2nd Floor Grand Opening – OH WOW!

OH WOW! Children’s Center for Science & Technology 15 Central Square, Youngstown, OH, United States

OH WOW! Children’s Center will officially open their newly renovated 2nd floor on April 16. To celebrate, they are offering half-priced admission all day long and launching new hours – 10am-5pm. Come explore brand-new exhibits, enjoy engaging hands-on experiences, and meet special guests from 3-5pm. It’s a perfect day to re-discover the Happiest Place in

National Ellis Island Family History Day

Each year on April 17th, National Ellis Island Family History Day encourages families to explore their ancestry and discover family who immigrated through Ellis Island. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); #EllisIslandFamilyHistoryDay From 1892 to 1924, Ellis Island served as the busiest inspection station for millions of immigrants to the United States. On this day in

Firefall

Ward Beecher Planetarium – Youngstown State University 84 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown, OH, United States

Throughout Earth’s violent history, impacts from comets and asteroids have mercilessly shaped its surface. The ancient barrage continues today; from harmless meteors – those brilliant streaks in the night sky, to mountain sized boulders wandering perilously close to Earth. Terrifying and majestic, these invaders from space are capable of utter destruction yet they have delivered

Breakfast & Tea with the Easter Bunny

Piccadilly Parlour Victorian Tea Room 114 South Broad Street, Canfield, OH, United States

Join Piccadilly Parlour Victorian Tea Room for Breakfast & Tea with the Easter Bunny. Enjoy Breakfast on Saturday, April 12 and 19, and Sunday, April 13 from 9:00am-11:00am or Tea on Saturday, April 12 from 3:00pm-5:00pm; Sunday, April 13 from 12:00pm-2:00pm; and Saturday, April 19 from 3:00pm-5:00pm. Reservations are required, call 330-533-4749. Breakfast is $21.00

Austintown Bounce Easter Egg Hunt

Austintown Bounce 6000 Mahoning Ave., Austintown, United States

Join Austintown Bounce for their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19 from 10:00am-12:00pm. Admission is $12 per child and includes bouncing and an Easter Egg Hunt by age groups. The Easter bunny will be on site for pictures! For more information, follow the Austintown Bounce Facebook page.

One World, One Sky

Big Bird’s Adventure begins on Sesame Street when Elmo’s friend Hu Hu Zhu visits from China. Big Bird, Elmo, and Hu Hu Zhu take viewers on an exciting discovery of the Sun, Moon, and stars. They learn about the Big Dipper and the North Star and take an imaginary trip to the Moon. Please note,

Breakfast & Tea with the Easter Bunny

Piccadilly Parlour Victorian Tea Room 114 South Broad Street, Canfield, OH, United States

Join Piccadilly Parlour Victorian Tea Room for Breakfast & Tea with the Easter Bunny. Enjoy Breakfast on Saturday, April 12 and 19, and Sunday, April 13 from 9:00am-11:00am or Tea on Saturday, April 12 from 3:00pm-5:00pm; Sunday, April 13 from 12:00pm-2:00pm; and Saturday, April 19 from 3:00pm-5:00pm. Reservations are required, call 330-533-4749. Breakfast is $21.00

Firefall

Ward Beecher Planetarium – Youngstown State University 84 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown, OH, United States

Throughout Earth’s violent history, impacts from comets and asteroids have mercilessly shaped its surface. The ancient barrage continues today; from harmless meteors – those brilliant streaks in the night sky, to mountain sized boulders wandering perilously close to Earth. Terrifying and majestic, these invaders from space are capable of utter destruction yet they have delivered

Easter Brunch – BYOB

Penguin City Beer 460 E. Federal Street, OH, United States

Build Your Own Breakfast (BYOB) presents an Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 20 from 10:00am-4:00pm at Penguin City Brewing Company. Along with brunch, the Easter Bunny will be available for photos to take home! Alice in Wonderland will be making an appearance at 12:30pm and an Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 1:30pm!

