The Minot Family YMCA invites families to join the fun at Healthy Kids Day, a free community event happening Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Part of a national initiative celebrated at YMCAs across the country, Healthy Kids Day helps inspire healthy habits in children and families.

This year’s event will take place at the Minot Family YMCA, featuring free activities, games and opportunities to explore YMCA programs. Healthy Kids Day encourages families to make lasting changes that lead to a healthy, active lifestyle, and have a great time doing it. The event is free and open to the community, with fun activities for all ages including:

— Free carnival-style games with small prizes.

— Giant lawn games and outdoor fun, including Giant Connect 4, Giant Twister, Giant Legos, Imagination Playground blocks, and more.

— Creative stations with coloring sheets, a giant coloring mural, scratch art craft and temporary tattoos.

— Prize drawings for YMCA swim lessons, climbing lessons and birthday party packages.

— Sign up for free youth memberships for ages 0-17 (dues begin May 1).

— Free household day passes all day long to try the Y.

— YMCA membership and program information booth with brochures and freebies while supplies last.

Families are also encouraged to participate in the free Water Safety Event, held in the YMCA pool from noon-2 p.m. and open to children ages 4-14 and their families. The event is sponsored by the Golden K Kiwanis Club and features 25-minute safety sessions designed to teach kids and families how to stay safe in and around water.

The program is based on the YMCA’s national Safety Around Water initiative, which helps build water safety skills and reduce the risk of drowning. Each session includes in-water activities for ages children, with skill building on how to respond if they unexpectedly find themselves in water, and an interactive orientation for parents on how to reinforce water safety skills at home, at hotels and in natural water settings. Families can sign up for a time slot at the info booth between 10 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring swimsuits and towels for the children.

“Healthy Kids Day is a fun way for families to reconnect, get active and learn about healthy habits that can last a lifetime,” said Tia Huber, Mission Advancement director. “The addition of the Water Safety Event will ensure families have the tools they need during the upcoming summer months. We’re proud to offer these free opportunities for the community to come together, bond as families and celebrate health and wellness.”

Food trucks and seating areas will also be available on-site during the event.