Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

Russ Carmack photo / courtesy of Metro Parks Tacoma

Fall fun runs for Seattle area families

Your guide to Fall runs, Halloween races, turkey trots, and jingle bell runs

Fall fun runs for Seattle area families are a great way to start a weekend morning, and get the family out in the fresh air, exercising, in the rain or on a sunny day. Fun runs ā€” for fitness, for charity or just for kicks ā€” are a great feature of Seattle life in the fall. Many cater to families and have special activities for kids. Costumes are encouraged most of the time, and especially on events near Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Note: Races will have price increases after certain dates and on the day of the race.

Family-friendly fun runs in the Seattle area:

Sunday, September 22, 2024

The Retro Run

Location: Marymoor Park, 6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond, WA 98052

Fundraiser for: Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

Time: 8:30 a.m. for kids dash, 9 a.m. for 8K, and 9:15 a.m. for 5/4K

Cost: $45-$50 for 2 miler and 5K, $50-$55 for 8K, free for kids dash

Celebrating all things 1980’s for this fun run! There will be classic retro snacks and gnarly finishers swag. They will have an air guitar competition and a costume contest! The race is at Marymoor Park next to the Velodrome. Register here.

 

Saturday, October 26, 2024

West Seattle Monster Dash

Location: West Seattle Lincoln Park, 8011 Fauntleroy Wy SW, Seattle, WA 98136

Fundraiser for: South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools

Time: 5K run/walk 9:30 a.m.

Cost: Ages 18 and under $20-$25, ages 18 and older $35-$45, kids dash participants (12 and under) $20-$25

Join this fall fun run for families. At 10:30 a.m., there will be a 250-meter dash for kids 12 and younger, followed by a 100-meter kidsā€™ dash (5 and under). They will also have a family fun zone featuring games, activities and prizes. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Photo credit: Run Scared 5K and 10K Facebook

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Run Scared

Location: Seward Park, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118

Fundraiser for: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Time: 8:15 a.m. for treasure hunt, 8:45 a.m. for Kids Dash, 9:45 a.m. for 10K, 10 a.m. for 5K and 2 mile

Cost: $50-$55 for 10K, $40-$45 for the 5K and 2 miler, and Kids Dash is free.

Before the race, there is a Halloween treasure hunt for the kids. Event registration includes awesome swag and tons of race day fun, including a costume contest, hot apple cider, candy corn tasting bar, free kids dash, pre-race treasure hunt, photo booth, and more. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

Captain Jackā€™s Treasure Run

Location: City of Redmond, 15670 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA US 98052

Fundraiser for:Ā Children’s Country Home

Time: 10 a.m. for 5K, 10:10 a.m. for 8K and 12K, 9:45 a.m. for kids race

Cost: $55-$60 for 12K, $50-$54 for 8K, $45-$50 for 5K, $10 for kids race

Pre-game Halloween with your best pirate costume while running up a storm on this race! The kidsā€™ race starts at 9:45 a.m and costs $10. Pirate costumes are encouraged. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

Trick or Treat 5K and 10K

Location: Green Lake Park, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115

Time: 10 a.m. for 5K and 10K and free kids entries

Cost: $28-$43 for 5K, $38-$55 for 10K, free for kids under 18 (limited availability)

Join this spooktacular time at the Trick or Treat at Green Lake Park. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just want to enjoy a leisurely stroll, this in-person event is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Limited space for kid entries. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes (some trails are narrow, use at your own risk)

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Tacky Turkey Sweater 5K

Location: Green Lake Park, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115

Time: 10 a.m. Start

Cost: $38-$43 for 5K, Ā $20-$30 for 5K (kids 14 and under)

Join a pre-turkey run and an ugly sweater run with finish-line goodies, fun photo opportunities, and swag! Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Carnation Turkey TrotĀ 

