Kid-Friendly Fun Runs in Dallas-Fort Worth

Stephanie W.:  Join Lone Star CASA in their annual Superhero 5K and Super Dash! The Super Dash is 1K long and is open to runners of all ages. These runs raise awareness about Lone Star CASA, who help abused and neglected children in Rockwall and Kaufman counties. There is a superhero costume contest, a children’s area, awards ceremony, food and drinks.

Stephanie W.:  This family-friendly race is for the Viking in all of us! Come dressed up and ready to run at your own pace- these runs are not timed, so no pressure! There are awards for each age group beginning at 6-8, a free photo for each runner, an after-party, and a Viking costume contest!

Stephanie W.:  Bring your little ones, strollers, dogs and the whole family to the 1 Mile Family Shuffle! There will be even be prizes for best-dressed, so come dressed all decked out in your St. Patrick's Day best!

Age: 6+ for 5K, no age minimum for 1 Mile Shuffle

Cost: Before February 16- $25/5K, $15/1 Mile. After February 16- $30/5K, $20/1 Mile

Stephanie W.:  Modeled after The Amazing Race, this family-friendly race/obstacle course is a blast- and there will be one in both Fort Worth and Dallas! Activities include a 5k race completed in partners, with stations that will challenge you mentally and physically. With four age divisions and runners allowed from ages 4-84, teams will race against peers to keep things fair, and you can even buy yourself time by donating pairs of sneakers for pediatric cancer. This event is fun for the whole family to exercise, and get a little dirty while they're at it!

Stephanie W.:  Kids and adults of all ages are encouraged to participate in the Dash Down 5K in March! Come decked out in your favorite green or Irish gear and get ready to race. There are prizes for the top three male and female finishers of each age category- one of which is the ages 9 and under group! What's more, the race partners with the North Texas Food Bank each year to provide food to hungry North Texans. By running this race as a family, you are helping other families in your neighborhood!

Stephanie W.:  Let the kids enjoy a race the day of the Dallas Marathon that's all their own! Kids can participate in a 100m, 400m, 800m or 1 mile run. Parents are welcome to join them. In addition, there is a 2 mile walk taking place downtown at 9am, and walkers of all ages are invited to walk.

Stephanie W.:  The YMCA Turkey Trot is one of the most anticipated races of the year! This family-friendly run encourages racers of all ages on Thanksgiving Day each year. There is a 8 Mile Run for more serious runners, a 5K which is perfect for families and those with strollers who are looking for a more leisurely run/walk, and even a Junior Trot 1K for kids ages 6-11. Junior trotters will receive a t-shirt, a finisher medal, and a goodie bag!

Stephanie W.:  Run across one of Dallas's most iconic bridges and along the beautiful Trinity River this March! The bridge is shut down for the entire day so that activities like the 5K, 1 mile Fun Run, even the Dallas Stroller Dash can take place! Participants young and old are encouraged to participate in this day full of fun. The Trinity Market opens after the races are over for families to enjoy, plus Yoga on the Bridge, bike riding, and even dancing lessons will take place in the afternoon!

Ben Orr:  This unique community event starts with a 1 mile walk and a 5K or 10K run, followed by a tented Mardi Gras party with music and dancing, food trucks, hard and soft beverages and fun with local vendors.

Stephanie W.:  What's better than a race in a water park? Head to Denton's Water Works for these races designed just for kids. They've got two courses set up- one for ages 6-10 and a more challenging course for ages 11-15. The swim portion of the triathlon takes place in the lazy river! Then join the after-party, as participants will have full access to the park after their race, plus sand volleyball and carnival games. You can purchase meal tickets for $5 that will get you chips, a drink, and a choice of a mini pizza, hot dog, or hamburger!

Age: 6-15

Cost: Pricing starts at $30/Kids Tri, $20/Splash N Dash

Stephanie W.:  This lowkey walk is perfect for families with kids of all ages. Stroll at your leisure on the trails around the Hedrick House in Lewisville, with fun children's activities and games to stop at along the way. Then, bring your own pumpkin to decorate with the decorations provided for you by the city! A snack lunch is also provided.

Stephanie W.:  Grand Prairie's Prairie Lights invites you to two nights of family fun in Lynn Creek Park! You'll get a sneak peek of Prairie Lights as you participate in this 3 mile run/walk, seeing the beautiful light display the park puts on each year ahead of the game! November 23rd's run will be for runners, joggers, or walkers. November 24th's untimed run is more focused on family fun, with a festive decorated stroller competition!

Stephanie W.:  With over a dozen obstacles on a 2 mile course, this obstacle challenge is an event you don't want to miss! Kids Obstacle Challenge is the largest touring adventure and obstacle course for kids in the country. Village Creek Motorcross Park has wooded trails and muddy motocross tracks to race on. Kids will climb rock walls, crawl through mud pits, swing over water on ropes, and so much more. Kids are released in age waves so everyone is running with their peers. Get ready to get muddy!

Stephanie W.:  Looking for a run with a view? Run, walk, or jog your way through the animals at the Fort Worth Zoo! You and your kids can participate in the 1K Fun Run, or try the 5K - time or untimed. After the 1K, there will be a yoga cool-down, and then an animal outreach presentation! Even better, by participating you are supporting the Zoo's local and international conservation and education effort. This is sure to be a wild event you won't want to miss!

Cost: Early (January 6 - March 21) - $28, Late (March 22 - April 5) - $33, Race Day - $38

christadiserio:  The Fort Worth More Than Pink walk is your family's chance to do something big in the fight against breast cancer. This walk is very family friendly, as you'll see families with children of all ages - those in strollers and those walking alongside family members who are breast cancer patients or survivors. After the walk, everyone will enjoy some music and celebrate the impact they made for this cause. Full disclosure: I work for Komen HQ, so I'm a big supporter of this event. Registration is available through 4/26/19.

Cost: $20/child & $25/adult