YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day to exercise minds and bodies

Heart of the Valley YMCA’s “Healthy Kids Day” will be held at two Huntsville locations and in Madison on May 9. Southeast Family YMCA will host a 5K and kids’ fun run. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON COUNTY – Heart of the Valley YMCA will conduct “Healthy Kids Day” at three locations on May 9.

The free event from 9 a.m. to noon will inspire more children to keep their minds and bodies active. Healthy Kids Day is the YMCA’s “national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being,” director of communications Mary Anne Swanstrom said.

Children can engage in various activities and games and view demonstrations for health and safety. “The open house is free and gives access to facilities to motivate families,” Swanstrom said.

Southeast Family YMCA, 1000 Weatherly Road SW in Huntsville, will host “Y Run 5K” at 8 a.m. A kid’s fun run will start at 9 a.m. and kids’ zumba at 10 a.m. Stillwater Bluegrass will provide live entertainment.

Hogan Family YMCA, 130 Park Square Lane in Madison, will offer a free, digital child identification program. “SARTEC (Search & Rescue Technicians) dogs, HEMSI first responders and Madison fire and police officers will visit,” Swanstrom said.

Children in Madison also can pursue yoga and zumba sessions.

The YMCA Northwest Child Development Center, 4600 Blue Spring Road in Huntsville, will hold open house for their newly renovated building. The center will offer children’s activities and giveaways and serve refreshments.

“When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles, or gaps, that prevent them from reaching their full potential related to hunger, water safety, learning, safe spaces to play and health,” Swanstrom said. “Nationwide, the YMCA helps over nine million youth ‘hop the gap’ and achieve more, providing a safe to place to learn, stay healthy and build friendships.”

For more information, call Swanstrom at 256-541-8129 or email to maryanne.swanstrom@ymcahuntsville.org.