Kid-Friendly Fun Runs Around Chicago

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Open to all, these race events are geared towards families, kids and everyone who would enjoy exercising and staying active! You can choose to run, jog or walk, strollers are allowed as well as friendly dogs. With three different locations, CARA offers several runs throughout the year to help the family stay healthy and active!

February - November

Shila said:  The city of Chicago is hosting its annual free, friendly running competition to see who is Chicago's fastest kid! All skill levels welcome! Kids are also invited to attend a skills clinic and demonstrations events, including drills, track sprints, agility games, and more.

This race for a good cause is an awesome activity for kids of all ages! Kids and parents have the choice of running/walking a 5K; younger kids can run a chip-timed 1 mile race or a 200 yard dash. This is a great way to develop a love for running and racing with very young kids, all while helping the Comer Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago. Additional fundraising is encouraged but not required.

Kristy Pepping said:  The Color Run 5K at Soldier Field where runners are showered with over 10,000 pounds of color. After the run, participants can enjoy music and carnival attractions at the Color Festival. Be sure to wear white to make the most of the colors at this race!

Kristy Pepping said:  Do you love donuts? Join Stan's Donut 5K & 1/2 mile kids dash. Enjoy donuts throughout the course and at the finish line. All Kids Dash participants receive a youth cotton shirt, race bib and of course donuts!

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Help spread awareness by taking part in this annual Autism Speaks Walk. This event is family friendly, suitable for kids and perfect for strollers or even wagons! Just bring the family to take part in the event, enjoy a walk by Soldier Field and help raise money and provide support for a great cause. And don't miss the after party with kids’ activities!

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Gather the family, get the kids involved and join Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Foundation to raise money and help support their patients! Run for a cause and get the kids active and inspired for an active and better living and healthier choices! This is an untimed walk. Strollers and wagons welcome.

Vanessa M. said:  What could be sweeter than running a candy-themed race with candy-eating breaks and a candy-filled treat bag awaiting you at the finish line? The only thing sweeter would be knowing it benefits a good cause, GirlForward, a charity providing opportunities for refugee girls. The adult 5k race and the kids half-mile dash are held on the Lincoln Park walking paths. Make it a family event! Note that strollers are allowed only in the walking section.

Gina I. said:  Before you load up on stuffing, gravy & mashed potatoes, get active at the Turkey Day Run Chicago! This 5K/8K and "Plymouth Rock Ramble" kids race is open to "turkeys" of all ages and paces. Runners receive a limited edition race shirt, fisher medal, complimentary race photo, complimentary Begyle beer, and more. Plus, you'll enjoy warm apple cider, and a variety of pre- & post-race activities. Prizes are awarded to best dressed group (5 or more), so wear your best Thanksgiving-inspired gear!

Kristy Pepping said:  

Runners can start celebrating early in the morning at the St. Paddy's Day Run (formerly Leprechaun Leap) in Lincoln Park! Participants are encouraged to use their imaginations and don green attire to celebrate the Emerald Isle.

Gina I. said:  If you go a little overboard with the pie this Thanksgiving, not to worry! The Grant Park Turkey Trot is the perfect opportunity to burn some calories. This race benefits Playworks, an organization that aims to reduce bullying and keep kids active. Every finisher gets a medal, and racers will enjoy complimentary hot cider and a beer. Runners can also enjoy ooey gooey cinnamon rolls at the finish line. No need to feel guilty...you earned it! Choose from a 5K or 10K.

Kristy Pepping said:  Continue the St. Patrick’s Day celebration and kick off the running season at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K or 2 mile walk. This run is a Chicago tradition with a course that weaves its way through downtown Chicago, starting and finishing in Grant Park.

Kristy Pepping said:  Run Mag Mile takes place on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. There is an event for runners of all ability levels! A 15 minute/mile pace must be maintained or you will be rerouted to a shorter route by race officials. The race will end with brunch and beverages. Strollers are not allowed on the racetrack.

Kristy Pepping said:  The Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce and The City of Oak Forest, will host their Annual Oak Forest Fleadh 5K. A fleadh (pronounced "flah") is a traditional Irish festival with music and food! The Fleadh includes parties, an open streets event, a parade and the race!

Kristy Pepping said:  The Back on My Feet Chicago’s Mardi Gras Chaser at Montrose Harbor offers a fun race with masks, music, and motivation. All race participants will receive masks to be worn on the race day a swag bag, and beads at the finish line. Your kids will love this fun and healthy Mardi Gras celebration! Best of all, proceeds benefit Back on My Feet, a local non-profit helping Chicagoans facing homelessness.