Explore Our Universe

Ward Beecher Planetarium – Youngstown State University 84 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown, OH, United States

Join The Ward Beecher Planetarium on the Starship Ward Beecher as they embark on a grand tour of our universe real time, with opportunities to influence where we travel and what we discover. Shows are Friday, February 28 at 8:00pm; Saturday, March 1 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm; Friday, April 25 at 8:00pm; and Saturday, April

Farm Animal Baby Shower

MetroParks Farm 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield, OH, United States

Welcome new arrivals to the barns and see who might still be expecting at Mill Creek MetroParks Farm on Saturday, April 26, from 10:00am-2:00pm. Mill Creek MetroParks merchandise, tractor-wagon rides, cones with feed for animal feedings, and concession trailers and drinks will be available for purchase. Credit cards are accepted, cash only for tractor wagon rides

Explore Our Universe

Ward Beecher Planetarium – Youngstown State University 84 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown, OH, United States

Join The Ward Beecher Planetarium on the Starship Ward Beecher as they embark on a grand tour of our universe real time, with opportunities to influence where we travel and what we discover. Shows are Friday, February 28 at 8:00pm; Saturday, March 1 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm; Friday, April 25 at 8:00pm; and Saturday, April

Explore Our Universe

Ward Beecher Planetarium – Youngstown State University 84 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown, OH, United States

Join The Ward Beecher Planetarium on the Starship Ward Beecher as they embark on a grand tour of our universe real time, with opportunities to influence where we travel and what we discover. Shows are Friday, February 28 at 8:00pm; Saturday, March 1 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm; Friday, April 25 at 8:00pm; and Saturday, April

Family Days – Butler Art

Butler Institute of American Art 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH, United States

Explore art and creativity at The Butler Institute of American Art with artist and docent Sandy Trolio for an afternoon of family tours, demonstrations, gallery scavenger hunt, and art-making! For children of all ages with their family. This series of FREE educational art programs for families engages young visitors in “America’s Museum.” Free and open

Visitor Appreciation Weekend

Ward Beecher Planetarium – Youngstown State University 84 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown, OH, United States

As a big THANK YOU for a great year, you get an encore: vote for any of The Ward Beecher Planetarium’s shows on this year’s schedule, and they will run it one more time! Shows are Friday, May 2 at 8:00pm; and Saturday, May 3 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm. All shows are free and open

Visitor Appreciation Weekend

Ward Beecher Planetarium – Youngstown State University 84 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown, OH, United States

As a big THANK YOU for a great year, you get an encore: vote for any of The Ward Beecher Planetarium’s shows on this year’s schedule, and they will run it one more time! Shows are Friday, May 2 at 8:00pm; and Saturday, May 3 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm. All shows are free and open

Visitor Appreciation Weekend

Ward Beecher Planetarium – Youngstown State University 84 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown, OH, United States

As a big THANK YOU for a great year, you get an encore: vote for any of The Ward Beecher Planetarium’s shows on this year’s schedule, and they will run it one more time! Shows are Friday, May 2 at 8:00pm; and Saturday, May 3 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm. All shows are free and open

Cinco on Phelps

The Phelps Street Gateway Phelps St., Youngstown, OH, United States

The City of Youngstown and Thrive Mahoning Valley present Cinco on Phelps on Sunday, May 4 from 1:00pm-7:00pm. Enjoy live music by The Labra Brothers, food, face painting, arts and crafts vendors, and a Kids Zone. Located on the Phelps Street Gateway in downtown Youngstown.

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a time-honored tradition of recognizing the women in our lives who raised us, dried our tears, and well, mothered us. Everyone has one or has someone who is like a mother to them. On the second Sunday of May, we honor those women who are our mothers. Whether we shower her with

International Day of Families

The International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May every year. The International Day of Families provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting them. It has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national family days.