Location: Remlinger Farms, 32610 NE 32nd St, Carnation, WA 98014

Time: 9 a.m. for Kids Gobble Dash, 9:30 a.m. for 5K

Cost: $10-$15 for Kids Gobble Dash, $30-$40 for 5K

The 5K course will take you all along the country roads and paths on the farm. No cars will be on the course. The Kids Dash is about 100 yards and will be held right before the 5K so everyone can be there to cheer on the little Gobblers. On the day of the event, please bring non-perishable food items to benefit the Tolt UCC Food Pantry in Carnation. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024

Auburn Turkey Trot

Location: Sunset Park, Lakeland Hills Way and 69th St SE, Auburn, WA 98092

Time: 9 a.m. start time for 5K

Cost: $20 for 5K (students 18 and under), $40-$50 for 5K (adults)

Join Auburn on Thanksgiving morning for this family-friendly 5K run/walk! The race will begin and end at the park and follow a nearly flat route through the heart of Lakeland Hills. Thanksgiving costumes are encouraged. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

Magnuson Turkey Trot

Location: Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Fundraiser for: Teen Feed

Time: 9:30 a.m. start for 5K, 10K and 15K. 9:15 a.m. for 400-meter Kids Dash

Cost: $30 for the 5K, $35 for the 10K, $40 for the 15K

The course is a 5K loop that they use for all race distances. The 5K is one lap, the 10K is two laps, and the 15K is three laps. The Kids 400-meter Dash is at 9:15 a.m. and costs $5. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

Issaquah Turkey Trot

Location: Downtown Issaquah

Fundraiser for: Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank

Time: 9 a.m. for the 5K course. There are shortcuts are available

Cost: $35-$45 for 11 and up, $15 for 10 and under.

Strollers and dogs allowed? Yes

This event is a casual run, jog, or walk over a distance of around 3 miles. If you don’t want to do an entire 5K, this course offers lots of shortcuts. The race welcomes Thanksgiving costumes and accessories for the costume contest. Register here.

 

Mukilteo Turkey Trot

Location: Kamiak High School, 10801 Harbour Pointe Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275

Time: 5K and 10K start time TBA

Cost: $50-$55 for 5K ($40 for kids), $60-$65 for 10K ($45 for kids)

Join Snohomish Running Company for the 10th annual Mukilteo Turkey Trot. Complete a 5K or 10K around the Harbour Pointe neighborhood in Mukilteo, WA, before the big feast. PJ pants are included with registration, and you might even take home a pumpkin pie! Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

Thanksgiving Day Apple Cup 5K

Location: Green Lake Park,Ā 7351 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115

Time: 9:30 a.m. for 5K start

Cost: $25-$40 for 5K (18+), $15 for 5K (18 and under)

Celebrate both Thanksgiving AND Apple Cup at the same time! Come run in your Husky or Cougar colors, or if you are not either, sport your own colors or dress up as a turkey! You may also drop off any canned food items if you would like to donate. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

Woodinville Turkey Trot 5K

Location: Wilmot Gateway Park, 17301 131st Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072

Fundraising for: Woodinville HS Boosters Wrestling Team

Time: 8:45 a.m. for Kids Parade, 9 a.m. for Kids Dash, and 9:15 a.m. for 5K

Cost: $35-$45 for 5K, $5 for Kids Dash

This family-friendly Turkey Trot is a unique one, starting the event off with a Kids Parade led by the Woodinville HS Marching band. The race will have a 5K and a Kids Dash for kids six and under and run a short course of about 200 yards on the trail. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Gobble Wobble Turkey Trot

Location: Lincoln Park (West Seattle), 8011 Fauntleroy Wy SW, Seattle, WA 98136

Fundraising for: 4 core fundraising themes are: Cancer, Water, Education, & Other Causes

Time: 7:30 a.m. for Wave A, 8 a.m. for Wave B, 8:30 a.m. for Wave C

Cost: $37 for 5K, $42 for 10K, $45 for Half Marathon (13.1), $35 for Family Run (1 mile)

Price will increase as waves fill up. They offer a 1-mile family run and welcome all ages. This race will not have timing chips and is meant for a stress-free run, but you can request a coordinator to keep track of your time. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

