To kick-start physical activity and learning throughout the summer—a critical out-of-school time for kids—the Bethlehem, Easton, Nazareth, Slate Belt and Suburban North YMCAs are celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with free community events on Saturday, April 28 for kids and families. The events and will feature activities such as a visit by local police and fire departments, class demonstrations, healthy snack, craft projects, and more. 

Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out and grow, but for some kids, exposure to activities that stimulate the body and mind ends with the school year. In fact, research shows that kids are more prone to gain weight and fall behind academically over the summer months. 

“At Healthy Kids Day, we’re helping parents ‘Take on Summer’ by taking steps to ensure that their kids stay physically and intellectually active,” says Sharon O’Hara Dachisen, program director of the Easton YMCA. “With summer just around the corner, there is no better time than now to begin developing a healthy routine that encourages children to stay active until the next school year begins”. 

The events will take place at the following YMCAs; Bethlehem 12-4 p.m. Call 610-867-7588 or visit YMCAbethlehem.org; Easton 12-4 p.m. Call 610-258-6158 or visit FamilyYMCA.org.

Nazareth, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Family Swim from 2-4 p.m. Contact 610-759-3440 or NazarethYMCA.org; Suburban North, 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. Call 610-264-5221 or visit SnfYMCA.org.; Slate Belt, 1-4 p.m. at Weona Park, Pen Argyl. Contact 610-759-3440 or SlateBeltYMCA.org.