All for the Kids Day

Chronic and terminal illnesses impact the lives of tens of thousands of children daily in the United States. These conditions affect not only the everyday life and activities of a child but present challenges for parents, siblings, families, and friends. Children with chronic and terminal illnesses also require extensive therapies and medical care all of

Bike Belmont

B&O Station 530 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, OH, United States

Building A Better Belmont Initiative will host its third annual Bike Belmont event on Sunday, May 18, 2025. This FREE, family-friendly ride offers something for everyone! Beginning at 12:00pm, experienced riders can enjoy a 32-mile route from downtown to the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. This ride has around 550 feet of ascent and descent and will be

Youngstown’s Spring into Summer Festival

The Youngstown Playhouse 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown, OH, United States

Youngstown’s Spring into Summer Festival will be held May 29-31 in The Youngstown Playhouse parking lot. There will be vendors, fair food, live music, carnival rides, and games. Hours are: Thursday, May 29 – 5:00pm-10:00pm Friday, May 30 – 5:00pm-10:00pm Saturday, May 31 – 1:00pm-10:00pm Proceeds benefit Full Spectrum Housing Division.

Youngstown’s Spring into Summer Festival

The Youngstown Playhouse 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown, OH, United States

Youngstown’s Spring into Summer Festival will be held May 29-31 in The Youngstown Playhouse parking lot. There will be vendors, fair food, live music, carnival rides, and games. Hours are: Thursday, May 29 – 5:00pm-10:00pm Friday, May 30 – 5:00pm-10:00pm Saturday, May 31 – 1:00pm-10:00pm Proceeds benefit Full Spectrum Housing Division.

Youngstown’s Spring into Summer Festival

The Youngstown Playhouse 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown, OH, United States

Youngstown’s Spring into Summer Festival will be held May 29-31 in The Youngstown Playhouse parking lot. There will be vendors, fair food, live music, carnival rides, and games. Hours are: Thursday, May 29 – 5:00pm-10:00pm Friday, May 30 – 5:00pm-10:00pm Saturday, May 31 – 1:00pm-10:00pm Proceeds benefit Full Spectrum Housing Division.

Simply Slavic Heritage Festival

The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre 201 S. Phelps St., Youngstown, OH, United States

Simply Slavic, the festival created specifically to celebrate Youngstown’s Slavic community, will take place on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 5pm to 11pm and Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 12pm to Midnight at The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre in Downtown Youngstown. The event will include live music, folk dance performances, homemade food, children’s learning areas, educational

Simply Slavic Heritage Festival

The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre 201 S. Phelps St., Youngstown, OH, United States

Simply Slavic, the festival created specifically to celebrate Youngstown’s Slavic community, will take place on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 5pm to 11pm and Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 12pm to Midnight at The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre in Downtown Youngstown. The event will include live music, folk dance performances, homemade food, children’s learning areas, educational

Juneteenth Freedom Fireworks Display

Wean Foundation Park 201 S. Phelps St., Youngstown, OH, United States

The City of Youngstown presents the Juneteenth Freedom Fireworks Display on Thursday, June 19, from 6:00pm-9:30pm at Wean Park. Fireworks display begins promptly at dark. Free parking at the Covelli Centre. Fireworks will be launched from the Market Street Bridge. Pack your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and your favorite people—because you’re invited to an unforgettable

National Father-in-Law Day

NATIONAL FATHER-IN-LAW DAY | July 30 National Father-In-Law Day on July 30th recognizes your spouse’s father annually. Dedicate some time to your father-in-law on this day. #FatherInLawDay Fathers-in-law bring a new perspective to our lives. Whether we are a new addition to their families or made bonds a long time ago, they grow to have

National Sister Day

National Sisters Day on the first Sunday in August celebrates the unique bond between sisters. This particular set of siblings embrace moments that make them laugh and cringe. While they don’t always agree, sisters have each other’s backs. #NationalSistersDay All siblings have the odd argument here and there, but deep down there’s little way around

