“Today we’re playing with music, with sounds and with our bodies by moving around,” said Tia Klein, director of program services at the YMCA.

Children got the chance to play games, experience a piano floor mat that allowed them to play the notes with their feet, a percussion board where they could experience the different sounds made by different parts and a chance to make a fun xylophone themed snack.

Last year the events averaged 25 to 50 guests per event and for the first half hour of the “Feel the Rhythm” event, they were already entertaining around 50 children.

The Summer Unplugged event began last summer after Hess donated money to the YMCA to fund the program. They’ve now returned for another eight events giving money and volunteers.

Shyanne Belzer/MDN The YMCA and Hess Corporation have kicked off another year of Summer Unplugged events with their opening picnic last week and their musically themed event this week. Children got to play games, experience different musical items like a pipe xylophone and a piano floor mat and got to make xylophone themed snacks.

“It’s great to have another year of Hess coming back to do Summer Unplugged and it’s exciting to watch it grow,” said Klein.

Events will be going through July 31 with a break on July 4. On June 19, the Souris Valley Animal Shelter will be bringing animals for “Furry Friends” with Full Steam Ahead and June 26 with have the theme of “Y Tie Dye?” July 10 will have the Taube Museum as a guest for “Adventures in Art” and July 17 will feature the Magic City Discovery Center for “Build Your Future.” The final two events will be “H2Overload” on July 24 and “Can You Sense It” with the Roosevelt Park Zoo on July 31.

All Summer Unplugged Events take place at the YMCA and start at 1 p.m.