Healthy Kids Day

The Community YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day on April 28 with a free community event for kids and families at six locations across Monmouth County. More than 20 local nonprofits, businesses and health-related organizations are partnering with the Y to help kick start physical activity and learning throughout the summer – a critical out-of-school time for kids.

Healthy Kids Day will feature activities such as engaging games, music, dance, storytime, arts projects, gardening, a family walk, safety talks, wellness activities and information about summer camps and activities. Healthy snacks will be provided and there will be drawings for prizes and summer camp.

Healthy Kids Day, a national initiative of the Y to improve the health and well-being of children, will include a host of physical and educational activities designed to inspire kids and families to  stay physically and intellectually active all summer long. Research shows that kids are more prone to gain weight and fall behind academically during the summer months if they are not engaged in activities that stimulate the mind and body.

Activities and times will vary by location as follows:

9-11 a.m. – Hillside Community Center, 144 Chestnut Ave, Middletown: Nature activity by Poricy Park, Teddy Bear Clinic by VNA, storytime and art project, Hip Hop Dance and Hula Hoop activity.

9 a.m.- noon: Camp Zehnder, 3911 Herbertsville Road, Wall:
Trail biking on camp trail, bike and helmet safety, chair massage and camp tours.

11 a.m.- 1 p.m. – Hazlet Children’s Achievement Center, 745 Poole Ave., Hazlet: Gardening activity by Home Depot, VNA Teddy Bear Clinic, healthy smiles activity by Holmdel Pediatric Dental, storytime and art project, Hip Hop Dance, fire truck and safety by Hazlet fire and police.

Noon-3 p.m.- Camp Arrowhead, 521 Route 520, Marlboro: Fitness program with Hopscotch from K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital Pawsitive Action Team at noon, one-mile family walk at 2:15 p.m., Nature crafts, Supreme Tutoring and  healthy smiles activities and camp tours.

1-3 p.m. – Matawan Children’s Achievement Center, 201 Broad Street, Matawan:
Fitness program with Hopscotch from K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital Pawsitive Action Team at 2 p.m., summer nutrition activity by UMDNJ, storytime and art project, gardening by Home Depot, VNA Teddy Bear Clinic, healthy smiles activity by Holmdel Pediatric Dental, fire truck and safety by Matawan fire and police.

3-5 p.m. – Family Health & Wellness Center, 166 Maple Ave., Red Bank: Hip Hop Dance at 3:15 p.m., fitness program with Hopscotch from K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital Pawsitive Action Team at 3:30 p.m., Take On Summer talk by Lonnie Allgood of Dreams for Kids at 4 p.m., Step Challenge presentation at 4:15 p.m., summer nutrition activity by UMDNJ, summer reading by Red Bank Public Library, nutrition by Monmouth County Regional Health Commission, art project and drumming demonstration. Additionally, the new Youth & Teen Center will be open until 5 p.m. for Wii-Fit and use of cardio and strength training equipment.

For more information or to register, click here.