Looking to help the planet this week? Earth Day is on April 22 and to celebrate, many area organizations are hosting community events to teach creative and unique ways to protect the environment. These events can feature crafts with recycled materials, story times, exploring nontoxic cleaning materials, earth-friendly exhibits and more.

Spring is here, and that means healthy veggies are coming into season in Northeast Ohio. When it comes to reducing health risks, we are encouraged to eat foods such as fresh vegetables. But with busy lifestyles, that isn’t always easy to do. Try a Mason jar salad, filled with many of your favorite veggies and plant proteins.

Are you looking for the best deal on a spring wardrobe for your children? Several times each year, parents clean out their children's closets and offer their gently used items at a fraction of the cost. In addition to clothing, you'll find toys, games, books and furniture. Mark your calendars for these upcoming sales and save big on items for your kids.

Children and families can take the opportunity to explore other cultures and enjoy the excitement of a visit to downtown Cleveland in a fun, welcoming environment. Families can enjoy unique theater performances and workshops. Also, children can do crafts, create chalk art drawings, play games and enjoy other hands-on learning activities.

More than 60 local pediatric professionals and organizations are expected to participate, including therapists, programs and camps. The event is designed for families to learn about local resources, therapies, after-school programs and summer camps for their children who are struggling (with or without a formal diagnosis).

Northeast Ohio Parent magazine announced the 2016 Cover Kids Contest in our April issue. We are looking for families with kids ages 0 to 17 to submit a favorite candid photo. The winners of each age category will receive a professional photo shoot session and will be featured on one of our 2016-17 Northeast Ohio Parent magazine covers.

From Monday, April 11 through Sunday, April 17, proceeds from each puzzle piece shortbread cookie sold at Northeast Ohio Panera Bread bakery-cafés or pre-ordered will be donated to Cleveland Clinic Children’s Center for Autism. The funds raised benefit the behavioral treatment program as well as research at Cleveland Clinic Children’s.

For talented, smart and enthusiastic youth who are eager to learn about a wide variety of topics. Offerings are available around Cuyahoga County for ages 4 and up and include science, film, photography, sports, performing arts and much more.

Come to University Circle with your children for family-friendly events for all ages. The Cleveland Museum of Art and the Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center is offering a way for your kids to explore through arts, crafts and hands-on fun on Saturday or Sunday.

KidShow at the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor on Saturday and Sunday will provide families with a weekend full of activities, prizes, exhibitors and free entertainment. See the entertainment schedule to find out what's happening and when. Also, stop by the Northeast Ohio Parent booth for a craft or visit with a local author at our story time.