NILES — The YMCA of Southwest Michigan will host its annual Healthy Kids Day event from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at both the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph and Niles-Buchanan locations. This event, which is sponsored by Honor Credit Union, is free and open to the community.

Healthy Kids Day is the YMCA’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families by inspiring kids to keep their minds and bodies active.

The two-hour event features activities such as family fitness classes, open swim, crafts, face painting, a bounce house, and much more. There will also be booths run by local vendors and organizations, giveaways from local businesses, and healthy snacks provided by Martin’s Supermarket.

The Niles-Buchanan YMCA will have local dentist, Dr. Richard Beckermeyer, DDS, demonstrating the effects on soda pop on teeth. Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve will teach kids about plants using seed bombs. Five Pines Ministries will bring crafts, and Miss Niles 2018, Kimberly West, will attend to meet the children.

The Niles-Buchanan YMCA will also have booths and activities from the Four Flags Apple Festival, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, the Girl Scouts, and the Niles Fire Department.

The Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA will have the Lions Club offering free vision testing. The United States Coast Guard will provide demonstrations, the Royalton Township Fire Department is bringing a firetruck, the St. Joseph Public Library is bringing a craft, and more. The Y will also have Gaga Ball and Wallyball, as well as many family fitness class options.

Healthy Kids Day is celebrated at more than 1,500 Ys across the country by more than 1.2 million participants. Officials said the goal is to get more children moving and learning, creating habits that they continue all summer long. Instead, the Y wants families to focus on helping children imagine what they can accomplish over the summer.

YMCA of Southwest Michigan is a volunteer-led public charity 501© (3) that works collaboratively with community partners to improve the lives of children, adults, families, and the entire community. Our purpose is to strengthen and enrich the development of individuals and families through quality programs and services that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

For more information, visit ymcaswm.com