Fun runs provide fresh air, good old fashioned exercise and raising money for a cause that will bring the entire family together. Mark your calendar for a local upcoming race/walk and get in on the fun. Kids will feel good about completing a race while building self-confidence and helping others in need.

Do you know of another area family-friendly race? Please add it to the list or upvote your favorites. Comments are welcome!


 
    Corn Pickin' 5K Family Fun

     (112.3 mi)

    Race starts at 8am, Kids' Dash starts at 9:30am

    Registration starts at $25/5K, $10/Kids’ Dash (ages 12 & under)

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Corn Pickin' 5K starts and ends at Oregon Dairy Corn Maze Barn. This trail course will go through farmland as well as the corn maze. There is also a Kid's Dash for kids 12 years old and under.

    This fundraiser benefits Landis Homes who helps local aging adults and their families.

    Tender Hearts 5K

     (126.7 mi)

    Registration starts at $25/person

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Join the Tender Hearts 5K Run/Walk with all proceeds going to Tender Hearts to help give a better quality of life to medically fragile children. After the race, your family will enjoy the fitness fun day with a kid's obstacle course, moon bounce, music, face painting, games, activities, food vendors and much more.

    Weaver's Orchard - Hard to the Core 5K Apple Orchard Mud Run

     (135.9 mi)

    $54.26/adult (13+), $32.98/child (6-12)

    6+ years

    Vanessa M.:   Weaver's Orchard has lots to offer for families in addition to picking your own fruits and vegetables. Hard to the Core 5K Apple Orchard Mud Run funds will benefit cancer patients. This annual run in the mud through the farm will end in a delightful apple pancake breakfast.

    Delaware KIDS Fund 5K Run/Walk

     (137.4 mi)

    7:30am Registration

    8:30am Race Start

    Starts at $25/adult, $15/child (16 & under)

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Take part in the Delaware KIDS Fund 5K Run and Walk held across the street from the James Street Tavern to raise funds for kids in distressed situations. After the race, enjoy music, a bounce house, refreshments including an ice cream truck, massages, photo booth, mist tent and lots of giveaways. Awards will be given to the top 3 finishers per age group and everyone will receive a T-shirt.

    Brandywine YMCA- Kids Triathalon

     (143.3 mi)

    6am-7:30am Check In

    8:15am Race Start

    10:30am Awards

    $40/person

    7-14 years (Divided by age group)

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The kids will love the Kids Triathalon held at the Brandywine YMCA and two local area school grounds. Kids will compete by swimming, biking and running for age-appropriate distances and top finishers in each age group will receive awards. All participants will earn a medal.

    Annual West Chester STOMPS Cancer 5K & 1 Mile Walk

     (144.4 mi)

    4pm-9pm

    Starting at $30/person, Discounted for students 14 & Under

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Help raise money for Bring Hope Home, an organization that helps local families with cancer to pay essential household bills, by participating in a 5K or 1 mile family fun walk. Post race event at Barnaby's of West Chester with free food, raffle, prizes, specials and more.

    Garnet Valley MiniTri

     (147.8 mi)

    6:30am-7:15am Registration, 8am Race Start

    Starts at $35/child, Sibling discount available

    3-12 years

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The kidztri3 MiniTri is exclusively for kids of all skill levels to participate in a mini-triathlon with swimming, bike riding and running/walking. Parents can select the length of the course for their child and an older buddy/parent will accompany each child throughout the course. Each child will receive a t-shirt and race medal.

    MuckFest® MS

     (149.6 mi)

    9am (Start Time)

    Every 20 Minutes Throughout each Day

    $105/person or raise $250 for the National MS Society and registration is free

    MuckFest®: 12+ years

    Lil' Muckers: 5-11 years

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  MuckFest® MS raises money to fight Multiple Sclerosis and gives parents and kids the chance to bond, have fun and laugh while completing a 5K course featuring many muddy obstacles such as Tight Rope, Swing Set, Shake & Quake, Slither and more where mud is the main attraction. There is also a Free Lil' Muckers playground area for younger kids to get in on the mud fun.

    Tuesday in the Park Ice Cream 5K Series & Kids Fun Run

     (151.1 mi)

    7pm-8pm

    5K is $15/person, Kids 1 Mile Fun Run (10 & under) is free, No pre-registration needed for Fun Run

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Take part in select Tuesday in the Park Ice Cream 5K run and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run events as part of an evening run series at Pottstown Riverfront Park. The run is on a flat course and everyone will receive post-race free ice cream provided by Coventry Parlor.

