Kid-Friendly Fun Runs in Columbus
Here's a list of the best kid-friendly races and fun runs around Columbus for families to lace up their shoes in support of healthy habits and good causes. These fun-filled events make it motivating for children with age-appropriate kiddie races, activities, party favors, and extraordinary entertainment and celebrations after the finish line!
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Nellie's Champions For Kids - Reindeer Run 5K
Get ready to walk, run, or jog in Downtown Columbus along the Scioto Mile to support Ohio childhood cancer families!
Run Santa Run 5K - Westlake
Join hundreds of runners and walkers to fill the street with Santas on this flat 5K course. The start/finish will be in Crocker Parker.
MommyMile
Kelly R: The whole family is invited to participate in this celebration of motherhood, including a 5K race and 1 mile walk followed by a gathering with live music, a champagne toast, giveaways, and special discounts at Polaris Fashion Place. There are also activities and inflatables for the kids. Strollers are welcome. This event benefits national and local Ronald McDonald House charities.
Dash for Donation
8 AM
$30 for the 5K and $10 for the Family Fun Walk or Mascot Dash, Fundraising is encouraged, but not required
Ages: 6 & under for the Mascot Dash
Kelly R: Dash for Donation promotes organ, eye, and tissue donation, and funds go toward programming for Lifeline of Ohio. The 5K route begins and ends at Genoa Park, with wonderful views of Columbus along the course. There is also a 1-mile Family Fun Walk, and a 100-meter Mascot Dash. Strollers are permitted.
Wendy's Frosty 5K Run for Adoption
Kelly R: This annual 5K run/walk is presented by The Wendy's Company, with the course beginning and ending at Huntington Park. Participants receive a race medal and enjoy a free Frosty at the finish line. Jogging strollers are permitted. The event supports the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in North America's foster care system.
IGS Energy/Dublin Irish Festival 5K & Kids Dash
Kelly R: The annual Dublin Irish Festival kicks off with this family-friendly 5K and 1/4 mile Kids Dash. Strollers are permitted at the back of the 5K start. After the race, stick around to enjoy entertainment and special promotions at the Dub Crawl. All 5K participants receive a complimentary one-day admission ticket to the Dublin Irish Festival.
FORE! Miler Presented by Ohio Health
Katie G.: As the annual kick off for the PGA Memorial Tournament, the FORE! Miler Presented by Ohio Health is a 4-mile run/walk race held in Dublin. The race starts and ends at Muirfield Village Golf Club along the residential streets of Dublin. Participants will receive a race t-shirt, finishers medal, complimentary practice round ticket and enjoy a free post-race party at the Golden Bear Club. This charitable event raises money for the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Field of Heroes 5K Run/Walk
Kelly R: The Westerville Sunrise Rotary organizes this race each Memorial Day weekend as part of its Field of Heroes event, providing a unique way for the community to honor its heroes. Participants can run or walk the family friendly paved course, which goes through Fire Station 111 and passes through a field of thousands of full size American flags.
Columbus Foam Fun Runs
Foam Run & pancake breakfast: 10 AM - 12 PM
Columbus Children's Festival: 10 AM - 4 PM
$10 per runner
Katie G.: The KidsLinked Columbus Foam Fun Run is an event you don't want to miss! Kids (and adults) will be drenched in sudsy, bubbly foam as they run from start to finish along the grounds of Westerville North High School. There are three distances: 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, 1 mile and 2 miles. Participants will receive a free pancake breakfast to enjoy before or after the race, t-shirt, finishers medal, and more. You can stay after the race to enjoy the entire Columbus Children's Festival.
Freedom 5k & Kids' Fun Run
Katie G.: Celebrate America's independence at the Freedom 5K & Kids Fun Run. The course winds through the woods and practice fields of the cross-country course at Pickerington North High School.
For the kids fun run there will be two age groups: 5 and under, who will run a 100 yard dash and 6-9, who will run a 1/4 mile course. Hula hoops, jump ropes and chalk are available before the race along with special movie characters and high school mascots. All finishers in the Kids Fun Run will receive a ribbon.
Patriots 5k on the 4th
Katie G.: Kick off your 4th of July celebrations with the Patriots 5k on the 4th run in downtown Powell. The flat, family-friendly course is open to runner, joggers, walkers and strollers. There is also a 2-mile fun run. Participants can donate new or used shoes to be given to the Souls 4 Soles organization that collects shoes for people in need.
Adventure Mud Run - Delaware County
Brigitte Nohra Miller: This family friendly event offers a cool challenge to tackle with your family: cross obstacles (natural and manmade) through a mud trail while enjoying the beauty of nature. The run is family friendly and just under 2 miles. No strollers or pets allowed. Registration required.
Red Tail Run 5K and Walk for Wildlife
Katie G.: The 2nd Annual Red Tail Run Flyway 5K and Walk for Wildlife is a family-fun race that benefits native wild animals and the Ohio Wildlife Center. The run/walk event takes place around the 20-acre Ohio Wildlife Center and neighborhood of Shawnee Hills. Animal ambassadors will be on hand and all participants will receive a custom wooden medal.
Cost: $15 - $35
All Ohio Balloon Fest 5K Run/Walk
Katie G.: Participants in the All Ohio Balloon Fest 5K Run/Walk will receive a weekend pass to the Balloon Fest. The course starts and ends at Mill Valley Central Park.
Columbus Buddy Walk
Opening ceremony at 10:30 AM, walk starts at 11 AM
$21 per person, free for individuals with Down syndrome, and participants are encouraged to raise funds
Kelly R: The Columbus Buddy Walk takes place around Mapfre stadium, with funds supporting the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio and NDSS. The event also includes a celebration with interactive exhibits and kid-friendly activities. All are welcome: those who are touched by Down syndrome and those who just want to show support.
Primary photo: Upparent
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.