Ready to celebrate our Independence Day? Here are some ideas to help you get started on your weekend plans. There are plenty of opportunities for families to be amazed by local fireworks, attend parades and more. Also, see what's brewing around town as there are many festivals that will provide games, food, rides, live music and kid-friendly activities.

Akron offers all the appeal of a larger city without big-city attitude. It’s the perfect place in Northeast Ohio to catch a ball game, grab dinner and listen to live music at venues that all are within walking distance of each other. The city's variety of attractions and walkability make it a perfect destination for families.

Cozy up in your favorite outdoor place and explore the wonders of books with your child this summer. From infants to teenagers, here are a few suggestions to purchase or pick up at your local library.

Summer is here and it’s time to shed that backpack and officially put all things academic aside, right? Not just yet. For rising juniors and seniors, this is actually a great time to focus on preparing for fall ACT and SAT exams. The first ACT and SAT exams for 2016-17 are given soon after the start of the school year, so students should take advantage of this time without other academic obligations to focus on test preparation.

Special Saturdays in June, July and August are especially for enjoying the arts in nature, with three outdoor movie nights, four outdoor amphitheater shows and a workshop. Come see E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial this Saturday at Observatory Park.

The community safety fair, held in Independence, provides an opportunity for people with autism and their families to engage with first responders while accessing safety resources in a safe, fun and family-friendly environment. There will be free resources and tools to help keep your child safe. Find out how to prepare for an emergency, meet your local first responders, get information about community safety programs, tour emergency vehicles, and receive swim and water safety lessons.

Eating right is not about adhering to a strict diet, losing weight or depriving yourself of your favorite foods. Here are some reasons to maintain a diet that is good for you, but also has a positive impact on your mood, energy level and outlook.

The Fun at First & Main Summer Event Series is presented by Akron Children's Hospital and brought to you by Northeast Ohio Parent magazine. There is no admission fee to participate in the Scavenger Hunt and other activities. In addition to the scavenger hunt, kids can dance with hula hoops, find their way through an obstacle course, roll fitness dice, play corn hole, make​​ and take crafts, and more. One lucky scavenger hunt participant will win a grand prize that is currently valued at more than $350.

Make Music Day is a day of music open to all in the streets, businesses, parks, and wherever people feel like playing or listening.  Royalton Music Center and other places around the region join in the worldwide event to bring communities together in celebration of music and the countless benefits that making music brings.

Enjoy this event at Wade Oval, presented by Motorcars of Cleveland Heights, University Circle's neighborhood dealership. The games will be held just in front of the information center. Families can find bocce and lawn bowling, lawn-style tic-tac-toe and "Connect Four," and the Imagination Playground that will keep kids busy for hours.