    Casa Superhero 5K Run and Walk

     (153.7 mi)

    9am

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The whole family can wear super hero costumes to participate in the Casa Superhero 5K Run and Walk at Ridley Creek State Park while raising money for abused and neglected children in the child welfare system in Chester and Delaware Counties.

    All registered participants will earn a T-shirt and prizes, and receive refreshments during and post race. Strollers are welcome.

    Cost: Starting at $30/adult, $15/child (7-17), Free for children 6 & under

    Blob Fest 5K & Kid's Fun Run

     (155.0 mi)

    8am

    5K starts at $35/person, Fun Run is free

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This race celebrates Phoenxville's Blob Fest holiday. There will be strange things and Blob-related obstacles along the trail as if a meteorite has crashed into Earth which will be fun for the whole family. Sponsored in part by RUNegades and the Colonial Theater, the race is a 5K and Children's Fun Run. The starting point is under the Gay Street Bridge in downtown Phoenixville. Medals will be awarded for age-specific categories.

    Blood Sweat Cheer Festival

     (155.7 mi)

    Festivities begin at 9am

    $25/5K, $10/Family Walk, Kids 50 Yard Dash (ages 8 & under) is free

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Blood Sweat and Cheer Festival features a 5K Run, Family Fun Walk and Kids 50 Yard Dash to get the whole family involved!

    The post-race festival offers a Kids Zone (kids under 12) with bounce houses, games, activities and giveaways along with a food truck and concessions. Adults can register for a Blood Drive for the American Red Cross. What a great way to honor the Delaware County Veterans Memorial, by giving blood, sweat and cheers.

    National Dog Show Charity Walk

     (156.9 mi)

    9am-12pm

    $15/individual, $30/family, dogs are free & must be leashed

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The National Dog Show Charity Walk is a fun, family event raising money for multiple charities including the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House and Morris Animal Refuge.

    There will be agility dogs, therapy dogs, dog tricks, costume contest, gift bags, raffles, prizes and more!

    Valley Forge National Historical Park - Valley Forge Revolutionary Run

     (159.9 mi)

    8:30am

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Valley Forge Revolutionary Run offers something for the whole family through the beautiful trails and hills of Valley Forge Park - 5 Mile Run, 3 Mile Walk (strollers are permitted) and Young Patriots 1 Mile Fun Run with all proceeds benefiting programs and features, such as Storytelling Benches and Once Upon a Nation, at Valley Forge National Historic Park. Pre-Registration is required.

    Cost: $40/5 mile run, $30/3 mile walk and $15/Young Patriot's Fun Run (age 6-14)

    Crush Childhood Cancer 5K, 10K & 1-Mile Family Walk

     (163.3 mi)

    8am

    5K starts at $30/person, 10K at $35/person & Family Fun Walk at $40/Family

    Erin P.:  The whole family can enjoy this race, which includes a 5K, 10K, and 1-mile family fun walk. After you run/walk (or even if you choose not to run/walk!), be sure to hit up the Family Fun Fair, which includes concessions, games and inflatables. Grab a bat or sledgehammer and take some of your frustration with cancer out on an old car, in an event called Crush the Clunker. All race proceeds go directly to families of children who are battling cancer.

    Ronald McDonald House 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk & Tot Trot

     (167.1 mi)

    9am

    $25/5K and 1 Mile Walk and $15/Tot Trot

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Take part in a worthwhile race benefiting the Ronald McDonald House South Jersey Chapter. There is a chip-timed 5K, a 1 Mile Fun Walk or for the littlest participants, a fun Tot Trot. Afterward, everyone can enjoy refreshments. There will also be a Kids Zone for added fun with a moon bounce, games, face painting and more. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House.

    Towamencin Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run

     (168.0 mi)

    8am: Kid's Fun Run

    9am: 5K Start

    Registration starts at $27/person, Free Kids Fun Run (10 & under)

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This 5K certified course will feature chip timing. Awards and prizes will be given after the race along with light snacks. Top male and female runners will win a free turkey. Pets and strollers are welcome.

    Running for Answers 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Fun Run

     (169.9 mi)

    8am

    Registration starts at $35/5K Run or Walk, $15/Kids' Fun Run (12 & under)

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Running for Answers Race raises money for The Desmond Tumor Research Foundation. This family-friendly event features a 5K run or walk plus Kids' Fun Run. There will be special activities for the kids and everyone will celebrate post-race with music, vendors, free ice cream and cheesesteaks along with gentle flow yoga!

