Youth Day kicks off this Saturday, offering children and their families a host of free activities, from a bounce house and obstacle course to games, food and live music.

Festivities will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Apple Festival grounds, 1740 Lake St., in Niles.

“This is our way to give back to the community for supporting our festival,” said Apple Festival Board President Stacy Walsh. “It gets the kids excited for the upcoming Apple Festival.”

The event typically draws around 1,200 people each year and traditionally precedes the Apple Festival, which takes place Thursday, Sept. 20, to Sunday, Oct. 1.

This year Walsh said families who the event’s new feature will be a children’s band.

Families can also check out an obstacle course created by the Boy Scouts that will feature a bridge made out of logs and miniature zip line, face painting and more than 10 games. There will also be free lunch items, including hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy.

Walsh encouraged the community to check out this year’s Youth Day.

“Everything is free and you don’t have to spend a penny and you can watch your kids have fun,” Walsh said.

The event is covered by the Apple Festival and a host of local business sponsors help to make Youth Day possible. Youth Day sponsors include the Hardee’s Family Restaurant of Niles, Honor Credit Union, Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union, Curious Kids Museum and McDonald’s.

Here’s a breakdown of Youth Festival activities:

• 8:30 a.m. registration for trike and big wheel race in the Ring Lardner Middle School parking lot, ages 2 to 3; 4 to 5 and 6 to 7

• 10:30 a.m. prince and princess selection, ages 5 to 8

• 12:30 p.m. youth parade line up assembles

• 1 p.m. parade route starts at East Side Park and ends at 17th St.

• 2 to 2:30 p.m. magic show

• 2 to 4 p.m. youth games

For more information on the Apple Festival visit: fourflagsapplefestival.org.