If you need to be gluten-free or have sensitivities to those foods, sometimes it's hard figuring out what to bring to a family member or friend's gathering. Sara Carnes — morning show co-host at 95.5 The Fish and Northeast Ohio Parent columnist — helps readers learn about the experience of switching gears when told to cut items out of their normal food routines. She provides three unique ways to survive social outings with special dietary needs.

At first glance, water doesn’t seem to contribute much to your child’s overall health. After all, water has no vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein or carbohydrates. Still, water can be vital to your child’s well-being, especially when the mercury rises. Read on to tap into water’s many underrated health benefits and learn what you can do to help your child stay well-hydrated this summer — and beyond.

Anna Moyer is a Ph.D. student in human genetics and has a younger brother with Down syndrome. She created the “Your Special Chef” visual recipe website as a high school project. She provides some advice on how to make cooking fun and safe for people with special needs.

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Families can learn about and see first-hand how Native Americans made boats out of big, burned-out logs at the Carlisle Visitor Center on Sunday. This free, “drop-in anytime”, public program from 1-3 p.m. Also enjoy your little ones can enjoy fun, free train ride on the Children’s Nature Discovery Trail.

It’s summertime, which means it’s time to get out and enjoy the sunshine. But be warned, with the sun comes the heat. Dehydration can be a serious bummer. Luckily, it’s easily preventable, and you don’t have to stick to just water.

Northeast Ohio Parent brings you a list of the area's splash-filled fun. These parks provide interactive water play with colorful nozzles and characters for children of all ages and abilities. Have your family members grab their towels and sunscreen, and get ready to cool-off this summer with these spray parks.