It’s a chance for mother and daughters to bond as they strengthen their cores.

It’s a time for whole families to come together and dance out the day’s stress with a little Zumba.

“It’s a time to bring together the community and school for the common goals of fitness,” said Gina Herr, a physical education teacher at John Yeates Middle School and an organizer of the school’s annual Family Fitness Night. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at John Yeates, 4901 Bennetts Pasture Road.

“It’s to give kids exposure to fitness options they may not otherwise experience,” Herr said. “We want to teach families that fitness is a good family building activity … and good for the overall health and wellness of the families to take home.”

Family Fitness Night is open to the families of all John Yeates Middle students, people who live in the surrounding community, teachers and the school’s business partners.

There is a special invite to fifth-graders and their parents at the elementary schools that feed into John Yeates: Northern Shores, Creekside and Driver, said Courtney Wolfe, president of the John Yeates PTSA.

“It’s a fun night for rising sixth-graders to come and have fun at the new school they will attend next year,” said Wolfe. “This is a fun activity where parents are invited to come in … and spend time with their children.”

Many of the school’s community and business partners are participating in the event, Gerr said.

For example, the Taylor Bend YMCA will hold a Zumba class. Sleepy Hole Golf Course will set up a couple of golfing games. Other local fitness businesses — Sandy Spiro Fitness Solutions, River Yoga, One Life Fitness, Savior Martial Arts, SKY Pilates Fitness and EternaWell — will provide demonstrations or short classes for participants.

Rip Tide, the Norfolk Tides’ mascot, will also join in the fun.

Two dental hygienists will talk about oral health and conduct free dental screenings for children, Gerr said.

Many businesses will be giving away free door prizes or discounted gym memberships conducive to helping families keep up a fitness routine this summer, Gerr said.

“It’s good for our business partners to come in and see the kids in a different setting other than school,” Gerr said. “We are also hoping we can encourage more families to make fitness a family priority.”

Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy donated snacks, including Chick-fil-A’s new kale super-salad, carrots, broccoli, dried fruits and bottled water, Wolfe said.

For more information, contact the school at 923-4105.