By Aliyah Feeney
RED BANK – Kids, it’s time to lace up your sneakers and get ready for a day full of fun at the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County Healthy Kids Day. The free event for kids and families will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 26, at four locations, including the Red Bank Family YMCA, 166 Maple Ave. For over 30 years the YMCA has made national efforts to continue Healthy Kids Day in hopes of boosting the health and well-being of children and families. YMCAs across the country have partnered with their communities to host free events that encourage kids and parents to stay active in both mind and body all summer long and beyond.
Sally Darrow, YMCA’s Red Bank executive director, offers insight as to what to expect for this upcoming event. “We really want local families and kids to learn about the many resources that are available for kids and teens during the summer. The whole community comes together to help families plan for a healthy summer.”
Healthy Kids Day will also offer families a chance to explore summer possibilities at the Y while enjoying hands-on activities and community resources. “Our summer camp is introduced on this day,” Darrow said. “They (the children)are not in school, not inspired so there is a learning loss during that time. So for those who don’t have access to have a quality summer experience, the YMCA offers financial assistance toprovide those opportunities to everyone,” she added.
A range of community partners, such as Parker Family Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, Brain Injury Alliance, Lunch Break and Nike, will be on site, providing valuable health and safety resources.
The Y will also be sharing information on current job opportunities and mental health support services. Families can pick up a free behavioral health toolkit designed to support the emotional well-being of youth and teens.
In the spirit of giving back, the Y is teaming up with Parker Family Health for a community sneaker drive. New sneakers for both children and adults can be dropped off at the Y during Healthy Kids Day and will be distributed by the Parker Family Health Center to those in need in the greater Red Bank area.
Healthy Kids Day events will also take place on April 26 at the following YMCA of Greater Monmouth County locations: Freehold Family YMCA, 470 East Freehold Road, Freehold; Old Bridge Family YMCA, 1 Mannino Park Drive, Old Bridge; YMCA Camp Zehnder, 3911 Herbertsville Road, Wall. For more information on Healthy Kids Day, visit YMCANJ.org.
The article originally appeared in the April 24 – 30, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
