On Saturday, April 25, 2025, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County and Berks County Parks & Recreation are co-hosting Healthy Kids Day & Color Fun Run at Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Reading, PA 19605 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We’re excited to get people outdoors and finally out of winter hibernation! Healthy Kids Day will be a great time and will give families a chance to see and try new things that might interest them to stay physically active or mentally engaged over the summer,” said President & CEO Ken Borkey Jr., YMCA of Reading & Berks County.
Healthy Kids Day is a family-friendly day outdoors and features a variety of engaging activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families, and a healthy start to the summer season. This rain or shine event is open to the public. Admission is free; some booths and food vendors will have items for sale; families are encouraged, but not required, to bring cash/cards for any purchases.
Schedule of Kids Color Run & Featured Fun
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Activities and food trucks
- 11 a.m. – Noon Color Fun Run Check-in & T-shirt pickup
- Noon – 12:30 p.m. Color Fun Run (aged 12 & under)
The Color Fun Run is the ultimate experience as runners “race” to the finish line and are showered with colors by those cheering on the sidelines. Registration is $5 per child for the run and a white Healthy Kids Day T-shirt (while supplies last). All proceeds benefit the Y’s Open Door Scholarship Funds, which helps kids and families benefit from the Y’s programs and memberships regardless of their ability to pay.
Featured activities at the event include basketball and gaga ball inflatables, games and activities. Also back by popular demand, Nolt’s Chicken BBQ meals can be pre-ordered online by 4/14 to be available for pickup at the event. Each meal is $16 and includes a chicken half, baked potato, applesauce, dinner roll, and a drink.
The YMCA of Reading & Berks County will display:
- Spin Art Bicycle – Spin up your latest work of art with some extra muscle.
- Yoga and/or fitness class demonstrations for anyone to join in.
- Have information on programs
- Summer Camp Sneak Peak – Get a flavor for this year’s Summer Day Camp and Playground programs with this year’s weekly themes, swim/water days, and exceptional field trips in Berks and beyond. Register on the spot or learn more about the Summer Camp Open House dates.
- Parenting Pathways program – Learn about the free classes and resources we have for parents, caregivers, and guardians to give their children a successful start on life and learning.
- Preschool & Free Pre-K Counts –YMCA Early Learning Centers will have activities for budding preschoolers. Families can register for preschool at our Fleetwood and Reading ELCs as well as Pre-K Counts (Reading Y) and learn more about how the Y nurtures and motivates learning and prepares students to thrive.
Berks County Parks & Recreation will feature:
- Kite Building Station – children will be supplied with the tools and direction to design their own kites and fly them.
- Face painting for kids – no fair is complete without it.
“We love this time of year to be outdoors in our parks and to help Berks residents re-discover the beautiful places to visit this spring and summer! With all the local organizations with booths, we have activities to interest the kids – without their smart devices! We’re looking forward to making more memories this year,” said Lisa Gauker, Recreation & Special Events Supervisor, Berks County Parks & Recreation.
Other vendors include the following local businesses with giveaways and demonstrations: Berks County Park Rangers, Berks County Sheriff’s Department, Berks County Public Libraries, Yocum Institute for Arts Education, Wyomissing Walmart Vision Center, Golden Home Health Care, Strive Physical Therapy, Berks Technical Institute and more.
Local businesses are invited to set up a table and activities to showcase their offerings, engage with Berks families, and contribute to the festive atmosphere of the day for free. Participation is free, but all vendors must register at www.YMCArbc.org/hkd.
For more information or to register for the event, please visit www.ymcarbc.org or contact Brandon Shurr (bshurr@ymcarbc.org).