Start planning your family's calendar for the month with this lineup of fairs, festivals and special events taking place in Northeast Ohio in July. We also give you a preview of family-friendly happenings in August, so you'll have enough fun to last until the kids go back to school.

Have fun this month with a visit to your local library, museum or area attraction, many of which offer storytimes, crafts and other fun activities for young children. Check this list to find an event near you.

Pack up the family — plus chairs, blankets and snacks — and enjoy a movie under the stars this summer. Find a theater or special event near you from our list of area options.

The third annual Northeast Ohio Parent magazine Cover Kids contest received close to 350 entries. The children who were submitted ranged between ages 0-16 and were from across the region, and the panel of judges had some tough choices to make. Find out which kids were selected as winners and runners-up.

Augmentative/alternative communication devices — sometimes referred to as "talkers" or “talking tablets” — can play an important role in helping children with apraxia, aphasia, or other speech disorders communicate with their parents and peers. Learn about one local family's experience with their daughter's AAC device, which has helped her develop cognitive and communication skills.

We asked, and readers answered. During the nomination period in March and the voting period in May, parents in Northeast Ohio weighed in on everything family-friendly in the region for our third annual contest. Here are this year's winners and honorable mentions in the “Things to Do with Kids” categories.

We asked, and readers answered. During the nomination period in March and the voting period in May, parents in Northeast Ohio weighed in on everything family-friendly in the region for our third annual contest. Here are this year's winners and honorable mentions in the “Food & Shopping” categories.

We asked, and readers answered. During the nomination period in March and the voting period in May, parents in Northeast Ohio weighed in on everything family-friendly in the region for our third annual contest. Here are this year's winners and honorable mentions in the “Health, Learning & More” categories.

The July issue of Northeast Ohio Parent is on newsstands, but the easiest way to check it out is by viewing our digital issue. This month, we reveal the winners in our annual Cover Kids contest and Parent Choice Awards, as well as provide an in-depth look at lovable regional sports mascots.