One of the great things about being a kid is that working out is less likely to mean running on a treadmill like a hamster on a wheel, and more likely to involve playing.

"Kids play and get exercise, and they don't even realize they're getting exercise," said Gleason Family YMCA Senior Program Director Lu Brito.

The Gleason Y celebrated Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, May 4. Kids learned about good eating habits, safety, and exercise — and seemed to be having a great time doing it.

From the bouncy house to the rock climbing wall, there were plenty of activities to keep the kids moving.

"I think it's great to have something free to do that promotes health," said Carla Troupe who was there with her two children.

Her son, 8-year-old Indiana, said his favorite part was an activity sponsored by the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department. A number of officers came out and made the kids photo I.D. cards, complete with fingerprints.

"I think [the most fun part] was the police, the finger prints," said Indiana. "You get a little badge."

Brito has worked with Healthy Kids Day since it began, and says it's great to see kids at the YMCA who participated in the program as youngsters and are now 20 years old.

"Getting them started early makes it easier for them to stay healthy as they get older," he noted.

While the event focuses on children, it never hurts for a parent to learn more about what it takes to stay healthy, Brito said.

"It's to make families more aware of being active," said Brito. "It's not just about exercise, it's about eating healthy."