Families kicked off both autumn and the Halloween season by decorating pumpkins at Mentor Public Library’s Main Branch. The fun’s just begun — the library has several Halloween programs coming up in the next few weeks.

The Ohio PTA and National PTA are promoting a way for parents to take charge of their child’s learning in school. BeALearningHero.org provides important education tools and information on specific grade requirements and more.

Halloween gives kids — hey, adults, too — a chance to dress up and have fun creating costumes to show off their interests. While certain costumes remain popular year after year, there are definitely some newcomers made popular by this summer’s blockbusters. To help your little ghost or goblin come up with a great costume this year, here are a few ideas to get you started, along with cost-cutting tips so you still have enough money on hand to keep your candy bucket full for all those trick-or-treaters.

Explore the world of ancient creatures that once roamed the Earth on National Fossil Day. You can celebrate the day at Cuyahoga Valley National Park by joining the fossil hunt expedition at the rocks of Furnace Run, located at the Everett Covered Bridge.

It's Halloween on Saturday and if you're still looking for family-friendly Halloween events, there's lots of happenings. Take your family and enjoy the non-scary activities, which include trick-or-treating, hayrides, kid-friendly games, crafts and much more.

Thousands of people die from the flu every year, and yet people look at the flu vaccine like it's a lifestyle choice. Everyone has an opinion about vaccinations, so what can you do to protect yourself and your children?

Cozy up in your favorite place and explore the wonders of books with your child. From infants to teenagers, here are a few seasonal suggestions to purchase or pick up at your local library. Also, check out local author Amie Longstaff's new book "Monster Motts." Northeast Ohio Parent will be giving away a signed book on our Facebook page in October.

The new "2theXtreme: Math Alive" exhibit highlights a downhill race in which visitors literally ride snowboards and a photo stage on which visitors can capture their own image in a 360-degree freeze action photo, in the style made famous in contemporary action movies.

Ann Bugeda, chief of interpretive services at Lake Metroparks, takes readers through a seasonal walk-through on what's happening in nature, along with some scenic options to view the action.

Whether you have an infant, toddler or preschooler at home, it’s important to understand cleaning priorities and practices as kids crawl, toddle and run. American Cleaning Institute provides a few helpful reminders for moms and dads to help keep their children safe.