ACES Day
ACES Day, short for All Children Exercising Simultaneously, celebrates the joy of movement and the power of community spirit. Kids stretch, jump, and run alongside their classmates, feeling the buzz of shared energy and pride.
Activate fitness, sportswear, and family wellness brands around a nationwide movement day that drives community participation and healthy habit-building among kids and families.
- Partner with schools to sponsor ACES Day fitness challenges and donate branded activewear or sports equipment to winning teams.
- Create user-generated content campaigns encouraging families to share their ACES Day workout videos and fitness moments on social media.
- Launch limited-edition ACES Day merchandise (t-shirts, water bottles, sneakers) tied to the movement celebration and donate proceeds to youth fitness programs.
- Host in-store fitness demo events or pop-up activations on ACES Day to showcase new sports gear and wellness products to families.
ACES Day started in 1989 when a group in Chicago decided to inspire children to exercise together. Len Saunders, a physical education teacher, came up with the idea.
He believed that kids could build healthier habits if they moved together in a fun, exciting way. His school hosted the first event, and the energy quickly spread beyond the local community.
Soon, other schools across the country joined in. Teachers, families, and local leaders saw how simple exercise could create big smiles and stronger bonds. As word traveled, more states and even countries took part. Each year, millions of students now participate, filling parks, fields, and playgrounds with movement and laughter.
ACES Day stands for All Children Exercising Simultaneously. The event reminds everyone that a little exercise can bring huge benefits. Thanks to Len Saunders’ vision, what started with one school grew into one of the largest youth fitness celebrations in the world.
Today, ACES Day keeps encouraging children to stay active, stay strong, and believe in the power of moving together.
Get Everyone Moving
Start the day with a community-wide warm-up session at a school, park, or local gym. Invite kids, teachers, parents, and friends to stretch, jump, and jog together. Loud music and colorful banners can make the energy even bigger.
Organize a Fitness Parade
Gather students and staff for a lively fitness parade around the schoolyard or nearby streets. Let kids show off their moves while carrying homemade posters about staying active. Keep the pace fun and easy, so everyone can join.
Host Friendly Challenges
Plan short, exciting challenges like relay races, jump rope contests, or hula hoop marathons. Offer small prizes like stickers or ribbons to boost excitement. Focus on participation, not winning, to make everyone feel like a champion.
Create Dance Flash Mobs
Teach a simple, high-energy dance routine a few days before the event. Surprise classmates, parents, or staff by performing it together during recess or lunch. Capture the fun with photos and videos to share with the community.
Launch a Family Fitness Hour
Encourage families to set aside an hour for active games at home or a local park. Suggest activities like obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, or nature walks. Families can post their adventures online to inspire others to join in.