National Dog Day

NATIONAL DOG DAY | August 26 National Dog Day on August 26th encourages dog ownership of all breeds. While seeking a new companion, be sure to consider the mutts, mixes, purebreds, and everything in between. #NationalDogDay Whether mixed or purebred, embrace the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe, and abuse-free life. They

Wife Appreciation Day

Wife Appreciation Day on the third Sunday in September provides an opportunity for spouses to show appreciation to their wives. #WifeAppreciationDay The relationship between two people takes balance. Every day, spouses do things for each other, sometimes without thinking. Other times, work and responsibilities get in the way. This observance offers a reminder to show

National Family Day

On the fourth Monday in September, National Family Day encourages everyone to gather around the table and enjoy a meal together. #NationalFamilyDay The old saying goes, “Families who eat together, stay together,” but did you know they may also be reducing the risk of addiction? According to the National Center on Addiction, families who eat

National Trick or Treat Day

National Trick or Treat Day on the last Saturday in October extends one of the country’s favorite holidays – Halloween! #TrickOrTreatDay Dressing up as the scariest or most fascinating character we know draws us to the holiday. People of all ages put hours of effort into creating elaborate costumes for one big night. Wouldn’t it

National Mother-in-Law Day

National Mother-in-Law Day on the fourth Sunday in October honors that special woman who brought the love of your life into this world. #MotherInLawDay Like Mother’s Day in May, this day celebrates the other mom in many people’s lives. She makes room for her expanding family. While opening her arms wide, she babysits and gives

National Pumpkin Day

National Pumpkin Day recognizes a favored autumn decoration and food on October 26th. Not only do they make great fall decorations, but the pumpkin also completes a variety of tasty recipes. Join a pumpkin competition or visit any of the many fall festivals featuring the beautiful gourds. #NationalPumpkinDay By October 26th, we’re in a frenzy

World Kindness Day

On November 13th, as part of World Kindness Day, we are encouraged to spread kindness like an infectious cold. We want to share it more than usual because studies show when others observe kindness in action they are more likely to carry out an act of kindness, too. Santa Clause is Coming to the Eastwood

National Play Day with Dad

On November 25th, National Play Day With Dad encourages fathers to spend the day focused on fun with their kids. It’s a day designed for bonding and memories. The Hidden Christmas Gem in the Valley: Kraynak’s Christmasland still bringing joy to young and old alike #PlayDayWithDad A dad play day allows the children of fathers

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day is observed each year in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. The observance is a time when families and friends gather and give thanks for many reasons, each often as different as each person who gathers around the table. https://spanningtheneed.com/2022/11/21/the-hidden-christmas-gem-in-the-valley-kraynaks-christmasland-still-bringing-joy-to-young-and-old-alike/ #ThanksgivingDay In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared

Black Friday: Shopping

In the United States, the day after Thanksgiving has become known as Black Friday and is considered the official kick-off for holiday shopping. Retailers across the country slash prices, offer doorbuster deals on popular big-ticket items, and often open in the wee hours of the morning to extend early bird specials. Dedicated and thrifty shoppers

Gingerbread House Day

Gingerbread House Day on December 12th recognizes a family tradition for many around the country. #GingerbreadHouseDay A favorite food of an Armenian monk, Gregory of Nicopolis, brought gingerbread to Europe around 992 AD and taught French Christians to bake it. Since gingerbread was often used in religious ceremonies, monks baked to be sturdy to molded into

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve on December 24 kicks off a series of holiday traditions. Some are ancient practices with a modern spin, while others date back hundreds of years. #ChristmasEve Christmas Eve is filled with both religious and nonreligious traditions. Religious traditions center around the birth of Jesus. Different denominations have their own traditions. On Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

