Tthe Gleason Family YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, May 4, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m, with a free community event that encourages kids to get moving and learning, and families living healthier.

Healthy Kids Day, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, takes place at 1,900 YMCAs and kick-starts healthier behaviors now and throughout the summer.

The event will feature active play and educational activities, such as 20 minute “Try it for Free” classes, as well as face painting and games.

“At the Gleason YMCA, we know parents struggle to keep their kids physically and intellectually active every day. We want to help ensure fewer kids are at risk of childhood obesity and more kids excel in school,” said Laura Prisco, Executive Director, Gleason Family YMCA. “YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will get kids moving and learning while also helping families get a jump on creating a healthier summer, and ultimately a healthier future.”

Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. On May 4, YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will help parents begin thinking early about what their kids need to grow and achieve all summer long. The Gleason Family YMCA offers one-week summer day camp programs from June 24th through August 30th.

The Gleason Family YMCA is located on Charge Pond Road.