The annual event, hosted by the Marshalltown YMCA, featured bouncy houses, music, healthy snacks, an open gymnasium, outdoor games and activities and first responders. Healthy Kids Day is used to help improve the health and well-being of children by encouraging activities to stimulate the body and mind.

Andrew Potter, marketing and communications director for the Y, said this is the first time Healthy Kids has been held since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are exposing the Y to the public, showing what we offer and trying to get the kids active and have fun together,” he said.

Different this year was an increase in the number of games and activities. Children played soccer and volleyball with members of the Marshalltown Fire Department, shot basketballs in the gym and engaged in tabletop Jenga or cornhole. The children who did not want to play organized activities had plenty of fun running, jumping and sliding on the two bouncy houses.

Marshalltown children enjoy the bouncy house at the Healthy Kids Day on Friday at the Marshalltown YMCA. Despite the cooler temperatures, children engaged in a variety of activities and fun.

With the upcoming summer season, the Y might experience some downturn in the number of youth utilizing their services. Potter said children are more likely to enjoy the fresh outdoors when school is not in session. However, outside of the annual event to get kids moving, Potter said the Y is offering T-ball. The season began May 8 and ends June 23.

“We are seeing good numbers with that. There are a lot of fans of T-ball,” he said. “I think we’re getting back to pre-pandemic levels. We are seeing good things.”

Children at least 8 years of age can also participate in goat yoga on Wednesday. Children ages 8 to 13 must be accompanied by an adult. However, Potter said there are not a lot of spots left. When word got out about the upcoming goat yoga, registration began to go quickly. This time, the class will be held inside.

“We tried it outside, but some of the goats got loose,” he said.

When asked if goat yoga would become a regular offering, Potter said they will have to wait and see how it goes.

“It’s a popular thing,” he said.

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Contact Lana Bradstream

at 641-753-6611 ext. 201 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.