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.

In honor of Father's Day, we revisit this popular episode of aParently Speaking, in which host Miriam Conner talks with three local dads who share some of the challenges and lessons they have learned along the way. They also discuss what they love most about parenthood and the one thing they want to make sure their kids always know no matter what.

While plenty of Zoom calls and e-learning obligations come with a family’s school-aged children these days, working parents with kids younger than kindergarten face unique challenges. Their infants, toddlers and preschoolers require full-time care and attention. Learn what some local parents are doing to cope.

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.

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.

The summer slide — when kids lose knowledge during summer break — is a perennial concern for parents and teachers. This year, with 55 million children in the U.S. out of school since March, the academic slowdown related to the COVID-19 pandemic presents new challenges. Learn tips and resources to foster your child’s learning throughout the summer in a low-stress way.

Now that school is over — and despite the recent reopening of businesses in the state — typical summer hotspots will be limited. Parents need to help their tweens and teens transition into this new summer break routine — one that doesn’t include self-isolating in their room.

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.