Every year on December 25th, over 2 billion people around the world celebrate Christmas Day. Traditionally, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Nonreligious people and those of different faiths celebrate the day as a cultural event. #Christmas Also known as Christmas Day, this holiday is derived from the Old English Crīstesmæsse

New Year’s Day

Nearly the entire world recognizes New Year’s Day on January 1st. It’s also one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. #NewYearsDaY Celebrations will begin in the Pacific Ocean with Samoa celebrating the New Year before the rest of the world. The latest stroke of midnight will occur in the middle of the Pacific

National Siblings Day

National Siblings Day (also referred to as Sibling Day) on April 10th each year honors our brothers and sisters. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); #NationalSiblingsDay Siblings. They are our best friends or our worst enemies. At times, siblings will provide us with our biggest competition, strongest encouragement and remind us of our most embarrassing moments.

National Ellis Island Family History Day

Each year on April 17th, National Ellis Island Family History Day encourages families to explore their ancestry and discover family who immigrated through Ellis Island. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); #EllisIslandFamilyHistoryDay From 1892 to 1924, Ellis Island served as the busiest inspection station for millions of immigrants to the United States. On this day in

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a time-honored tradition of recognizing the women in our lives who raised us, dried our tears, and well, mothered us. Everyone has one or has someone who is like a mother to them. On the second Sunday of May, we honor those women who are our mothers. Whether we shower her with

International Day of Families

The International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May every year. The International Day of Families provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting them. It has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national family days.

All for the Kids Day

Chronic and terminal illnesses impact the lives of tens of thousands of children daily in the United States. These conditions affect not only the everyday life and activities of a child but present challenges for parents, siblings, families, and friends. Children with chronic and terminal illnesses also require extensive therapies and medical care all of

National Father-in-Law Day

NATIONAL FATHER-IN-LAW DAY | July 30 National Father-In-Law Day on July 30th recognizes your spouse’s father annually. Dedicate some time to your father-in-law on this day. #FatherInLawDay Fathers-in-law bring a new perspective to our lives. Whether we are a new addition to their families or made bonds a long time ago, they grow to have

National Sister Day

National Sisters Day on the first Sunday in August celebrates the unique bond between sisters. This particular set of siblings embrace moments that make them laugh and cringe. While they don’t always agree, sisters have each other’s backs. #NationalSistersDay All siblings have the odd argument here and there, but deep down there’s little way around

National Dog Day

NATIONAL DOG DAY | August 26 National Dog Day on August 26th encourages dog ownership of all breeds. While seeking a new companion, be sure to consider the mutts, mixes, purebreds, and everything in between. #NationalDogDay Whether mixed or purebred, embrace the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe, and abuse-free life. They

Wife Appreciation Day

Wife Appreciation Day on the third Sunday in September provides an opportunity for spouses to show appreciation to their wives. #WifeAppreciationDay The relationship between two people takes balance. Every day, spouses do things for each other, sometimes without thinking. Other times, work and responsibilities get in the way. This observance offers a reminder to show

National Family Day

On the fourth Monday in September, National Family Day encourages everyone to gather around the table and enjoy a meal together. #NationalFamilyDay The old saying goes, “Families who eat together, stay together,” but did you know they may also be reducing the risk of addiction? According to the National Center on Addiction, families who eat

National Mother-in-Law Day

National Mother-in-Law Day on the fourth Sunday in October honors that special woman who brought the love of your life into this world. #MotherInLawDay Like Mother’s Day in May, this day celebrates the other mom in many people’s lives. She makes room for her expanding family. While opening her arms wide, she babysits and gives

National Pumpkin Day

National Pumpkin Day recognizes a favored autumn decoration and food on October 26th. Not only do they make great fall decorations, but the pumpkin also completes a variety of tasty recipes. Join a pumpkin competition or visit any of the many fall festivals featuring the beautiful gourds. #NationalPumpkinDay By October 26th, we’re in a frenzy

