By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Sophie Wilson, 8, handles a live Buff Orrington chicken. Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.
Westborough – Summerlike temperatures April 29 attracted throngs of families to the annual Healthy Kids Day, a free event open to the public at the Boroughs Family Branch YMCA in Westborough. The morning was packed with a full schedule of family-friendly activities, both inside the facility and outdoors on its grounds.
Outside, children played field games, took pony rides, dove into a jumpy house, created their own kites, and petted live chickens and goats. They also learned vegetable gardening tips from dietician interns of Framingham State University.
Inside, kids challenged themselves with gym games and climbed the rock wall. The singing puppeteer Rick Goldin entertained, while children’s author Kate Henderson read her stories. Demonstrations ranged from karate to balloon sculpting.
Among several giveaways were children’s bicycle helmets courtesy of the Boston-based law firm Breakstone, White & Gluck. The helmets were fitted and distributed by Westborough Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee members.
Once again serving as event chair was Christie D’Amico, family experience director. For more information about the Boroughs Y, visit www.ymcaofcm.org and click “locations,” and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/boroughsfamilyymca.
Elizabeth Dumas, 3, scores a souvenir Troll headband and beads.
Jacob Abdelsayed, 5, glides down an inflatable slide.
Cage Semlek, 4, pets Lucy, a 10-year-old Shetland pony.
Fiona Liu, 3, gets a free bicycle helmet.
Oliver Bryant, 3, learns how to plant seeds.