Things to do

There’s a good chance that both you and your family are eager to get out and do things, especially now that things are open again. But a lot has changed, so Northeast Ohio Parent blogger Jason Lea provides a roundup of how some of your family’s favorite zoos, museums, amusement parks and more are handling reopening. ...

It’s summer — that time of year when home sandboxes are opened and sand castles begin springing up on beaches. Beyond the pure fun of playing in the sand, did you realize that something as simple as grains of sand could ignite STEAM curiosity in your little scientist? Check out these fun activities you and your child can do with sand. ...

Summer is upon us, yet our vacation plans are disappearing like letting go of a helium balloon. With so much uncertainty, many families are staying put and calling 2020 the year of the summer staycation. Check out these five ways to make the best of your summer staycation right here in Northeast Ohio. ...

GLSC is reopening June 19 with the premiere of the special exhibition, Body Worlds Rx. The anatomical exhibition reveals the marvels of the human body and the dramatic effects of disease. The specimens on display show comparisons of healthy organs and diseased organs, to reveal the physical impact of disease on the body’s systems. ...

Father’s Day is a great opportunity to spend family time together while honoring dad. Whether your usual activities are canceled or you’re just looking for new ideas, check out these 50 ways to celebrate dad. Most can be enjoyed in your home or backyard; others can be done while following social distancing guidelines. ...

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. ...

While backyard games were once a summer mainstay for neighborhood kids and their families, cell phones, smart devices and hectic schedules provide some stiff competition for attention these days. Whether it’s a casual game of tag or something more strategic or team-oriented, look no further than the backyard for opportunities to get active, bond with your children and create lifelong memories. ...

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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. ...