Calling All Families

Local families are invited to YMCA Healthy Kids Day, a free community event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 29, at the Freehold Family YMCA.

At Healthy Kids Day, part of a national YMCA initiative, children and families will enjoy a wide variety of activities aimed at motivating and teaching kids how to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle and stressing the importance of mental and emotional well-being.

Celebrated every spring at more than 2,500 Ys across the country, Healthy Kids Day is designed to improve the overall health and well-being of kids and families.

“For 31 years, YMCAs have hosted this free event to inspire kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active all year long,” said Laurie Goganzer, president and chief executive officer of YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, which serves over 36,000 people in Freehold and communities across Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean counties.

Local businesses, nonprofits, and other community groups, such as NJ Family Care and Parents of Autistic Children that support children and families, will be present at Healthy Kids Day to share resources that help strengthen kids and families.

“The Y is proud to bring our community partners together for a day of sharing good health,” said Paul Zeger, executive director of the Freehold Y.

YMCA activities will include:

• Family fitness classes
• Kids games and relay races
• Mental health and special needs resources
• Facility tours
• Arts, crafts and snacks
• Job fair

Families looking for summer day camps will have a chance to talk to YMCA camp directors about the Y’s summer camp programs and the organization’s strong emphasis on mental well-being and social and emotional learning in all camp settings.

All Healthy Kids Day participants will receive a complimentary one-week family pass to the Y, and non-members will have a chance to win a free, three-month family membership.

The Freehold Family YMCA is located at 470 East Freehold Road, 07728.

Area families are also welcome to attend Healthy Kids Day at the Red Bank Family YMCA, 166 Maple Ave., Red Bank, 07701 and the Old Bridge Family YMCA, 1 Mannino Park Drive, Old Bridge, 08857.

For more information about Healthy Kids Day, membership or how to support the Y, visit the nonprofit’s website.

About YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
YMCA of Greater Monmouth County is here for all – to empower youth and teens, improve health and strengthen community. Over the past five years, our Y has provided more than $5 million in financial assistance and subsidies to Y participants throughout greater Monmouth County. Our life-changing programs and services are anchored in eight communities: health and wellness facilities in Freehold Township, Old Bridge and Red Bank; an outdoor day camp in Wall; counseling and social service centers in Eatontown, Matawan and Middletown; a childcare center in Freehold Township; and integrated in over 100 schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Named a New Jersey Top Workplace 2022 by New Jersey Advance Media, we’re based in Shrewsbury, NJ. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.