CORTLAND, N.Y. \u2014 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\u2014all part of Healthy Kids Day 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Healthy Kids Day, a nationwide YMCA initiative, promotes active play and wellness for both children and their families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With arts and crafts, candy bowls, and coloring sheets also available, the event offered an afternoon of community involvement and healthy activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHealthy Kids Day is about more than just fun activities. It\u2019s about ensuring that children from all walks of life have access to the resources they need,\u201d said Christie Thornton, CEO of the Cortland and Ithaca YMCA locations. \u201cThis event has been a key part of our mission for over 30 years, and we\u2019re proud to continue offering it to the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur 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,\u201d said Thornton. \u201cWe strive to support the physical, mental, and social well-being of everyone in our community, from children to seniors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to make sure that every child in our community has access to opportunities that promote health, safety, and well-being, whether that\u2019s through our after-school programs, swim lessons, or summer camp,\u201d said Thornton. \u201cEvents like this help families learn about what we offer and how they can get involved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gina Cusano-McLaughlin, branch manager at the Cortland County YMCA, hosted a table at the resource fair to promote the organization\u2019s youth sports and childcare programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nicholas Kline, a Cortland County resident and adjunct lecturer at SUNY Cortland, attended the event with his six-year-old son, Owen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI used to work at the YMCA and remember planning Healthy Kids Day,\u201d Kline said. \u201cIt\u2019s a great way to offer fun with a positive message and accessibility for everyone in the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u201chealthy snacks, like apples.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kline, like many other attendees, emphasized the value of free community events like this one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really about equity of access,\u201d Kline said. \u201cCommunity events like this make sure everyone has a chance to be part of something uplifting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thornton said the event is a win-win for both the families and the organizations taking part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cParents can learn about services they may not know about, and providers can connect with families who need them the most,\u201d said Thornton. \u201cIt\u2019s all about making sure that every child has the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of financial background.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n