Things to do

This summer, the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park will host a gathering of trail supporters for the fifth annual Elevation summer party. Tickets are on sale now for the June 16 event, which will be a night of hiking, dining, live music and dancing at the Ritchie Ledges in Ohio’s national park. Tickets purchased by May 31 will carry a special early bird rate. ...

Happy Mother's Day! I hope all you moms are enjoying a wonderful day with your family! Mother's Day is a great chance to not only celebrate your family (and have them celebrate you), but it's also to celebrate the mom friends who make this crazy parenting adventure easier and more fun. Sometimes there's nothing more rejuvenating than some time with other ladies who understand, laugh, cry, and support you! So, here are some fun and fabulous ways to have a Girls Night Out or In with your fellow mommas: ...

Subscriptions are on sale now for the William N. Skirball Writers Center Stage Series, presented by the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation and its academic partner Case Western Reserve University. Find out which writers will appear in the series, which returns for its 14th season in September. ...

The Crocker Kids summer event series kicks off with the theme Art Party, which will be held next Tuesday, May 16 at Crocker Park in Westlake. Presented by Lake Ridge Academy, this free, family-friendly event promises to deliver fun with crafts, activities and more. Also, it features a creativity corner, balloon creations by the Twister Girl Balloon Company, face painting by 5 Star Talent, plus prizes, giveaways and much more. ...

Registration is open for the 32nd annual Kids Are #1 Run and Family Fun Day, which will be held on Saturday, June 3. The event benefits Akron Children’s Hospital’s Ear, Nose and Throat Center, and Respiratory Care, and includes a 5K through historic Glendale Cemetery, a one-mile fun run, and the Paws for a Cause one-mile dog walk. ...

Fun at First & Main — Crafty Kids is a free family event presented by Akron Children's Hospital and Northeast Ohio Parent magazine. Kids can make crafts and musical instruments, get their faces painted by 5 Star Talent, receive creations by The Twister Girl Balloon Company, play games, win prizes and more! Learn about all the fun, as well as themes for the remaining events in the series. ...

This spring and summer, Lake Metroparks invites couples to keep that flame alive by participating in a different outdoor adventure each month. Upcoming programs include a hiking adventure to discover waterfalls, disc golf, boating, and kayaking at sunset. Learn more and find out how to register. ...

Old Trail School’s Summer Camp (S’Camp) is returning for another great summer filled with sun, fun, friends and non-stop activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Celebrating more than 30 years, S'Camp offers more than 150 options for children ranging in age from toddlers through 15-year-olds. Each camp program is one week long, and has a special focus or theme. ...

From teas and crafts to outdoor adventures, there are many special events in the region that are perfect for celebrating mom this weekend. Some area attractions also are offering free or discounted admission for moms on Mother's Day. Check out these listings and create your special plans for mom or grandma. ...

Great Lakes Science Center is gearing up for summer with new discount offers beginning May 1, movies in the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater, and the seasonal re-opening of the Steamship William G. Mather, a restored, 618-foot historic Great Lakes freighter. ...