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.

The playhouse in Akron announced its 82nd season. Weathervane’s subscribers, volunteers and staff gathered for an opportunity to learn the titles of all of the 2016-17 season plays and hear from many of the directors about each of the upcoming shows.

Come to Crocker Park in Westlake this spring and summer season to experience “Crocker Kids,” a free, family-friendly event with fun and interactive activities targeted for kids ages 2 to 9. The event is sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Children’s and brought to you by Northeast Ohio Parent magazine. With an adventurous theme each month, Crocker Kids will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on select Tuesdays, May through September. The first event will be held on May 17.

Two fun-filled days featuring hundreds of kids and family products and services as well as continuous entertainment, activities, crafts, cookie decorating, prizes, play area, snack attacks, costume characters and all kinds of surprises! And best of all — it’s free.