphone) and see their location on a map. If your kids also download the app, they can "check-in" when they arrive at home, a friend’s house or baseball practice, and you'll be notified that they arrived safely. Create a "family circle" so all family members and caregivers can see where each person is and message each other. Download Life360 for iOS -- Free
Download Life360 for Android -- Free

Magisto Video Editor & Maker This app turns your video clips and photos into fun, professional-looking movies. No video editing skills needed. Upload videos from your smartphone and the app splices the clips together and edits them into a movie -- you can even add music. Capture special moments on your child's first day of school and throughout the year, then send to friends and family. Nannies can make memorable little films throughout the day to share with parents when they get home. Download Magisto for iOS -- Free
Download Magisto for Android -- Free

Thanks care.com