EVANSTON, IL. – Families from Evanston and surrounding areas came together on Saturday, April 25 for the McGaw YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, a high-energy, free event celebrating movement, wellness, and family fun. The day featured a wide range of activities designed to kick off a safe, healthy, and fun summer for kids.
Attendees enjoyed bounce houses, sports skills clinics, an around-the-track dash, a 360-photo booth, music experiences, outdoor camp activities, fire pit safety demonstrations with s’mores led by Camp Echo staff, and healthy snack demonstrations featuring community partners Chicky’s Kitchen Creations and registered dietitian Julie Gyondla.
Families also experienced live entertainment from DJ Johnny Price and student DJ Grey Kennedy of Bach to Rock, and a music concert by Mr. Dave, bringing energy and excitement for participants of all ages.
The event offered opportunities to connect with YMCA program staff and community partners, including Centro de Desarrollo Latino (CEDEL), Chicago Ultimate Frisbee, City of Evanston CARE Team, KUUMBA, MetroSquash, Sanctuary Evanston, Turning Point Health, WasteNot Compost, and YWCA Evanston/North Shore. Additional activities were hosted by Artmaker’s Outpost, Evanston ASPA (Asian, South Asian, Pacific Islander American), and the Institute for Therapy Through the Arts. Families also received free books from Young, Black & Lit.
On-site food and treats included yogurt from YoFresh Café, kefir samples from Lifeway, cereal bars from Trader Joe’s, and offerings from the Soul & Smoke food truck.
This year’s Healthy Kids Day was a featured stop in Downtown Evanston’s Refresh & Renew Open House, connecting families to local wellness and fitness opportunities.
“Healthy Kids Day is such a special way for families to come together, have fun, and embrace healthy habits,” said Melissa Franada, McGaw YMCA marketing director and the lead planner for this year’s event. “The energy, laughter, and excitement from the bounce house to the campfires to the DJs really showed the joy of kids being kids—and that’s what the YMCA is all about.”
Sponsored nationally by Peanuts and Gatorade, Healthy Kids Day continues the YMCA’s mission to inspire kids and families to build lifelong healthy habits.
For more information about the McGaw YMCA and upcoming events, visit mcgawymca.org.