As much fun as summer is for kids and adults alike, it can mean that kids gain weight and fall behind academically when the normal routine of school goes away. That’s why the Y, along with Dodge, is hosting Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 28. More than 1900 Ys across the country are participating.
Healthy Kids Day is open to the entire community, not just Y members. The Y puts it on every year as a way to help families and kids learn ways to stay active, healthy and fit during the summer.
Activities will vary at each branch. At the North Oakland YMCA, it’s a special event because Chrysler headquarters is very close to the branch and the parent company of Dodge sponsors some extra events for their near neighbors. The company will offer ride-and-drives of Dodge vehicles, and will donate $20 to the Strong Kids Campaign for each one. Kids can do their own test drives in mini Dodge Charger police cars.
There will also be a petting zoo, healthy cooking demos, a bounce house, a scavenger hunt and more. Vendors will also be offering their own activities for families.
Although North Oakland probably puts on the biggest splash, other branches do fun things for their communties as well. Some offer free swim lessons, smoothie tastings, obstacle courses for kids and more. What matters is that families get the message that being active and eating a healthy diet is not only necessary for the growth and development of ther kids, it’s also a lot of fun. And the Y is a great place to have the whole family pursue a healthy lifestyle together.