From lawn games to petting animals, kids and families from across the South Coast enjoyed the summer weather at UMass Dartmouth during a Free Family Field Day.

The event, hosted by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, UMass Dartmouth Athletics, and the Charlton College Of Buisness, saw hundreds of families turn out to Cressy Field to check out the offerings. 

“We’ve been together doing this for nine years,” said Brian Rose, who coordinated event on behalf of the DA’s Office. “It’s a great free event to promote family fun.” 

A variety of community resources and health-focused organizations turned out to present its offerings, and provide activities for kids and families to enjoy. 

In one field, UMass Dartmouth athletics staffed a volleyball game that kids were free to join in, while other volunteers led kids through a parachute game using a bright orange parachute. 

There were even animals to check out, as Henry Niemiec, 3, found out while posing for a photo with Bandaid, a mini-horse cared for by Don’t Forget Us, Pet Us, a Dartmouth sanctuary. 

“It’s been great, he’s really loved the bouncy house,” his mother Nicole said as the pair took photos in front of the horse. 

For her part, Deb Devlin of Don’t Forget Us, Pet Us, brought several animals from the sanctuary for visitors to meet. 

“We have a lot of people supporting us, and wanted to give back to the community,” she said. 

On Cressy Field itself, local businesses, gyms, and government agencies were busy answering questions and raising awareness about different health and wellness services.