Monday, August 11th was a day to remember thanks to the Summer Kids Club Carnival. Kids ages 2-16 years old enjoyed outdoor and indoor fun at Ronald McDonald House New York Metro’s first summer carnival.
From face painting, cotton candy, water guns, and fun giveaways, the Carnival offered something for every child to enjoy. Kids buzzed with energy as they moved from each activity. The event was part of the Summer Kids Club, a special program designed to bring uplifting experiences to children and families staying at the House. Through creative and engaging events and opportunities, the program continues to offer joy and normalcy during difficult times.
Operation: Endless Summer
A water gun fight broke out during the Carnival, much to everyone’s delight! The water guns offered Carnival goers a welcome blast of cold water in the 90-degree heat. Kids screamed and ran around the lot, while siblings and volunteers played skee-ball, basketball, and basketball pong.
Summer Kids Club is a dream come true. For years, I saw the need to support families in a different way. Summer should be filled with fun, friends, and making new memories. For our resident families who call our House a home, we want to support and care for the entire family and our Summer Kids Club does just that–it offers caregivers a moment of rest and our little guests a “real” summer.
– Jovann Dixon, Director of Operations at Ronald McDonald House New York Metro
Talk about a sugar rush! Residents and guests enjoyed cotton candy, popcorn and cold drinks during the Carnival. Each visitor got a ticket to put into a raffle prize. Volunteers passed out custom camp shirts for the grown-ups and kiddos! Everyone was all smiles when the music played and kids got their faces painted. Everyone had a blast. Does summer really have to end?
Carrying Confidence at Summer Kids Club
Each child in attendance for the Carnival was given a custom-packed backpack. Brand new backpacks were filled with school supplies and academic essentials based on each child’s age. While we soak up the final weeks of summer vacation, most parents are preparing for the busy start of a new school year. For parents at Ronald McDonald House, back to school shopping may be harder than they imagined.
One parent shared her heartfelt appreciation:
“What a way to start the week. The Carnival was phenomenal. Watching the staff join in on the fun with families was monumental. Through trials and tribulations, an amazing way to uplift spirits and keep the family united. From the water fights, magicians, bouncy houses, school supplies and more. Thank you for an incredible time. A core memory create for a lifetime.”
Dasha, Ronald McDonald House resident
Summer Kids Club: Carnival & Clowns
The 2025 RMHC Summer Kids Club was sponsored by Morris & Minnie Kaplan, Now in its second year, the Kids Club has expanded to offer a creative outlet to over 100 families in the summer months. This year’s carnival became a true celebration of fun, creativity, and community. The Summer Kids Club carnival added extra fun and excitement to the patient-families staying at Ronald McDonald House.
We can’t wait to see what’s next for the Summer Kids Club, we’re holding onto the magic of an unforgettable carnival day.