Kid-Friendly Fun Runs Around Chicago

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.