Northeast Ohio is home to family-friendly sports teams that rival even the biggest regions when it comes to the players, the coaches, the fans, the foods — and most importantly, the mascots. They’re the ones who get a smile from the littlest of fans to the oldest, with team spirit and the ability to energize the crowds. We found out a little more about each of these lovable mascots.

United Disability Services' second annual All-Star Jam Youth Skills Clinic will give boys and girls of all abilities in grades third through eighth the opportunity to learn new basketball skills or strengthen existing ones under the guidance of experienced local coaches and volunteers. The deadline to register is July 20.

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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.

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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.

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.