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 — for fitness, for charity or just for kicks — 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
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
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 kids’ 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
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
Location: City of Redmond, 15670 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA US 98052
Fundraiser for: 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 kids’ race starts at 9:45 a.m and costs $10. Pirate costumes are encouraged. Register here.
Strollers allowed? Yes
Dogs allowed? No
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
Location: Green Lake Park, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115
Time: 10 a.m. Start
Cost: $38-$43 for 5K, $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
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
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
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
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.
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
Location: Green Lake Park, 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
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
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 Marathon
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 ‘final lap’ (1.2 miles) in person at the Seattle Center. This event is free for all participants. Register here.
Christmas Rush Fun Run. Photo credit: City of Kent
Saturday, December 7, 2024
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 Seattle’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
Location: Gas Works Park, 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103
Fundraiser for: The Arthritis Foundation
Time: 8:30 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
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
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Location: Bradley Lake Park, 531 31st Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98374
Time: 9 a.m. for Elf Dash, 9:15 a.m. for Adult Run/Walk
Cost: $15 for Elf Dash Kids Run, $35 for 5K
Christmas Eve Ugly Sweater 5K Run/Walk and the Elf (Kids’) Dash. Kick off your Christmas Eve with this family-oriented romp. Holiday inflatables, Santa’s house, and the arrival of Jolly Old St. Nick add to the holiday cheer. Register online.
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