On Saturday, April 16, the Somerset Valley YMCA is encouraging kids and parents to come to the Y for a play date and commit to being active every day.
It’s all part of the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the nation’s largest health day for families. The free event will take place at the Somerset Valley YMCA’s branches in Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature activities such as free swim, arts and crafts, healthy snacks, obstacle course, Discovery Scuba (Bridgewater only) and bounce house (some activities will vary from branch-to-branch). A summer camp open house is also scheduled.
The Y holds the day to teach healthy habits to kids and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity.
” At the Y, we know that parents struggle to find the time to incorporate more active play and healthier habits into their kids’ daily routine,” says Barbara Petrillo, Hillsborough Family YMCA’s Senior Director of Children’s Services.
”Doing so doesn’t have to require extra money or resources. It’s as simple as making a play date with your kids, with two key requirements be active and have fun!”
The Y encourages families to make play dates every day as a simple way to become healthier, more active and connected. Here are five simple activities families can do to play together:
1. Schedule a Game Night: Play games, such as charades, with the kids that incorporate physical activity.
2. Turn on your favorite party music and dance! It’s even more fun with a dance contest.
3. Go riding: Find a new bike path or park for an afternoon outdoors; grab your helmets and go rollerblading or bike riding.
4. Channel your inner youth: Remember playing hopscotch, jump rope, Simon Says or freeze tag as a kid? Teach your favorite childhood game to your kids and play them together.
5. Play outside: Visit your neighborhood park or camp out in your backyard for some outdoor fun. Get everyone moving with fun sports like soccer, basketball or baseball.
Healthy Kids Day will be celebrated at nearly 1,600 Ys across the country, with more than 700,000 families expected to attend.
For information, contact Jim Vaccarella in Hillsborough at 908-369-0490, Dana Scarantino in Somerville 908-722-4567 or Chris Trigg in Bridgewater at 908-526-0688.

