Tri-County YMCA Encourages Kids to Play and Learn at Healthy Kids Day, April 28

On April 28, the Tri-County YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day^® with a free community event for kids and families in the area. More than 1,900 Ys across the country are taking part in the celebration, meant to kick start physical activity and learning throughout the summer – a critical out-of-school time for kids.

Healthy Kids Day, a national initiative of the Y to improve the health and well-being of kids, is filled with fun, active play and educational activities that will help parents improve their kids’ lifestyles for the long term. Research shows that without access to activities that stimulate the mind and body, kids are more prone to gain weight and fall behind academically over the summer months.

“At the Tri-County YMCA we know that when the school year ends, many kids lose exposure to activities that keep them moving and learning. Healthy Kids Day will help parents begin thinking early about what their kids need to stay physically and intellectually active in the summer,” said Tina Kreitlow, executive director of youth development for the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. “Summer is just around the corner and is an ideal time for kids to get out and grow so they are healthier and sharper when the next school year begins.” 

The Tri-County YMCA, located at N84 W17501 Menomonee Avenue, will hold the Healthy Kids Day event from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will include: pony rides, youth obstacle course, quarter mile run, healthy cooking demonstrations, and Wanakia Wildlife will provide youth with a close-up look at various animals from their wildlife and rehabilitation center.

The Russ Darrow Group dealership will co-host a special Ride and Drive event featuring its line of Dodge brand family vehicles to help encourage driver, passenger and family safety. For every test drive taken at the event, the Dodge brand will contribute $20 to the Tri-County YMCA’s annual campaign. Dodge Ride and Drive events will be taking place at 20 Healthy Kids Day events across the country. In 2011, Dodge donated more than $21,000 to participating Ys from Healthy Kids Day test drives.

A leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y holds Healthy Kids Day to teach healthy habits and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity through active play. 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 risk for childhood obesity and suffer summer learning loss. 

Nationally, Healthy Kids Day is supported by the Dodge brand.

For more information, contact Tri-County YMCA at (262) 255-9622 or visit www.ymcamke.org/healthykidsday.