Active from Head to Toe

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Summer is the 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 prone to gain more weight and fall behind in studies. On April 27, the Y will celebrate Healthy Kids Day, our national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids.

Over 1,900 Ys across the country are taking part in Healthy Kids Day, holding free community events that are open to all kids and families and filled with fun, active play and educational opportunities. Let’s Get a Jump on Summer and help kids carry the spirit of staying intellectually and physically active. Visit Find a Y to locate an event in your community.



April 27, 2013

It's Healthy Kids Day. Head over to your local Y for a fun day of laughs, play and learning to get a jump on a healthy summer!

April 26, 2013

Tomorrow is Healthy Kids Day. Is your family signed up for our free event and ready to get a jump on summer?

April 25, 2013

Don't forget to exercise the mind! Sign up for art classes this summer to get the kids' creative juices flowing. Learn more about how to keep minds active at Healthy Kids Day on April 27th.

April 24, 2013

Looking for a fun family vacation this summer? Plan a camping trip! Teach your kids the importance of preserving and enjoying the environment. No time to get away? Pitch a tent in your backyard. Join us for more fun events at Healthy Kids Day on April 27.

April 23, 2013

Get kids cooking. If kids get involved in choosing and preparing meals, they'll be more interested in eating what they've created. Take them to the store this summer, and let them choose produce for you. If they're old enough, have them to cut up veggies and mix them into a salad. Visit the Y on Healthy Kids Day on April 27 and learn more ways to keep your kids healthy and active this summer.

April 22, 2013

Happy Earth Day! Get the family together today and plant a garden. Plant your family's favorite herbs and flowers. Teach your kids the importance of taking care of their plants this summer. Get a jump on summer April 27th at Healthy Kids Day.

April 21, 2013

Have fun. Sometimes the more creative a meal is, the greater the variety of foods kids will eat. Try smiley-face pancakes and giving foods silly names this summer. For example, broccoli = “baby trees”. Anything mini is always a hit, too. Use cookie cutters to turn toast into hearts and stars, which children love. Get a jump on a fun-filled, active summer at Healthy Kids Day on April 27.

April 20, 2013

“You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!”
- Dr. Seuss.

To locate a Y near you and find out about Healthy Kids Day actitivies, visit our Find your Y page. http://www.ymca.net/find-your-y/

April 19, 2013

Allow treats. Having less-healthy foods on occasion is ok. It keeps those “forbidden” foods from becoming even more appealing. Call candy, soda, and cookies “sometimes” foods and allow them on special occasions. This summer, try a family night out for ice cream sundaes. Join us for a sweet day of laughs, play and learning at Healthy Kids Day on April 27.

April 18, 2013

Host a neighborhood TGIF! Get friends and family together for a roller skating block party. Create a theme, pump up the tunes and encourage everyone to dress up. Learn more ways to keep the body active at our Healthy Kids Day event.

April 17, 2013

Visit a museum this week. City museums will often offer free admission days. Check out an art museum or science museum in your city and don't forget to mark Healthy Kids Day, April 27, on your calendar.

April 16, 2013

Make mornings count. Most families don't eat enough fiber on a daily basis. Breakfast is an easy place to sneak it in. Try making batches of whole-grain pancake and waffle batter that last all week. Get a jump on summer at Healthy Kids Day on April 27 at your local Y.

April 15, 2013

Break a sweat for a cause! Sign up for a 5k walk/run with your family. In many cases, registration costs benefit local charities. Get a jump on summer on April 27th at Healthy Kids Day.

April 14, 2013

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
-Mark Twain

Find inspiration and get a jump on summer at Healthy Kids Day on April 27.

April 13, 2013

Hot temperatures call for long days at the beach or pool this summer! Get the family ready this spring with swim lessons at your local Y. Join us for Healthy Kids Day on April 27th to learn more about keeping your family active this summer.

April 12, 2013

Hola! Ciao! Learning a new language together can be fun. Pick a new language this summer. Label items around the house to teach your family the new words. Keep your minds active this summer. To locate a Y near you, visit our Find your Y page. http://www.ymca.net/find-your-y/

April 11, 2013

Feel like mixing it up today? Try creating a hybrid sport! Mix together two sports like baseball and basketball to make your family's own unique game! Chalk a diamond on the basketball court and take shots from 'bases'. Join us for Healthy Kids Day April 27th for more ideas on how to put a twist on summer activities.

April 10, 2013

Keep a small cooler in the car this summer when you’re out with your kids. Stock it with carrots, pretzels, yogurt, and water so you don't have to rely on fast food. Mark your calendar for a cool event on April 27: Healthy Kids Day at your local Y.

April 09, 2013

It is National Library Week! Check out events happening at your local library and pick up new books to read with your family. Keep your minds sharp this summer. Find out more at our Healthy Kids Day event.

April 08, 2013

Start the week off with some zen. Bring your family to the Y for a yoga class. Try your new poses outside one day. Commit to keeping your body active and learn more at Healthy Kids Day on April 27th.

April 07, 2013

Play the rainbow game. How many different colored fruits and veggies can your child eat in a day? Write down their totals on the fridge, or create a rainbow chart for the summer. Join us April 27 for a colorful day of family fun at Healthy Kids Day.

April 06, 2013

Grab your bikes and take a family bike tour this weekend. Explore new neighborhoods or peddle on over to a new park for an afternoon of play. Find out more about how to get a jump on summer at Healthy Kids Day at your local Y.

April 05, 2013

“Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.”
-Brad Henry.

Get inspired at Healthy Kids Day on April 27.

April 04, 2013

April is 'Turn off the TV and Read' month. Set aside time everyday for the family to read, either together or separately, and discuss what you read over dinner. Join us for Healthy Kids Day on April 27th and commit to keeping your minds active this summer.

April 03, 2013

Give rewards. Studies have shown that children will eat their veggies and learn to like them, too, when you give them rewards. So stock up on stickers this summer, dole out the praise or create personal rewards your kids will love. Join us April 27 for Healthy Kids Day to get a jump on a healthy summer.

April 02, 2013

Get a jump on summer and start moving! Daily physical activity is important for every family member: a total of 60 minutes for children, 30 minutes for adults. Toss a football, jump rope or play hop scotch. Join us for Healthy Kids Day to learn more about keeping your bodies active this summer.

April 01, 2013

On April 27, the Y is celebrating Healthy Kids Day with a free community event. Join us for a full day of laughs, play and learning to kick off a healthy summer. Check back here daily for tips on how to keep your family healthy.