Get up and get moving! That was the message at the Gleason Family YMCA Saturday. Wareham area children and their parents gathered at the Y for a community play date to start a commitment to being active every day.

It was all part of the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, a free event that aimed at teaching healthy habits to kids and inspiring a love for physical activity.

“At the Gleason Family YMCA, we know that parents struggle to find the time to incorporate more active play and healthier habits into their kids’ daily routine,” said Laura Prisco, Executive Director of the Gleason Family YMCA. “Doing so doesn’t have to require extra money or resources. It’s as simple as making a play date with your kids with two key requirements: Be active and have fun!”

Fun was not in short supply Saturday. The event featured a host of family-friendly activities such as face painting, dancing, and “Try it For Free Mini Classes,” where kids got to test out team sports.

“We’re having fun, enjoying the afternoon,” said Angel Collazo, who brought his daughter to the event. “It is a great opportunity.”

Event Coordinator Donna Maynard said introducing small healthy lifestyle choices into your routine is the best way to make them last a lifetime. “Exercise a little more, eat a little better,” she advised.

The Gleason Family YMCA recommends five simple activities families can do to play together:

• Schedule a game night: Play games with the kids that incorporate physical activity, such as charades.

• Dance: Turn on your favorite party music and dance! Make this activity more fun with a dance contest.

• Go riding: Find a bike path or park for a fun afternoon outdoors. Grab your helmets and go rollerblading or bike riding.

• Channel your inner youth: Remember playing hopscotch, jump rope, Simon Says or freeze tag as a kid? Teach your favorite childhood game to your kids and play together.

• Play outside: Visit your neighborhood park or camp out in your backyard for some outdoor fun. Get everyone moving with fun sports like soccer, basketball and baseball.

Every April, YMCAs across the country participate in Healthy Kids Day, the nation’s largest health day for families. Saturday was the Gleason Family Y’s sixth time hosting the popular event.