    Alex's Lemonade Stand - End Childhood Cancer Walk/Run

     (169.9 mi)

    8am-11am

    Registration starts at $10/person, Kid's Dash is free

    Kids’ Dash is for children under 8 years

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Starting and ending at the Marine Parade Grounds, the End Childhood Cancer Walk/Run is the largest one-day event for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Participants and sponsors are raising much needed funds to fight childhood cancer. The End Childhood Cancer Walk/Run is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and stroller-friendly. You can participate as an individual, team, family or sign up for the 100 meter Kid's Dash.

    March for Babies

     (169.9 mi)

    8am Registration, 9:30am Start

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The March for Babies Philadelphia Walk takes place at the Navy Yard. Registration can be individual, team or family. Other locations are available in the Philadelphia suburbs, South Jersey and Delaware. Find your local event here by typing in your zip code.

    Money raised goes toward the March of Dimes' mission to help moms have full term pregnancies and healthy babies by preventing birth defects through research, advocacy and education.

    Broad Street Run - Dunkin’ Munchkin Kids Zone

     (169.9 mi)

    7:45am

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The popular Broad Street Run is fun for the whole family with activities at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Kids can take part in age-appropriate races and entertainment such as inflatables, petting zoo, face painting, music, refreshments, balloon artists and more.

    The 10 Mile Broad Street Run courses down historic Broad Street and finishes at the Navy Yard. Runners can attend the Expo prior to the event.

    Age: 1-12

    Cost: $5/child, Free for children 2 & under

    Philadelphia Zoo - Run Wild for the Zoo 5K

     (170.6 mi)

    6:30am Registration
    7:30am 5K kick-off

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Take a Family-Friendly Run through the Philadelphia Zoo while raising money to support over 1,300 Zoo animals with medical care, habitat improvements, nutrition, educational programs and more. After the Race, families will enjoy music, entertainment, crafts and activities, food and beverages, giveaways, photo opportunities and more. The Cost includes Zoo Admission so stay for the day and explore the many animals, exhibits, rides and features the Zoo has to offer!

    Cost: $45/runner, $25/spectator, Free for children under 2, Parking is $16/vehicle

    St. Jude Run/Walk Philadelphia

     (170.6 mi)

    8:15am

    $20/5K Run (age 6+), $10/Walk (age 6+), Free for ages 5 & under

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Take part in a fun and beneficial Run and Walk Event to support St. Jude and their efforts to help children fight cancer as well as fund treatments and research. Taking place at the famous Philadelphia Zoo, participants will enjoy seeing the animals as they wind through the course, receive free stuff, food and drinks, and family-friendly entertainment. Pre-Registration is recommended.

    Insane Inflatable 5K

     (170.7 mi)

    8:30am-1pm

    Starts at $39/person

    Participants must be 42" or taller

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  A race like no other and fun for the whole family, the Insane Inflatable 5K takes attendees on a wild course through inflatables they will bounce, climb and tumble their way through. Special obstacles include a mattress run, ball pit, wave runner, wrecking balls and more. The events concludes at the Midway for a Post-Race celebration.

    American Heart Association - Philadelphia Heart Walk

     (170.7 mi)

    8am-12pm

    Free registration & parking, Donations/Fundraising are encouraged

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Take part in the family-friendly (stroller and dog friendly, too!) Philadelphia Heart Walk at Citizens Bank Park. It features a 3 mile or 1 mile walk route for all ages. Post-Walk Festivities include a Kid's Zone, food and beverages, live music and entertainment, vendors and more.

    The event is held Rain or Shine.

    Pre-Registration is recommended.

    Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Light the Night

     (171.5 mi)

    4:30pm

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society holds the Light the Night Event to raise funds for cancer research, treatments and support services for those with cancer. The event honors, celebrates and remembers those touched by cancer.

    Dunkin' Munchkin Kids Fun Run at the Philadelphia Marathon

     (171.9 mi)

    10am: Onsite Registration

    11am: Family Activities

    12pm: Races begin

    Starts at $10/child

    6-12 years

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Dunkin' Munchkin Run, is a friendly, non-competitive race to highlight the sport of running and physical activity for kids, taking place the day before the Philadelphia Marathon. Kids have the options of a one mile run, half mile run or a short dash based on their age. The event features face painting, balloon art, caricatures, games, giveaways and more. All kids will also receive a medal.

    Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Philadelphia

     (172.3 mi)

    5k Start: 7:15am

    15k Start: 8am

    Juan L.:  The Hot Chocolate 15K/5K is coming to Philadelphia and providing an opportunity for the whole family to walk or run. The event starts at the pre-race Expo. Pick up your race bib and chocolate samples and let the kids play at the play place. On race day, the race will begin at Eakins Oval on Benjamin Franklin Parkway and winds south down the river. Afterwards, enjoy the post-race party which includes a participant medal, a complimentary mug, fondue, a bouncy house for kids and more!


    Cost: $54-$74/person, Early registration discounts available


    Hatfield Aquatic Center - Dash and Splash 5K

     (174.3 mi)

    5pm Onsite Registration Begins

    6:45pm Kids Fun Run Start

    7pm 5K Race Start

    7:15pm-10pm Pool Hours

    $30/5K, $10/Kids Fun Run

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  What could be better than running plus swimming in one race? The Hatfield Aquatic Center is hosting a 5K and Children's Fun Run through Hatfield followed by admission to their water-park type pools featuring slides, a lazy river, water castles, sprayground and much more! The kids will also be treated to arts and crafts and bounce house fun. Runners will receive medals and there will be post-race food and other entertainment.

    Summer Sizzler 8K, 5K & Dash-n-Splash Kids' Run

     (175.5 mi)

    7am-8:30am: Check In

    9am-11am: Race & Post Event Activities

    $45/8K & 5K, $17/Kids race

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This Summer Sizzler event is fun for all with an 8K, 5K and Kids Run and features a slip and slide water ride finish line for those who choose. Post-race, kids can play in the bounce house and take part in family-friendly activities. The start and finish will be in the parking lot of Iron Hill Brewery. Racers will score a Dri-Fit Summer Sizzler Race T-shirt and race medal along with complimentary food, snow cones and drinks.

    Tapping of the Great Pumpkin

     (175.5 mi)

    3pm-5pm

    Registration starts at $35/person for the 8K & 5K, $15/person for the Lil' Pumpkin Run & 1 Mile Walk

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Participate in the Annual Tapping of the Great Pumpkin 8K, 5K, Lil' Pumpkin Run & 1 Mile Walk in costume or regular clothes. Enjoy free cuisine from area restaurants and get some healthy exercise in one of the four race events. Event is chip timed and awards will be given.

    North Wales Turkey Trot

     (176.2 mi)

    8am-10am

    8K & 5K start at $35/person

    Kid's Fun Run & 2 Mile Walk start at $10/person

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Get some exercise before your Thanksgiving Feast at the North Wales Turkey Trot and take part in an 8K, 5K, 2 Mile Walk or Kid's Fun Run. Event is chip timed and prizes will be awarded for various age categories.

    Cherry Hill Public Library Book It 5k

     (181.7 mi)

    7:30am Pre-Registration/Packet Pick-Up

    8:15am Kids Dash

    8:30am 5K Run/1-Mile Walk

    $5/Kids 100-Yd Dash, $20/1-Mile Walk, $35/5K

    Erin P.:  Cherry Hill Public Library Book It 5k includes a 5K run, a 1-mile walk and a 100-yard kids dash. For every registration, $5 will be donated to the Cherry Hill Public Library. After the race, there will be refreshments, an awards ceremony, giveaways as well as a DJ and Wellness Day. Packet pick-up is available either before the race, or the day before at the Cherry Hill Library.

    SteelStacks - Your First Mud Run

     (181.9 mi)

    10am-4pm

    Starts at $45/per person

    5+ years

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Your First Mud Run is the largest family-friendly mud run in which parents and kids participate together! The race is comprised of a 1.5 - 2 mile course featuring 10-16 fun and messy obstacles such as the Wall Climb, Inflatable Tube Run, Cargo Net Climb, Mud Pit and more .


    ArtsQuest, a non-profit supporting Lehigh Valley community members with art, cultural and educational programs, will receive a portion of the event proceeds.

    The Market at DelVal - Firecracker 5K, 1 Mile Bottle Rocket & 1/2 Mile Kids' Sparkler Run

     (182.8 mi)

    6:45pm: KId's Sparkler Run

    7pm: 5K Sparkler Run

    7pm-9pm: Concert

    Race registration starts at $35/5K, $13/Kids's Sparkler Run

    Summer Concerts are $3/person

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Celebrate America's Birthday with a fun and festive family race at The Market at DelVal and produced by Scoogie Events. Kids will enjoy a half-mile fun run followed by free yard games, inflatable attractions, face painting and Uncle Dave's ice cream. Parents can take part in a 5K run followed by free ice cream or locally brewed micro brew. All participants receive a Race Medal!