National Trick or Treat Day

National Trick or Treat Day on the last Saturday in October extends one of the country’s favorite holidays – Halloween! #TrickOrTreatDay Dressing up as the scariest or most fascinating character we know draws us to the holiday. People of all ages put hours of effort into creating elaborate costumes for one big night. Wouldn’t it

World Kindness Day

On November 13th, as part of World Kindness Day, we are encouraged to spread kindness like an infectious cold. We want to share it more than usual because studies show when others observe kindness in action they are more likely to carry out an act of kindness, too. Santa Clause is Coming to the Eastwood

National Play Day with Dad

On November 25th, National Play Day With Dad encourages fathers to spend the day focused on fun with their kids. It’s a day designed for bonding and memories. The Hidden Christmas Gem in the Valley: Kraynak’s Christmasland still bringing joy to young and old alike #PlayDayWithDad A dad play day allows the children of fathers

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day is observed each year in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. The observance is a time when families and friends gather and give thanks for many reasons, each often as different as each person who gathers around the table. https://spanningtheneed.com/2022/11/21/the-hidden-christmas-gem-in-the-valley-kraynaks-christmasland-still-bringing-joy-to-young-and-old-alike/ #ThanksgivingDay In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared

Black Friday: Shopping

In the United States, the day after Thanksgiving has become known as Black Friday and is considered the official kick-off for holiday shopping. Retailers across the country slash prices, offer doorbuster deals on popular big-ticket items, and often open in the wee hours of the morning to extend early bird specials. Dedicated and thrifty shoppers

Gingerbread House Day

Gingerbread House Day on December 12th recognizes a family tradition for many around the country. #GingerbreadHouseDay A favorite food of an Armenian monk, Gregory of Nicopolis, brought gingerbread to Europe around 992 AD and taught French Christians to bake it. Since gingerbread was often used in religious ceremonies, monks baked to be sturdy to molded into

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve on December 24 kicks off a series of holiday traditions. Some are ancient practices with a modern spin, while others date back hundreds of years. #ChristmasEve Christmas Eve is filled with both religious and nonreligious traditions. Religious traditions center around the birth of Jesus. Different denominations have their own traditions. On Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

Every year on December 25th, over 2 billion people around the world celebrate Christmas Day. Traditionally, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Nonreligious people and those of different faiths celebrate the day as a cultural event. #Christmas Also known as Christmas Day, this holiday is derived from the Old English Crīstesmæsse

New Year’s Day

Nearly the entire world recognizes New Year’s Day on January 1st. It’s also one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. #NewYearsDaY Celebrations will begin in the Pacific Ocean with Samoa celebrating the New Year before the rest of the world. The latest stroke of midnight will occur in the middle of the Pacific

National Siblings Day

National Siblings Day (also referred to as Sibling Day) on April 10th each year honors our brothers and sisters. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); #NationalSiblingsDay Siblings. They are our best friends or our worst enemies. At times, siblings will provide us with our biggest competition, strongest encouragement and remind us of our most embarrassing moments.

National Ellis Island Family History Day

Each year on April 17th, National Ellis Island Family History Day encourages families to explore their ancestry and discover family who immigrated through Ellis Island. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); #EllisIslandFamilyHistoryDay From 1892 to 1924, Ellis Island served as the busiest inspection station for millions of immigrants to the United States. On this day in

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a time-honored tradition of recognizing the women in our lives who raised us, dried our tears, and well, mothered us. Everyone has one or has someone who is like a mother to them. On the second Sunday of May, we honor those women who are our mothers. Whether we shower her with

International Day of Families

The International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May every year. The International Day of Families provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting them. It has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national family days.

All for the Kids Day

Chronic and terminal illnesses impact the lives of tens of thousands of children daily in the United States. These conditions affect not only the everyday life and activities of a child but present challenges for parents, siblings, families, and friends. Children with chronic and terminal illnesses also require extensive therapies and medical care all of