Y on the Fly

By: Jenn Grandlienard

“What time is it? Summertime! 
School’s out, scream and shout

No more waking up at 6 AM
Cause now our time is all our own
Enough already, we’re waiting
Come on, let’s go, go out of control!”

These are some of the lyrics to “What Time Is it,” a song from the popular kid's movie High School Musical. And As a mom of two boys, I agree with the song’s excitement surrounding summer break. (Except for waking up at 6 AM, cause one of my kids wakes up that early no matter what day it is, or what time he went to bed the night before.)

So what does summer mean for kids? If it was up to many kids, it would be non-stop screen time. Whether watching YouTube Kids, playing video games, or streaming movies. But is that what most parents want for their kids? 

Definitely not.

Don’t get me wrong, some screen time after completing a school year is ok! But kids can quickly go from social to sedentary if us parents don’t come up with activities and things for them to do to steal them away from their precious screens. 

This is one reason why I was so thankful for Y on the Fly last summer! Members of the YMCA staff meet up at a park and provide fun games and play for kids every Friday of the summer. My boys played Dodgeball, Wiffle Ball, water play, and other fun games last summer. They invited friends, made new ones and had a great time! And the great news is, it’s happening again this summer!

Check out the YMCA website, and follow along on social media for updates on location and times for Y on the Fly in your area. Your kids will love the time spent away from screens, breathing fresh air, and even getting some exercise without realizing it!