The annual Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards celebrates the top recommendations of local parents on everything family-friendly in the region. Learn more about the winner and finalists in the "Best local place to find a babysitter/childcare" category.

On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by Hunter Clarke-Fields, author of "Raising Good Humans." Listen as Clarke-Fields helps parents understand the reasons for our reactions and how to control them by changing habits and patterns.

Wild Asia is now open at the Akron Zoo! The brand new area, Lehner Family Foundation Wild Asia, features Sumatran tigers, red pandas and white-cheeked gibbons.

"Telling A People’s Story: African-American Children’s Illustrated Literature" includes 130 pieces of art by 33 artists from 95 books spanning 50 years of creativity. The free exhibit runs from June 3 through August 29. Children 12 and younger can win a prize by reading the books highlighted in the exhibit.

If the pandemic showed us one thing, it’s that furry friends help us feel better, both mentally and physically. That's something pet lovers have known for a long time, and why it’s no surprise that getting a pandemic puppy (or kitty) became so popular in 2020, after stay-at-home orders isolated people from their social networks.

[sponsored content] A unique, fun, and free opportunity for fathers and their young children to learn and practice yoga at home. Judge William L. Dawson, an expert yoga instructor, motivational speaker, and presiding and administrative judge in East Cleveland Municipal Court, leads the class. He also offers insights and encouragement for healthy living and other life goals.

The season is just beginning to heat up. There's plenty of ways to kick off summer with family-friendly adventures. Take a staycation by visiting your local zoo, heading out to nature trails, or enjoying the area's many museums and centers. This year, make it a priority to spend time exploring all the region has to offer.

Amy Chand, exercise physiologist for Akron Children’s Healthy Active Living program, shares five ways to keep your toddler on the move and smiling — maybe even giggling — all summer long. She says getting kids active and outdoors is not only a great way to turn those frowns upside down, it’s important for their health, too. Even easier, these games can be played right in your own backyard.

Leah Artman, Northeast Parent blogger of "NEOhio Frugal Living" shares how being stuck at home during the pandemic has led to ah-ha moments, from meal prep, home organization to spending quality time with the family.

Hike for wildflowers with Naturalist Marty Calabrese at Scenic Loop Trail, one of this month's "Ten to Explore" locations across Cleveland Metroparks. Watch as he shows a few easy-to-spot wildflowers and shares resources for families to go on their very own wildflower hunt.