The spring sun not only warms us up physically, but warms us up to the idea of getting outside again to exercise. Involving your kids in setting and achieving a fitness goal can be a very rewarding experience.

There are countless health and wellness benefits to exercising together. It also offers a chance to bond and be a positive role model for your child, helping you establish healthy habits that will hopefully last beyond the day's workout.

The mantra for working out with your kids shouldn't be "no pain, no gain." There are plenty of local runs in the spring that offer a terrific opportunity to have some fun, too. Many events have kids' dashes or family walks. Start small, be encouraging, and do a little more activity each outing; you'll be ready for one of these events in no time.

CARRY 5 Walk for Water

• Sunday, May 6: A fundraiser for Water 1st International, families will carry water in support of communities in need of clean water. The event takes place at Seattle Center, where participants will fill their containers with water from the International Fountain and try to carry it for five kilometers (the average walk made by people in poor countries who lack access to water). 

Fight for Air Run/Walk

• Sunday, May 6: Join the American Lung Association to help raise awareness and funds for the millions of people who suffer from asthma. Choose to walk or run this 5K around Magnuson Park. 

Teens in Public Service Spring Frolic 5K

• Saturday, May 12: The first athletic event benefitting Teens in Public Service, this 5K run/walk will take place at Seward Park, with prizes for the "loudest spring outfit."

Run Like a Mother

• Sunday, May 13: This women's only 5K race at Magnuson Park also offers a 1-mile course for kids, with a fun post-race party for the whole family to enjoy food, refreshments and activities.

Kirkland Half Marathon Kids Dash

• Sunday, May 13: As part of the Kirkland Half Marathon, children can run in a free kids' dash, learn about the Hope Heart Institute's Kids Take Heart program and taste test a variety of healthy foods at the PCC Kid Picks Mobile.

UW Bothell 5K Run/Walk

• Saturday, May 19: Get cheered on by the Husky marching band at this family-friendly event. Follow up your run/walk with fun in the bouncy house, face painting and breakfast at the North Creek Events Center.

Beat the Bridge

• Sunday, May 20: It's a great cause – juvenile diabetes – and a great event. Older kids might want to try and beat the University Bridge before it raises in the 8K race. Or, choose the 4-mile family walk, the 1-mile fun run or the "diaper derby" for toddlers.

Magnuson Series

• Saturdays, May 26 and June 16: This series of events has participants running around the scenic Magnuson Park. Your little ones can do the 200 or 400 meter kid’s run, or do the 5K with you.

University Family YMCA 5K Fun Run

• Sunday, June 3: Another Magnuson Park fun run, this time benefitting the YMCA Partners with Youth campaign.

Want to plan for something further on in the summer? Visit http://search.active.com and search for "fun runs" by city or state.

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