A family fun run in the spring sun not only warms us up physically, but also 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.
April
- Date/Time: Saturday, March 28, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Location: Redmond Senior & Community Center
- Cost: $37+ | Register here (currently full, but join the waitlist!)
Join the annual Beat the Bunny 5K race, a fun and family-friendly event! This race welcomes hopping, walking, strolling, running, or anything you want, and everyone wins a prize. The race includes a FREE kids’ dash at 9:30 a.m., where kids can run out, grab a plastic Easter egg, and turn it in for a prize. 5K race starts at 10 a.m. Ages 6+ for 5K required.
Kids lining up to race the bunny. (Image courtesy Redmond Parks and Recreation)
- Date/Time: Saturday, April 4, 7:30 to 11 a.m.
- Location: Magnuson Park, Seattle
- Cost: $30+, varies by race | Register here
Hop into spring with this fun, family-friendly Easter running event with Easter eggs for the kiddos! They offer a 5K, 10K, and half-marathon, plus a 1-mile family fun run. They have different starting times or “waves.” Check the website for exact times.
Seattle 5K for Autism Empowerment
- Date/Time: Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m.
- Location: 15200 NE 116th St, Redmond
- Cost: $22.50+ | Register here
Celebrate community, inclusion, and action at the 2nd Annual CARES 5K — a community-powered event held in honor of International Autism Awareness Day. Whether you run, walk, or roll, every step you take helps advance understanding, acceptance, and meaningful inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum. Together, we are building a more compassionate and inclusive world.
Magnuson Series: Earth Day Run
- Date/Time: Saturday, April 18. 9:45 a.m. start for the Kids Dash, others at 10 a.m.
- Location: Magnuson Park, Seattle
- Cost: $32+ for 5K, 10K, 15K, $6 for Kids Dash | Register here
This series of events has participants running around the scenic Magnuson Park. Celebrate Earth Day and do a fun run with the whole family! They have a 5K, 10K, or 15K option, or a Kids Dash 400-meter run at 9:45 a.m. Your little ones can do the 400-meter kid’s run or the 5K with you.
Family friendly Earth Day Run at Magnuson Park (Image courtesy: Magnuson Series)
- Date/Time: Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.
- Location: Skagit Regional Airport in Burlington (4 miles north of the tulip fields)
- Cost: $30-$40 | Register here
Join this fast scenic course at the Skagit Regional Airport in Burlington and choose from a 5K, 2-mile, or 10K option. They offer special discounts for kids ages 10 and younger, 70 and older, and active-duty military, veterans, and first responders.
- Date/Time: Saturday, April 18, 7:30 a.m.
- Location: Seward Park, Seattle
- Cost: TBD Register here (5K and 5K Sip n Stroll are full, but there is a waitlist)
This race offers 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and a 5K “Sip and Stroll” option. The Sip and Stroll is very family-friendly. After crossing the finish line, participants can enjoy complimentary refreshments, including water and snacks, music, and a celebration area. Leashed dogs and strollers are allowed.
- Date/Time: Saturday, April 19, 8:30 a.m.
- Location: Green Lake, Seattle
- Cost: $25 for kids’ dash (under age 12) and $50 for 5K
Join us at Green Lake on Sunday, April 19th, 2026, and take part in Seattle’s only doughnut-filled 5K with proceeds benefitting Seattle Children’s Hospital and Make a Wish Alaska & Washington!
- Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, 7:30 a.m.
- Location: Lincoln Park, Seattle
- Cost: $32.80-$64.60 | Register here
This annual race offers a 5K,10K, half-marathon, and a 1-mile family fun run. You will be greeted at the finish line with doughnuts!
- Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m.
- Location: Lincoln Park, Seattle
- Cost: $32.80 – $64.60 Register here
This race includes a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and 1-mile family fun run. The race goes in waves for a stress-free experience and offers great swag.
May
Kirkland Half Marathon Kids Dash
- Date/Time: Sunday, May 3, Kids Dash starts at 10:30 a.m., 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. for other races
- Location: Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland
- Cost: $50-$95, $12 for Kids Dash | Register here
As part of the Kirkland Half Marathon, there will be a 5K course that kids 5+ can join, or children can run in a Kids d\Dash (ages 12 and under) at 10:30 a.m., which is approximately a 1/2 mile long. It includes a finisher’s medal. You can also purchase a shirt. Note: Dogs are not welcome, but strollers are!
- Date/Time: Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Location: Ravenna Park, Seattle
- Cost: $23-$33+ for 5K, free kids race | Register here
Get ready for this Star Wars-themed fun run this spring as a celebration of all things Star Wars. Grab your favorite lightsaber and throw on your favorite Star Wars outfit or costume! There will be a FREE kids’ race (untimed), including a bib. However, the race doesn’t include a medal or shirt.
- Date/Time: Saturday, May 9, 7:45 a.m.
- Location: Husky Stadium, Seattle
- Cost: $45-$50 for 8K and free for walk/fun run/ diaper derby | Register here
It’s a great cause – juvenile diabetes – and a great event. Older kids might want to try to beat the University Bridge before it raises in the 8K race. Or, choose the 3-mile family walk, the 1-mile fun run, or the Diaper Derby for toddlers.
- Date/Time: Saturday, May 16, 9:30 to 11 a.m.
- Location: Game Farm Park Trail, Auburn
- Cost: $25+ | Register here
This family-oriented fun run event takes place prior to the Auburn Petpalooza festival. Participants will follow a 3K or 5K route. The course is flat and easy for all ages and ability levels to enjoy. Water will be available at the course for dogs and human participants.
- Date/Time: Sunday, May 17, 9:30 a.m.
- Location: Alki Beach, Seattle
- Cost: TBD, registration opens soon
Join this 5K run and fundraiser for West Seattle High School. This run is held on the beautiful Alki Beach and features a fast, flat course, great for runners, joggers, and families with children in strollers. Afterwards, take advantage of Alki’s famous eateries, or enjoy a day at the beach. There will be sponsor booths that you can visit during and after the race.
Soaring Eagle Race in Sammamish
- Date/Time: Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Location: Soaring Eagle Regional Park, 26015 E Main Dr, Sammamish, WA 98075
- Cost: $42+ | Register here
The Soaring Eagle race will take you from traffic in the city to trails in the woods with three distances: 5K, 10K, and a half-marathon. They will be offering free kids’ races at all events (register your child during registration for your own race, or sign them up later). This is a fun singletrack and doubletrack, very flat and 0.5 miles long.
June
- Date/Time: Sunday, June 7, 8:30 a.m. for kids run, 9 a.m for other races
- Location: Marymoor Park, Redmond
- Cost: $15-$33 | Register here
The Big Backyard 5K & 10K is an annual fun run and family walk celebrating the numerous King County Parks throughout our neighborhoods, cities, and county. They have a 1K kids run for the little ones to join!
Seattle Marathon 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Kids’ Fun Run
- Date/Time: Saturday, June 27, 7 a.m., Kids Run at 10:45 a.m.
- Location: Seward Park, Seattle
- Cost: $23.74+ for kids run, $50.67+ for other races. Register here
Join in the fun of this annual family-friendly run at Seward Park with iconic views of Lake Washington and Mt Rainier. Dogs welcome! Choose your distance: 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon! Kids are welcome to participate in the Kids Fun Run, a quick 1K sprint with goodies at the finish line.
