This month, we focus on ways families can make the most of their summer, with articles on backyard games, sand and science, inspiration for a staycation, and how to help your teen make summer plans. We also feature educational advice to avoid the summer slide, expert tips to keep your family safe this summer, and more. ...

Juneteenth, which takes place annually on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, is garnering more attention this year in light of ongoing Black Lives Matter protests. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. There are several Juneteenth events taking place Friday and into the weekend in the greater Cleveland/Akron area. ...

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The new learning center that provides comprehensive care to children with specialized learning needs opened its doors on June 1 in Warrensville Heights. Thrive offers instruction and therapy for children ages 18 months to 6 years across the entire autism spectrum, including applied behavior analysis, speech/language and occupational therapy.  ...

The virtual edition of our 2020 Education & STEM Expo is taking place today — and there's still time to register and join us for more than a dozen live virtual sessions and videos! Those who register for the free event will receive access today — and also through Saturday, October 31 — to all of the amazing content. ...

Summer is here and that means Summer Lit League at Cleveland Public Library is in full swing. Registration for the program — offered entirely online this year — is still open for children of all ages. This year’s theme, "Get Loud, Speak Out!" includes prizes for reading, as well as virtual activities to teach youth how to be active in democracy. ...

The Fine Arts Association is holding a free, virtual theatre challenge through June 21. Youth and adult participants must take a video of themselves singing a song pr performing a monologue, and then upload the video to the Facebook event page. Winners in each category will receive prizes. ...

It's summer break in Northeast Ohio — prime season for outdoor play. If you're looking for some new additions to your family's backyard adventures, check out this lineup of recommended toys. ...

In celebration of World Otter Day last month, CMNH put the spotlight on its own North American river otters — Linus, Calvin and Hobbes — for this video, used here as part of the Northeast Ohio Parent KidStream video series. ...