Eagan YMCA Holding Free Healthy Kids Day for Dakota County Families

Editor's Note: The following is a news release from the Eagan YMCA.

On Saturday, April 27, from 6-8 p.m. the YMCA is celebrating YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day with a free community event that encourages kids in Eagan, Apple Valley, and Rosemount Community to get moving and learning, and families living healthier.

Healthy Kids Day, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, takes place at 1,900 Ys and kick-starts healthier behaviors now and throughout the summer, a critical out-of-school time for children’s health.

Many U.S. children do not get the daily recommended hours of physical activity and reading, and daily amounts of healthy foods. According to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot—a survey of parents that gauges their children’s activity levels during the school year—only 19 percent of children get 60 minutes of physical activity, only 17 percent read books for fun, and only 12 percent eat at least eight fruits and vegetables daily.

“At the YMCA we know parents struggle to keep their kids physically and intellectually active every day. We want to help ensure fewer kids are at risk of childhood obesity and more kids excel in school,” said Robin Hendrick, Director of Healthy Kids, YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities. “YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day event on April 27, 6 – 8 p.m., will get kids moving and learning while also helping families get a jump on creating a healthier summer, and ultimately a healthier future.” 

Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. On April 27, YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will help parents begin thinking early about what their kids need to grow and achieve all summer long.

The YMCA in Eagan’s Healthy Kids Day takes place at 550 Opperman Drive, Eagan from 6 to 8 p.m. and features fun, active play and educational activities to help families get a jump on creating a healthier summer.

Ideas to create a healthy family home and activities to put more play in your day will be featured. Families can sign the Healthy Kids Day - Healthy Living banner pledging their commitment to living healthier this summer. The Y will collect hundreds of signatures from across the metro to show support of this important initiative. Participants will receive a LIVE HEALTHY wristband to celebrate their shared commitment. Families can also receive a Healthy Family Home Planning Calendar with tips to guide them all summer long. Each tip supports the Y’s 5 pillars of a Healthy Family Home; Eat Healthy, Play Every Day, Get Together, Go Outside, and Sleep Well.

Pool and gym activities, family fitness samplers, face painting, a craft project to turn a t-shirt into a reusable bag, hands on CPR, and a Scholastic Book Fair are just a few of the many activities families can enjoy. 

This event is free and open to the public To learn more about Healthy Kids Day and the activities go to Yhealthykidsday.org or call 612-230-9622.