Healthy Kids Day turns fitness into family fun in Waltham

If you’re looking for a way to get the kids off screens and on their feet, Healthy Kids Day in Waltham offers plenty of reasons to get out of the house.

Families are invited to Healthy Kids Day at the Waltham YMCA at 725 Lexington St. on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The free community celebration is designed to help children build healthy habits around nutrition, physical activity and mental and emotional well-being.

The day will feature a wide range of activities, including family fitness classes, family swim, arts and crafts, face painting and other hands-on fun. Blades, mascot of the Boston Bruins, will be on hand to greet kids. Another highlight is a touch-a-truck experience with vehicles from the Waltham Fire and Police departments, giving kids a chance to explore emergency vehicles up close.

Local vendors and community partner booths will also be on site, offering resources and activities for families and helping connect residents with programs that support a healthy and active summer. The event is sponsored locally by the Waltham Lions Club and New York Life.

Organizers are also encouraging families to take part in a food drive by bringing canned goods to the Waltham YMCA food pantry. Registration is available at the Waltham YMCA welcome center or through the community portal. Enter keywords “Healthy Kids” and select the Waltham program.