Come to Frohring Meadows this Saturday to experience lots of earth-friendly activities. Check out the exciting live birds of prey show; amphibian and reptile show-and-tell; bird and insect walks; up-close bird banding and bird box care; hands-on tree and wildflower planting; expert speakers on wildlife and conservation issues; astronomy club and telescopes; informational displays; refreshments; and tree and wildflower giveaways so you can continue the celebration at home.

Whether you take shorter showers, reduce food waste or make eco-minded choices at the grocery store, adopting one simple habit can make a difference in protecting Earth’s natural resources. These simple, renewable lifestyle changes may even affect your personal mindset.

The event on April 23 combines entertainment and environmental education that is fun for the whole family. It features interactive displays, programs and crafts that will inspire connections between guests and the natural world. Join the zoo in supporting conservation efforts here at home and around the world. Make sure to bring aluminum cans, cell phones, small electronics, printer cartridges and car seats to the recycling drive.

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.