Spring Into a Summer of Healthy Living at the YMCA

The YMCA of the Jersey Shore’s official countdown to summer is on with its annual Healthy Kids Day. This free event is packed with activities to get kids geared up for a summer that’s not only fun, but also sparks curiosity, discovery and adventure.

“I look forward to this event each spring,” said the Y’s President and CEO Laurie Goganzer. “It puts the focus on the importance of nurturing our local youth, which is one of the core principles of our mission. All children and their families are invited to come and get a taste of all the Y has to offer.”

A Healthy and Fun Free-For-All

Healthy Kids Day will be held on the following dates and times:

• Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Red Bank Family YMCA, 166 Maple Ave., Red Bank
  • Freehold Family YMCA, 470 East Freehold Road, Freehold
  • Old Bridge Family YMCA, 1 Mannino Park Drive, Old Bridge

• Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Ocean County YMCA, 1088 West Whitty Road, Toms River

Children and their families can enjoy a variety of activities focused on the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, as well as mental and emotional well-being, including:

• Fitness classes

• Youth program demonstrations

• Arts, crafts and snacks

• Giveaways

Information about current job openings and mental health services provided by the Y will also be available. Additionally, local health partners will be at the event to share safety and wellness resources.

Guests can tour the facility and receive a complimentary one-week pass to have even more time to enjoy all the Y has to offer. Members and non-members will also have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win free enrollment for one child in a Sports & Enrichment Program.

Goganzer noted the importance of making the Y’s youth development programs available to all children in Jersey Shore communities. The Y already provides financial assistance for membership and programs on a needs-based, sliding scale. The drawing for a free three-month membership is another way the Y aims to increase accessibility.

Kids Come First at Camp Zehnder

As part of the Y’s continued commitment to youth development, YMCA Camp Zehnder will also host a special event for children and their families at its 140-acre location at 3911 Herbertsville Road in Wall Township. The event will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The day will feature two activities to ignite curiosity and adventure:

• Spring Fun Run: Kids from ages 2 to 11 can explore Camp Zehnder, make crafts and play games from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• Fishing Derby: Families can cast a line and partake in hands-on science activities in the Nature Building during this free event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kickstart a Summer of Health with the Y

“Healthy Kids Day is more than just a single event on a single day,” Goganzer said. “It showcases all the Y has to offer during the summer months. Our goal is to keep kids active, engaged and inspired. Summer should be fun, but it should also be filled with learning and discovery.”

For more information on Healthy Kids Day and the YMCA Camp Zehnder Spring Fun Run and Fishing Derby, visit the YMCA of the Jersey Shore, Ocean County YMCA and YMCA Camp Zehnder websites.

About YMCA of the Jersey Shore

The YMCA of the Jersey Shore is a cause-driven nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Based in Shrewsbury, NJ, we serve 60,000 people annually in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. From lifesaving swim lessons and child care to mental health support and chronic disease prevention, we offer programs that uplift people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. With a legacy of more than 150 years of service, we’re proud to be named a USA Today Top Workplace for 2025 and Top Workplace in New Jersey 2022-2025 by NJ Advance Media.

Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.