CORTLAND, N.Y. — Laughter echoed through the gym at the Cortland County Family YMCA on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as kids jumped in bounce houses donated by CNY Rentals, painted their faces, climbed rock walls, and swam with their families—all part of Healthy Kids Day 2025.
Healthy Kids Day, a nationwide YMCA initiative, promotes active play and wellness for both children and their families.
With arts and crafts, candy bowls, and coloring sheets also available, the event offered an afternoon of community involvement and healthy activities.
This year’s event marked the 33rd anniversary of Healthy Kids Day in Cortland County. It has become an annual tradition in the city of Cortland, designed to connect families with local organizations through a resource fair and to offer engaging activities for children.
The resource fair featured booths from organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Catholic Charities of Cortland County, the Child Development Council, CAPCO (Cortland County Community Action Program), and the YMCA swim team, known as the Cortland Stingers.
The McGraw Lions Club was also at the event and offered free eye exams to children and adults. If there were any vision concerns, the Lions Club then referred individuals to an optometrist and provided a discount for an appointment and eyeglasses.
“Healthy Kids Day is about more than just fun activities. It’s about ensuring that children from all walks of life have access to the resources they need,” said Christie Thornton, CEO of the Cortland and Ithaca YMCA locations. “This event has been a key part of our mission for over 30 years, and we’re proud to continue offering it to the community.”
Thornton said that the Cortland YMCA, a pivotal part of the community since its founding in 1868, plays a far more multifaceted role than many people realize.
“Our mission goes beyond fitness. We provide resources to fight senior isolation, swim lessons to promote water safety, deliver youth sports programs, and so much more,” said Thornton. “We strive to support the physical, mental, and social well-being of everyone in our community, from children to seniors.”
The event is part of a nationwide YMCA initiative focused on improving the health and well-being of children and families. For more than 30 years, YMCA locations across the country have hosted free, community-wide Healthy Kids Day events to encourage children to stay active both mentally and physically throughout the summer and beyond.
This year, more than 1,400 YMCA branches across the country took part in the event. Locally, the Cortland YMCA used the day to highlight its current and expanding youth offerings, including health, vision, and dental screenings.
“We want to make sure that every child in our community has access to opportunities that promote health, safety, and well-being, whether that’s through our after-school programs, swim lessons, or summer camp,” said Thornton. “Events like this help families learn about what we offer and how they can get involved.”
Gina Cusano-McLaughlin, branch manager at the Cortland County YMCA, hosted a table at the resource fair to promote the organization’s youth sports and childcare programs.
Cusano-McLaughlin said the Cortland YMCA was licensed in March to offer after-school programs and childcare for the 2025-26 school year. The YMCA is accepting applications for children in kindergarten through sixth grade.
Nicholas Kline, a Cortland County resident and adjunct lecturer at SUNY Cortland, attended the event with his six-year-old son, Owen.
“I used to work at the YMCA and remember planning Healthy Kids Day,” Kline said. “It’s a great way to offer fun with a positive message and accessibility for everyone in the community.”
Owen, visiting the YMCA for the first time, said his favorite part of the event was the bounce house. He did wish the event had more “healthy snacks, like apples.”
Kline, like many other attendees, emphasized the value of free community events like this one.
“It’s really about equity of access,” Kline said. “Community events like this make sure everyone has a chance to be part of something uplifting.”
Thornton said the event is a win-win for both the families and the organizations taking part.
“Parents can learn about services they may not know about, and providers can connect with families who need them the most,” said Thornton. “It’s all about making sure that every child has the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of financial background.”
Address: 22 Tompkins St., Cortland, N.Y. 13045
Phone: 607-756-2893
Hours:
- Monday through Thursday: 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Friday: 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other Notes:
- The McGraw Lions Club will hold its annual barbecue fundraiser Saturday, June 7, on Main Street in McGraw, between the two churches. Proceeds will support the Lions’ ongoing community service efforts.
- The Lucky Strikers Youth Bowling League will offer two free games for youth with disabilities ages 12-17 on May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 30 at noon at Cort-Lanes, 928 NYS Rt. 13 in Cortland. The event is sponsored in part by the Cortland County Health Department, Youth Bureau, and OCFS. For more information or to sign up, call Access to Independence at 607-753-7363 or Mary Helen at 607-345-9666.