Shape Up US is teaming up with Parkway West High School, First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move in Schools initiative and the FIT Kids Act to bring the outdoor health and wellness event Shape Up Missouri to St. Louis on May 1.
Highlights of the free afternoon include a 5K run, contest to find St. Louis’ Healthiest Family, fitness events and exhibits for all ages, healthy food tastings, hip hop star Eric James, inflatables, jugglers, Radio Disney, big trucks, a mascot Olympics, giveaways and lots more, all focused on promoting fitness and overall health.
Presenting sponsor of the event is Delta Dental of Missouri.
Jyl Steinback, the founder of Shape Up Us and a St. Louis native, said her organization is committed to improving the health, fitness and overall well-being of America’s families.
“Our mission is to create a circle of wellness that works for a lifetime,” she said. “We want to bring together the whole community to celebrate healthy living.”
Shape Up US is part of a national movement to improve the health of communities by preventing obesity in future generations and stemming the tide of heart disease.
The hands-on exhibits and activities will present practical ways kids and families can incorporate fitness and healthy habits into their daily lives.
“Everyone will have what I call an ‘aha’ moment, something that just clicks with them. It could be a new habit they might incorporate personally or share with their families,” said Steinback. “They will see that there is an activity for everyone, that they can make choices that can make a real difference in their health and well-being.”
Individuals and teams are welcome to participate in the 5K run happening at noon. Shape Up Us will donate $2 of each team registration to the charity of the organization’s choice.
To learn more about the event, which runs from noon to 4 p.m., or to sign up for the 5K run, take part in the St. Louis’ Healthiest Family contest and see a video of last year’s Shape Up Missouri event, go to www.shapeupus.org.
Hop on down the bunny trail and fill your basket with fun! Eckert’s Annual Egg Hunt includes animals for petting, tractor rides around the farm, planting seeds to take home, ice a cookie, gifts from the bunny, and a free photo scene with the Easter Bunny.
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym. Reservations are not necessary.
Stop in and have some fun in the indoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres with your little one at this drop-in swim time for kids up to age 6. No pre-registration is needed; Water Waddlers is open to residents and non-residents of Des Peres.
See the amazing sea lions at the Saint Louis Zoo perform for the crowd and cheer them on from the bleachers as the popular Sea Lion Spring Training Shows return. You'll see these beautiful animals perform flipper walks, ball balancing, Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, lots of splashing and even more surprises!
Kids and teens ages 7-14 can join in on a unique egg hunt in the indoor pool at The Lodge Des Peres. Registration is required.