A Day of Family, Fun, & Community

Reflecting on Healthy Kids Day 2026

On April 18th, the Santa Monica Family YMCA came alive with energy, laughter, and community spirit as we hosted our annual Healthy Kids Day—and what a day it was. With over 400 community members in attendance, this free event once again proved to be a highlight of the spring season.

Healthy Kids Day aims to kick off the summer by sharing free resources and hosting exciting activities for families. The goal is to have children try something new, helping them get involved in active play, and– hopefully inspiring a lifetime love of activity that promotes their wellbeing in mind, body, and spirit! Families from across Santa Monica and surrounding neighborhoods joined us for a day centered on healthy living, youth development, and simple, joyful connection. The Y was buzzing with activity as kids and parents explored everything from bounce houses and our rock wall to gardening, dance, and stretch sessions. It was especially meaningful to see families not just stop by, but truly stay and play, spending time together and engaging with everything the day had to offer.

We were proud to partner with a strong group of community vendors who helped bring the event to life. A special thank you goes to our longtime partners at the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica for their continued support and presence. We’re also grateful for the generous food contributions from HomeState, Vons, Fresh Pizza, and Chick-fil-A, which helped keep everyone fueled and smiling throughout the day.

A Day of Family

From the moment doors opened, families experienced a full spectrum of exciting activities, hosted by our amazing community partners and YMCA program departments. Families had the opportunity to explore activities inside and outside, utilizing our program patio to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and a spring planting activity! From reading at our Calm Corner outside to enjoying a Family Dynamic Stretch activity, families of all ages had the opportunity to try new activities and enjoy a beautiful Saturday with their community.

From the CEO
“Healthy Kids Day is one of my favorite events of the year. There’s nothing better than seeing our community come together in such a fun, active, and meaningful way. Having my own family there makes it even more special—it’s a reminder of why we do this work and who we’re doing it for.”

A Day of Fun

From soaring to new heights on the rockwall to trying out SMARTfit (a brain training activity), community members of all ages had an opportunity to get involved in the fun of the day. Youth enjoyed our bounce house and slide, an obstacle course, balloon animals, and so much more while families were able to connect.

A Day of Community

We are grateful to local leaders and community organizations who joined us on Healthy Kids Day to provide engaging experiences for our families, including:

This event would not have been possible without the dedication of our YMCA staff, who led activities with enthusiasm and care. As we look ahead to summer, Healthy Kids Day serves as a powerful kickoff—showcasing the heart of our programming and the impact we aim to make in the months to come.

We were also fortunate to have support from teen volunteers from PAL and volunteers from Apple, who stepped up in a big way to help run activity stations and engage with younger participants. Their leadership and service embody exactly what Healthy Kids Day is all about.

Looking Ahead

From Kayla Blau, Youth & Family Programs Coordinator
“Planning Healthy Kids Day is always a team effort, but seeing it come to life is incredibly rewarding. Watching families connect, kids try new activities, and our community show up for one another—that’s what it’s all about. This year felt especially vibrant, and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.”

As we transition into summer programming, we carry this momentum forward—continuing to create spaces where kids can thrive, families can connect, and our community grows stronger together.

Healthy Kids Day is the embodiment our YMCA’s commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are proud to offer this free event every year and are already looking forward to growing the celebration in April 2027. Thank you to all who participated, supported, and celebrated with us – it’s a privilege to be in community with you. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier Santa Monica—one family at a time.