 

Last Lap of the Seattle Kids MarathonĀ 

Location: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109

Time: 8 a.m. for pre-race activities, 9 a.m. for the start time, 9:15 a.m. for post-race activities

Cost: Free (must register)

Participation in this annual event includes running, reading books, doing good deeds, and eating right. Watch them take their ā€˜final lapā€™ (1.2 miles) in person at the Seattle Center. This event is free for all participants. Register here.Ā 

Christmas Rush Fun Run. Photo credit: City of Kent

Saturday, December 7, 2024

The Electric Cookie Run

Location: Green Lake Park, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115

Time: 5 p.m. for the one loop (about 5K) and two loops (about 10K)

Cost: $47-$52 for 5K, $57-$62 for 10K

Join this fun run and celebrate your achievement by dining on delicious cookies from Seattleā€™s bakeries. There is a one-loop run around Greenlake (about 5K) or two loops (about 10K). Register here.

Strollers allowed? No

Dogs allowed? No but can be at the start and finish lines

 

Sunday, December 8, 2024

 

Jingle Bell Run

Location: Gas Works Park, 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103

Fundraiser for: The Arthritis Foundation

Time: 8 a.m. for 12K, 8:35 a.m. for 1K kids run, 9 a.m. for 5K

Cost: $55-$70 for 12K, $40-$55 for 5K, $25-$35 for kids fun run.

Get ready for the Jingle Bell Run, the original festive race for charity brought to you by the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your favorite holiday gear! There will be a Kids Fun Run with the Elves at 8:35 a.m. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk

Location: Hogan Park (Kent), 24400 Russell Rd, Kent, WA 98032

Time: 10K start, 9:50 a.m.; 5K starts at 10 a.m.

Cost: Day of race registration is $25 starting at 8 a.m. The cost is $20 and $35 with a shirt in mid-September

If you don’t want to buy a shirt, you can check out their “garage sale” and purchase a previous year’s shirt for $5. There will be no shirts available on race day. Registration opens mid-September; register here.

Strollers allowed?: Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

Jingle Bell Run at Wright Park (Tacoma)

Location: Wright Park, 501 S I St, Tacoma, WA 98405

Time: 10 a.m. start time

Cost: $30-$45 for 3 miles

Rev up the holiday spirit with the Jingle Bell Run. This 3-mile run/walk is a family favorite and a great way to spend active time outdoors during the busy holiday season. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Chase the Grinch Outa Snohomish Fun Run

Location: Averill Field, 400 2nd St, Snohomish, WA 98290

Fundraiser for: Central Emerson Elementary

Time: 9 a.m. for 5K runners, 9:15 a.m. for 5K walker/jogger 5K, 10:30 a.m. for kids dash

Cost: $45 for 5K, $15 for kids dash

The route takes you along the Centennial Trail. This fun and mostly flat 5K distance is a fully supported out-and-back course. Return to a festive and fun finish line with entertainment and photo ops! The Kids Dash (ages ten and younger) will take place around Averill Field. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

12 Ks of Christmas

Location: Marina Park (Kirkland), 25 Lakeshore Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98033

Time: 12K begins at 9 a.m., 5K begins at 9:25 a.m.

Cost: $40-$55 for 5K ($35 for 5K students), $55-$65 for 12K ($40-$45 for students), $20 for little elf run

Join this fun holiday 12K and 5K run at Marina Park, Kirkland. They also have a Little Elf Run for the kids! Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Holiday Fun Run Magnuson Series

Location: Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Time: 10 a.m. start time, Kids Dash will be 15 minutes before main event

Cost: $30 for 5K, $35 for 10K, $40 for 15K, $5 for kids dash

They have their classic 5k, 10k, 15k runs and kids dash. After you cross the finish line, you can treat yourself to our hot chocolate bar. This is also a great event to dress up with your holiday sweaters and hats. Prizes for best dressed, so costumes are encouraged. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

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Fiona Cohen