Waukee Family YMCA to Host Healthy Kids Day Event

Submitted by the Waukee Family YMCA

To kick-start physical activity and learning throughout the summer – a critical out-of-school time for kids – the and Blank Children’s Hospital are celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event on April 28 for kids and families. Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out and grow. However, 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,” said Ami Bolles, Health and Wellness Director, Waukee YMCA. “With summer just around the corner, there is no better time than now to begin developing a healthy routine that helps kids be healthier and sharper for when the next school year begins.”

A leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y holds Healthy Kids Day to improve the health and well-being of kids. As part of this initiative, the Y – along with hundreds of thousands of parents and kids nationwide – is taking on summer by addressing critical gaps in health and education that cause kids to be at increased risk for childhood obesity and suffer summer learning loss. Locally, Blank Children’s Hospital has partnered with the Y to support this event.  They will be bringing many activities and resources to the Y to support this cause.

Healthy Kids Day will take place at the Waukee Family YMCA, located at 210 North Warrior Lane in Waukee, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on April 28 and will feature activities such as a Bike Rodeo, Servere Weather Simulator, Physical Activities, Nutrition Stations, Sports Zones, Interactive Booths and exhibits and healthy snacks.  Admission to Healthy Kids Day is free. 

The Junior League of Des Moines will also be holding their 2^nd annual Touch A Truck Fundraising Event at the Y that day! Touch a Truck is an interactive display of real trucks and vehicles that allow kids to explore hands on.  Admission to Touch a Truck is $5 per person or $25.00 a family.

For more information, contact Waukee YMCA at 515-987-9996 or visit www.waukeeymca.org