Kids focus on fun at Healthy Family FunFest on Feb. 24

PLANTSVILLE - The Healthy Family FunFest on Sunday, Feb. 24 will offer something for people of all ages but with a focus on “fun,” children can jump right into games, challenges and activities. This free healthy living festival will be held 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry St. Now celebrating its 10th year, the venue will provide thousands of visitors access to information focused on healthy living, exercise, screenings and various services.

The Kids’ Area, sponsored by the Southington Community YMCA, will take a Toy Story theme featuring Gladiator Dodgeball, Indoor Ninja Warrior Course, crafts table, Lego station, coloring area, photo station, water safety activities, healthy snacks and much more. Families that visit every station in the Kids’ Area and fill out a bingo card will be entered to win a prize.

“I always look forward to hosting our Kids’ Room at the Healthy Family FunFest because it gives us the chance to connect and have fun with many families in our community. It’s a fun and free way for the whole family to come out and spend time together,” said Nick Charnysh, Youth Program director. “Plus, who doesn’t love Toy Story-themed activities, challenges and crafts – ‘to infinity and beyond!’”

Outside, children will be able to sit in a fire engine and parents will be able to have the child safety seats inspected courtesy of the Southington Police Department and observe a seat belt convincer. Inside, youngsters can meet firefighters and police officers, have their faces painted, try martial arts, get their own Southington Library card and select a free book, as well as participate in relays and skill games. They can also compete against their parents in a friendly Fitness Challenge presented by Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network and GoodLife Fitness.

Child-centered services for parents include free eye screenings for youngsters 6 months to 18 years old, child IDs with software, and information on fire safety in the home, foster care, pediatric health and more.

In addition to the Kids’ Area, the YMCA will also feature a sports performance and personal training center where visitors can have assessments; a health and wellness area with demo classes; education about the Livestrong cancer support program and the Diabetes Prevention Program; and a Camp Sloper booth where kids can plant sunflowers.

Healthy Family FunFest’s premiere sponsor is the Bradley H. Barnes & Leila U. Barnes Memorial Trust at Main Street Community Foundation and the team player sponsor is the Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford. The event is presented by Hartford HealthCare and the Southington Community YMCA. Visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for Southington Bread for Life.

For the latest information, visit www.healthyfamilyfunfest.org; the Healthy Family FunFest Facebook page; or call the Healthy Family FunFest coordinator at 860.378.1268.