Kristy Pepping said:  The Tinley Park District hosts three races each year, one of which is the Running O'The Green. Their 8K race is designed for everyone whether a beginner or a veteran runner and brings the community together. Even walkers enjoy participating with friends and family to get everyone out and moving!

Lisa R said:  This fun evening run, where kids are coated in colorful powder throughout the course, is a celebration from start to finish. The event includes both a pre-party and post-party, where kids can admire how messy they managed to get. The course is one lap around the trail at Community Park, starting by the pool. Families must register in advance online or at the Palos Heights Recreation Center. Registration includes a special Color Run T-shirt.

Kristy Pepping said:  Brookfield Zoo's race takes place entirely inside the zoo and offers the chance to run past lions, giraffes and other animals. Each participant will receive a t-shirt and snacks. Friends and family can come to the zoo for free to cheer you on!

Lisa R said:  

Run and swim your way to the finish in this fun biathlon. Kids will start out with a 100 or 200 yard swim in Norridge Park District's pool, followed by either 1 or 2 kilometers around the park. Distances are determined by age. All finishers will receive medals, with special awards for top competitors.

Kristy Pepping said:  Hero Hustle in Chicago's norther suburbs, is presented by The Rotary Club of Glenview Sunrise & The Glenview Fire Fighters #4186. Race dressed up as your favorite hero and run for a great cause. 100 percent of the funds raised go back to the community. There will be a 1 mile obstacle course, 5k and 10k. There is an optional pre-race dinner the night before the race at Harley Davidson.

Kristy Pepping said:  Join the NorthShore Cupid's Love Dash for a Valentine’s Day themed run or walk through the beautiful streets of Highland Park! For braving the cold, everyone will receive a medal, warm hot chocolate and a heart-shaped lollipop at the finish line.

Yoli B said:  Join your fellow runners for the Village of Willowbrook's Annual Spring Fling Run and Community Fair. The whole family can participate in the 5K Run/Walk or Kid's Fun Run, and after you've crossed the finish line, the kids will love the community fair with a petting zoo, bounce house, and much, much more!

Shila said:  This annual, kid-friendly competition will showcase three traditional triathlon events: swimming (25-125 yards), biking (1.45-3.46 miles), and running (.75-1.25 miles).

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Join the cause this Mother's Day weekend to help fight breast cancer. This year's 5k run/walk benefits the Open Arms-Hinsdale Hospital Foundation’s Breast Cancer Outreach Fund. Get active, get healthy and help others!

Shila said:  A 5K celebration through foamy bubble bogs. Kids under 4 are free with a registered adult, and strollers are welcome. A post race celebration continues with bubble cannons, colored foam, music and dancing.

Alexandra F. said:  This fun family event features a 5-mile run, a 5K run/walk, a 1-mile walk and a 50 meter dash for the kiddos! Best of all is the post race picnic in the park, which will feature BBQ, refreshing drinks for all ages, and kids activities. Proceeds support Downers Grove Park District's Inclusion Services.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Come dressed up as your favorite superhero for a 5k run/2 mile walk to benefit Easter Seals Disability Services of DuPage & Fox Valley. All abilities and skill levels welcome. Awards will be given to the top male and female runners in 12 age divisions. The day includes refreshments and fun for the whole family including: silent auction & raffle, DJ, face painting and more!

This family-friendly food truck rally and 5K is the perfect way to spend an active day! 15+ Food trucks will be available for this event. The 5K takes place on paved roads around the College of Dupage campus. Kids can can participate in a 100 yard dash and touch impressive trucks including, fire engines, patrol cars, and tow trucks. They'll have face painting and other kid friendly activities. Kids are encouraged to wear their halloween costumes!

Kristy Pepping said:  Think you are as physically fit as a police officer? You may be surprised! I know someone training to be a police officer and needs to take three physical fitness tests to qualify! This race lets you test your speed against the police force. Start and stop at the Gurnee Police Station. Water and gatorade provided throughout the race. Either a 5K or 10K. Proceeds help the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center.

Kristy Pepping said:  Join the biggest event of the running season for Glen Ellyn and help their Park District raise money for scholarships. The star-spangled run starts off on Lenox Road next to Lake Ellyn. A Freedom Four t-shirt is guaranteed to every pre-registered participant.

Molly Weber said:  Sign the whole family up for this fall race located at the Morton Arboretum. They have a special 'Kids Dash' which is designed for children as young as 2. The kids are broken up by age and the race distance ranges from 50 yards to half a mile. Jogging strollers are also permitted in the full 5K for those that want to run with their little ones!