    Afterwards, stay for the Summer Wine Concert and unwind while listening to local, live music from The Idlewoodsman.

    Doylestown Jingle Bell Turkey Trot

     (182.8 mi)

    9am-11am

    Jingle Bell Turkey Trot & Dirty Turkey Trail 10K/5K start at $35/person

    2 Mile Reindeer Walk & Li’l Elves Fun Run start at $10/person

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Enjoy this festive event to get in the holiday spirit and participate in a 10K, 5K, 2 Mile Walk or Kid's Run. Awards will be given for runners based on age groups. After the race, there will be family activities, cookies and hot chocolate and Santa will arrive by helicopter at 11am!

    The Market at DelVal - unWINEd 5K Run & Kids' Grape Juice Run

     (182.8 mi)

    6:45pm

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  An active and fun Friday night awaits with the unWINEd 5K Run & Kids' Grape Juice Run at The Market at DelVal. Kids will race in a 1/2 mile fun run near strawberry fields and apple orchards, then adults can run a 5K race to end the work week on a high note.

    Afterwards, kids will enjoy Free games, inflatables, and ice cream while the family relaxes to the Friday night Summer Concert Series featuring live music from local performers. Everyone who runs the races gets a medal!

    Pre-Registration is suggested.

    Cost: Starts at $30/adult, $15/child

    Fall Harvest 10K, 5K & Lil' Pumpkin Kid's Run

     (182.8 mi)

    9am-12pm

    Starting at $35/10K, $30/5K, $10/Lil' Pumpkin Run

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The annual Fall Harvest Race participants are are encouraged to wear a costume, but running clothes are great too for the options of a 10K, 5K and Lil' Pumpkin Kid's Run. Registration for the event includes admission to the Fall Fun Days at Del Val Market with many themed attractions including corn maze and hay rides. Awards will be given to the top runners in various age groups.

    Central Bucks Family YMCA - Kids Triathalon

     (183.6 mi)

    7:45am-11:30am

    $35/person

    3-14 years (separated by age group)

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Your child will have loads of exercise and athletic fun at the Kids Triathalon at the Central Bucks Family YMCA in Doylestown. Kids will swim, bike and run for distances appropriate to their age group. There is no ranking and kids are fully supported to compete in the race for completion. All kids will receive a medal!

    The Great Inflatable Race

     (185.2 mi)

    9am-12pm

    $75/person (3+), Free for children 3 & under, Check the website for discounts & deals

    All Ages

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Get ready for a fun morning at Warminster Community Park! The Great Inflatable Race will have the whole family bouncing, sliding and climbing their way through an inflatables course between 1.5 - 3.1 miles. If you haven't had enough, there are additional inflatables to enjoy after the race course.

    The Great Amazing Race Philadelphia

     (189.5 mi)

    3pm

    Registration starts at $49.99/team; T-shirts and medals can be added for an additional cost

    4+ years, Teams can be 2 kids, 2 adults or one of each

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Teams of two people race together for an exciting Great American Race by running, jogging or walking through the course featuring fun and exciting mental and physical challenges that may get racers a little dirty and wet as they maneuver through Neshaminy State Park. This is a great team building experience and you can choose from two courses - recreation and competitive. Families can also donate sneakers to support pediatric cancer.

    Autism Cares Foundation - Race for Resources

     (192.7 mi)

    7:30am: Expo

    9am: Race Start

    $35/person (3+), Free for children under 3

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  A family event to support Autism research, this multi-component event features a 5K, 10K, 1 Mile Family Fun Walk and Autism Expo. The race starts and ends at Bucks County Community College and goes through Tyler State Park.

    The Expo will include kids activities such as a moon bounce, face painting and music, while parents can talk with representatives from services and providers dealing with Autism disorders.

    Fundraising efforts help the Autism Cares Foundation provide activities, events and workshops at no cost to participants.

    Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic 5K

     (196.9 mi)

    7am

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic 5K, a family-friendly race, offers a safe, flat course and raises funds for the Dick Dougherty Scholarship Fund to be awarded to students of Bucks County high schools. Participants will receive a free, one-day admission ticket to Sesame Place and finisher’s medals.

    Age: 9+ for the 5K, 10 & under for the Sprint, All ages for the 1 Mile Fun Run

    Cost: Starts at $30/5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, $20/Sprint

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