Virtual event features a full day of activities that celebrates kids being kids. 

SEATTLE, WA, March 23, 2021 - Following a stressful year for adults and kids alike, the YMCA of Greater Seattle is hosting their annual Healthy Kids Day® on Saturday, April 10 encouraging families to take a moment to help kids be kids. While the event will be hosted virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns, the Y aims to provide a carefree day for children, celebrating what makes a kid, a healthy kid. The online event will feature activities such as a scavenger hunt, virtual 5K Fun Run, kids cooking demonstration, Tae Kwon Do class, family yoga, and more to motivate and teach families how to develop and maintain healthy routines at home. 

“As adults, we know that 2020 was difficult on so many levels—it’s important to remind ourselves that as much as we try to protect our kids from worry, they faced many of those same difficulties. As communities continue to respond to the pandemic, the Y is here for families, helping kids recover both physically and mentally from a stress-filled year,” says Courtney Whitaker, AVP Youth Development, YMCA of Greater Seattle. “We believe in the potential of all children, and we strive to help kids find that potential within themselves. When a child is healthy, happy, and supported, they can make great things happen.”

Healthy Kids Day, now in its 29th year, is the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families. The Y hopes to use the day to get more kids moving and learning, creating healthy habits that they will continue while they’re away from the classroom. When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Research shows that without access to out-of-school learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. Following a year filled with numerous changes and uncertainty, Healthy Kids Day is a reminder to families that we can help ensure all children have access to the key ingredients that they need to reach their full potential, even during out-of-school time. 

Recipe for a Healthy Kid

In celebration of the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y is focusing on five “ingredients” that make a healthy child: 

• Healthy Food – Children need at least five servings of fruits and veggies each day for healthy development. Kids who help make their own meals and snacks are more likely to try the food, so enlist children in meal prep to encourage tasty explorations. 
• Physical Activity – From increased screen time to virtual school, studies show that children moved less in 2020 than usual. Help kids get back into physical activity routines by setting at least 60 minutes for fun games and play every day. 
• Curiosity – Children who are read to by a family member at least three times per week are almost twice as likely to score in the top 25 percent in reading compared to their peers. Encourage children to access new wonders with their own library card. Many libraries now offer curbside pick-up too!  
• Laughter and Fun – It’s important to let kids be kids! Grown-ups should make sure they are joining in the fun with their kids. Close the laptop, turn off the phone, and have uninterrupted play time. These opportunities allow adults to model a love for activity while providing invaluable family bonding time. 

The YMCA of Greater Seattle’s Healthy Kids Day takes place online and can be accessed by visiting seattleymca.org/healthy-kids-day on April 10 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and features fun, active play, and educational activities, such as a family bootcamp class, water safety demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, Tae Kwon Do class, and more. 

For more information, visit seattleymca.org/healthy-kids-day. 

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About the YMCA of Greater Seattle

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is the Northwest’s leading nonprofit organization strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Founded in 1876, the Y reaches more than 238,000 people of all backgrounds, abilities and financial circumstances annually through 14 branches, two overnight camps and more than 200 program sites throughout King and south Snohomish counties. It nurtures more than 92,000 kids and teens to develop their gifts and give back to our community and engages 23,000 volunteers who contribute more than 388,000 hours of service each year.