Alexandra F. said:  The 1.25 mile long race will take adventurous youth between the ages of six and 14 on a fun run around Twin Lakes, where they will encounter 10-14 man-made and natural obstacles to challenge their physical ability and determination. There will be four different race times for different age groups, and all runners will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag.

Katie G. said:  Grab the family and run through the beautiful historic village of Long Grove on Thanksgiving morning. Three race options are available - 5K, 8K and kids fun run. Walkers with strollers are welcome. The race finishes near the famous covered bridge in downtown Long Grove where participants can enjoy live music, hot cider and beer after the race.

Vanessa M. said:  Kids Obstacle Challenge is coming to Chicago! The 1.5-2 mile race for kids and teens includes 13-15 challenging, muddy, wet, exciting obstacles such as cargo net climb, ball pit, rope swing, mud crawl, and more! Make it an adventure for the whole family: parents run for free! Cool perks include race medal, event photos, cinch bag, and Clif bars. You can choose to have the race be competitive and timed or simply run for fun.

Yoli B said:  The annual Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals raises money for exhibits and projects at the zoo. Kids will love running in their very own half-mile Zippity Zoo run, and even the littlest ones can tag along in running strollers. All are welcome to join in the fun at the post-race party in the park including music, awards and refreshments.

Yoli B said:  Running through clouds of color is fun for the whole family! The Wheaton Park District and Rotary will host this 5K run/walk for all ages. The race is not timed and will have participants running through four color stations. Don't miss out on the after party and final color toss at the finish line! The event will benefit the Play for All Playground & Garden Foundation.

Kristy Pepping said:  Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and money for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This is a three-mile walk.

Kristy Pepping said:  This is the 17th Annual Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund Run for Reading. It's an evening 5K family run/walk to support literacy, fitness and family. All proceeds will go to the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy to acquire and distribute resources that provide literacy opportunities within the Naperville community. Stay after the race and enjoy food and entertainment!

Kristy Pepping said:  The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise, in cooperation with West Suburban Irish, is hosting a 5K race, run, or walk. Plus, register in advance and receive a running shirt. Proceeds from this event will be used to provide health related services to those in need. Once you finish the race stick around and watch the parade which follows the same route!

Kristy Pepping said:  Thanksgiving always brings the many "fixins!" Why not go for a morning run before you indulge in turkey, mashed potatoes and the several sides you will be having later? Each runner will receive a chip timer and a long sleeve race shirt. Plus, prizes will be given out post race. You can walk the race if you'd like, you just need to finish in an hour. Please note: running specific strollers are allowed, but not regular ones. Race proceeds go toward supporting Naperville Noon Lions.

Yoli B said:  Burn off some pre-calories at this Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot co-hosted by the Palatine Park District and Lavelle Law. Runners will have different options and can choose 2 miles, 5 miles, or 100-yard Drumstick Dash. Racers and spectators will have a heated hangout area with bathrooms! Turkey trot shirts and medals will be given to all runners. A selfie station, raffles and giveaways stations will also be waiting at the finish line!

Kristy Pepping said:  Come out for this fun race through downtown Grayslake. There is a special race for kids or if they are up for a challenge, sign up for the 5K and run it together as a family. All proceeds go to the Grayslake Chamber Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships to seniors attending a 2 or 4-year college. So come out to support a great cause and get some exercise!

Katie G. said:  Kick off the 4th of July with a family run through downtown Barrington. The Advocate Hospital Good Shepherd Family Fitness Run features a 10K, 5K and new this year a 1K kids run. All participants are chip timed, will receive a t-shirt and finishers medal with awards being given to the top 3 overall male and female runners in the 5K and 10K race and the top 3 female and male runners in each age group.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Join the fun and walk/run for a good cause in the Frosty Footrace 5K, there will be formal timing and age group awards. All proceeds will benefit the Round Lake Area Park District scholarship programming.

Yoli B said:  Join the community of Elgin for this great event to get everyone moving! The 5K Walk/Run, 10K Run and the Kids Fun Run will provide a great opportunity to get out and meet your neighbors. The kids will have a blast with their 100-meter course, and of course, the finish line will have plenty of great giveaways for everyone! Proceeds will benefit Project Access, serving homeless students in school district U-46.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Celebrate the spring season and run or walk this scenic, CARA-certified trail race around beautiful Blackberry Farm. This unique combo event features a 5k and a shorter Pig Pen 1-miler. Register for the 5k and run the 1-miler free!

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Cooley Run 5K & Superhero Dash, run against cancer, is probably one of the most fun races to enjoy with your family. the race is open for participants of all ages and abilities. A special Superhero Dash is dedicated for kids! Mark the date and make sure to take part of this fun event that offers different family activities such as face painting , music and more!