Getting kids engaged and developing healthy habits doesn’t have to be dull or a chore. University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s annual Healthy Kids Festival, which celebrates all things related to wellness, returns with an event designed to help kids discover the joy of healthy eating and physical activity. 

Extension invites families with young children to its annual festival, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sept. 26, that features a day of fun interactive activities, including music and dancing, gardening, chef demonstrations, a fruit and vegetable market, prizes, and more. This year’s event includes a partnership with UNLV’s Nevada Institute for Children’s Research and Policy to bring its Step Up for Kids annual event to attending youth.

This free event will be at the Pearson Community Center, 1625 W. Carey Ave., and is open to all but is especially designed for families with children between the ages of 3 and 11 years old. 

“We’re excited to show kids that healthy living is fun and easy,” Kylie Mansanas, Extension program officer, said. “Parents not only get access to this fun-filled day for their kids but will also leave with valuable resources for their families and children.”

At the event, parents and families will learn how to support and model positive and healthy eating habits and how to incorporate physical activity into their young children’s daily routines. As part of the Step Up for Kids event, kids will learn about the electoral process as they vote on the youth mayor for Clark County. The program is currently accepting applications from fourth and fifth graders interested in running until Friday, Sept. 4. 

The Healthy Kids Festival is held every September, which is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and is sponsored by the Southern Nevada Health District. 

While the event is free, advanced registration is encouraged. For more information, contact Mansanas at kmansanas@unr.edu. 

Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Mansanas, kmansanas@unr.edu or 702-948-5965, at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.