Doggie Parade, Family Swim Part Of YMCA Alexandria's Healthy Kids Day

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Children will have the opportunity to hop in the pool for a family swim or witness a parade of dogs as part of the upcoming Healthy Kids Day at the Alexandria YMCA in Del Ray.

The annual event includes family-friendly activities to promote a healthy start to the summer season for area families. This free, three-hour event takes place on April 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All YMCA branches in the D.C. metro area are hosting Healthy Kids Day events, including the YMCA Alexandria at 420 E Monroe Ave.

"At the Y, we believe in providing resources to families to ensure that their children have access to what they need to reach their full potential, no matter the time of year," said Kristy McCarron, the vice president of community health and wellness for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, in a release. "Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free community-wide event that encourages families to take advantage of all the great summer resources that the Y has to offer."

Participants can meet firefighters and explore a fire truck, join family Zumba, get their face painted, create something in the STEAM Maker space and enjoy fresh fruit provided by the American Heart Association. A Doggie Parade is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m., and a family swim will follow from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Giant Pharmacy will be on site so families can get up to date with their vaccines.

Information will also be available about other YMCA offerings, including summer camps, child care, and sports teams.

Admission is free, but advance registration is requested.