To most families, the end of a school year is synonymous with going to summer camp, where kids engage in new experiences, make new friends and create life-long memories. Some parents are finding there are unique camps around Northeast Ohio offering much more than the traditional fun activities.

This is a time to ensure that every family is educated when it comes to water safety as we prepare for beach and pool season. So, what do parents need to know when it comes to water safety? Swim safety expert Sonali Morris, owner of Goldfish Swim School East Cleveland and Goldfish Swim School of Fairview Park, offers practical water safety advice.

Just as humans are exposed to certain risks when temperatures rise, hot weather creates the potential for both emergency threats and everyday dangers that can affect pets. From weather-related emergencies to fleas and ticks that can threaten even the healthiest animals, special care is needed during the summer months for your pets to stay safe.

Memorial Day, celebrated on May 30, is a time to honor our fallen men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Your family might be planning to attend an annual parade in town or pay a visit to a loved one at a local cemetery. For kids, understanding why we observe the day isn't always clear. Here are some ways to help them learn about this day of remembrance.

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The whole family can learn more about the periodical cicada emergence and their return 17 years later. Kids ages 3-5 with adults can get engaged in the phenomenon on Sunday and Tuesday. All ages are also welcome to attend the Cicada Spectacle program for another close-up look and information about these incredible insects.

Come to the zoo and celebrate the season with special animal enrichment demonstrations with the lions, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, grizzly bears and sea lions. Then enjoy costumed characters, crafts, an interactive gaming zone, a DJ dance party, and touch-a-truck encounters with some of the Zoo's heavy equipment. See great rides with the BMX thrill shows featuring professional BMX riders.

Like her brothers and sisters, Diana Munz was taught not to fear the water at an early age. For the Chagrin Falls native, staying in the water became a passion and led her down the Olympic lane. However, the Olympic gold medalist says that being a mom (of her two girls, Reagan, 3, and Sydney, 7, whose name came straight from Munz’s first Olympic trip) definitely is harder than winning gold. She shares her love of swimming, her hometown and — most importantly — family.

The summer schedule is likely anything but slow. An on-the-go lifestyle requires energy, and portable meals and in-season ingredients are keys to a healthy eating strategy that can power you through the season.

The month of May is filled with end-of-the-school-year festivities including proms, graduations and parties. While it is a time of celebration, it also can be dangerous for teens. We talked to local professionals to get advice on how to discuss the importance of teens protecting themselves and making smart decisions this season.