AUBURN — As part of the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the nation’s largest health day for families, the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA is encouraging all kids and parents in the community to come to the Y for a play date on Saturday, April 16, and commit to being active every day.

The free event will take place at the Y from noon to 3 p.m. The schedule includes arts and crafts, activities, healthy snacks, tie-dye T-shirt making (bring a white T), gym games, family swim, music, informational booths, race car and police cruiser on display and more.

For additional details and a list of the scheduled activities, stop by the Y at 62 Turner St. (next to the county courthouse), call 795-4095, or visit www.alymca.org.

As a leading nonprofit strengthening community through healthy living, the Y holds Healthy Kids Day to teach healthy habits to kids and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity.

“At the Y, we know that parents struggle to find the time to incorporate more active play and healthier habits into their kids’ daily routine,” says Rachel Doane, Health & Fitness Director at the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA. “Doing so doesn’t have to require extra money or resources. It’s as simple as making a play date with your kids, with two key requirements — be active and have fun!”

As part of Healthy Kids Day, the Y encourages families to make play dates everyday as a simple way to become healthier, more active and connected. The Y recommends five simple activities families can do to play together:

Schedule a game night: Play games with the kids that incorporate physical activity, such as charades.

Dance, dance: Turn on your favorite party music and dance. Make this activity more fun with a dance contest.

Go riding: Find a new bike path or park for a fun afternoon outdoors; grab your helmets and go rollerblading or bike riding.

Channel your inner youth: Remember playing hopscotch, jump rope, Simon Says or freeze tag as a kid? Teach your favorite childhood game to your kid(s) and play them together.

Play outside: Visit your neighborhood park or camp out in your backyard for some outdoor fun. Get everyone moving with fun sports like soccer, basketball or baseball.