What better way to build community, support local and national charities, and encourage active lifestyles for your family than participating in upcoming fun runs or 5Ks? There are several opportunities to join in on trail runs, a 2K, or a full 5K. No fear if running isn’t for you. Walking, jogging, and stroller pushing is encouraged at several runs included on our list.
You could also join in on the fun and dress up for themed races, make signs to cheer on your friends and neighbors along the way, or partake in the post race festivities with live music and prizes. Cross the finish line as a family of change-makers, empowered to take on the next race ahead. Meet us at the starting line!
This article is sponsored by Oak Brook Park District, Wheaton Park District, ABC Therapy Clinics, and NAMI DuPage.
Across the Spectrum 5K
Silver Springs State Park
13608 Fox Road
Yorkville IL, 60560
Saturday, October 4, 2025
ABC’s Across the Spectrum 5K was created by ABC Therapy Clinics, a local family owned ABA clinic committed to providing therapy services to children with autism. This event is designed to bring together people of all ages to participate in a day full of fun, fitness, and awareness.
The race fee is $25 for adults, which includes an event t-shirt, and $10 for children who receive a special event cape instead of a t-shirt! So cute. Whether you’re running, walking, or participating with a stroller, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun!
April 2025 Races and Fun Runs
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Good Life Race
Apr 6, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM Oak Park and River Forest High School, Oak ParkRegistration Recommended -
Superhero 3K Fun Run
Apr 12, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM Sensory Garden Playground, LisleRegistration Recommended -
Chicken Run 5k, 10k, and Lil Peeps Kids' Run
Apr 19, 2025 | 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM Peg Bond Center, BataviaRegistration Recommended -
Walk for Autism
Apr 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lake Arlington Park, Arlington Heights
May 2025 Races and Fun Runs
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Windmill Whirl 5K Race and Kid Fun Run 1K – CANCELED
May 3, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Downtown Batavia, BataviaRegistration Recommended -
Mother’s Day Fun Run and Walk
May 11, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Dan Ryan Woods, ChicagoCelebrate the moms in your life at this fun-filled event.
Free -
Mutt Strutt 5K and 1-Mile
May 17, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Lilacia Park, LombardRegistration Recommended -
Darien Dash
May 17, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM Darien Swim and Recreation Club, DarienRegistration Recommended -
Run for the Roses
May 18, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Forest Road School, La Grange ParkRegistration Recommended -
Winfield Education Foundation Tiger Run
May 18, 2025 | 8:15 AM – 10:15 AM Lions Park (Winfield), WinfieldSupport Winfield 34 PTO and Winfield Education Foundation with this family race and fun run.
Registration Recommended -
Kiwanis Cup Kid’s Race
May 31, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Lake Park (Des Plaines), Des PlainesFree Registration Required
June 2025 Races and Fun Runs
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Roselle's Run for the Roses
Jun 1, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Lake Park High School – West Campus, RoselleRegistration Recommended -
Hinsdale Humane Society 5K Run and Pet Walk
Jun 1, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Hinsdale Humane Society, HinsdaleJoin the race or walk, and stay for the block party afterwards.
Registration Required -
Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals
Jun 7, 2025 | 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM Memorial Park (Wheaton), WheatonRegistration Recommended -
Tom's Try-athlon
Jun 7, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Oak Brook Park District Recreation Center, Oak BrookRegistration Required -
Chicago Congenital Heart Walk
Jun 7, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM Lincoln Park, ChicagoFree Registration Recommended -
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Firefly Race Series
Jun 13, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM The Morton Arboretum, LisleRegistration Recommended -
Daisy Dash
Jun 15, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Downtown Clarendon Hills, Clarendon HillsRegistration Recommended
July 2025 Races and Fun Runs
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Freedom Four 4Mile Run and Walk
Jul 4, 2025 | 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM Lake Ellyn Park, Glen EllynRegister in advance to ensure you receive a t-shirt for your 4-mile run.
Registration Recommended -
Firecracker 5k
Jul 4, 2025 | 7:45 AM – 10:00 AM Warrenville Park District, Warrenville5k family-friendly race, along with 50-yard, 100-yard and 1 mile races for kids.
Registration Recommended -
Frontier Days Stampede
Jul 6, 2025 | 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Recreation Park, Arlington HeightsFree Registration Recommended -
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Scottish Rite 5K
Jul 27, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Scottish Rite Valley-Chicago, BloomingdaleThe 5K and youth fun run end with an ice cream sundae.
Free
August 2025 Races and Fun Runs
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TwiLight Fun Run
Aug 8, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Tom T. Hamilton Reservoir, PalatineGlow as you run through Hamilton Park.
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Ben's Memorial Mile
Aug 9, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM Fishel Park, Downers GroveJoin the little kids’ 100-meter run or 5K.
Registration Required -
Parkie's 5k and Family 1-Mile Fun Walk
Aug 23, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Complex, BolingbrookRegister for the full 5K, or join the family fun walk.
Registration Recommended -
Bartlett Lions Day Dash
Aug 24, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM James Pate Philip State Park, BartlettSupport the Bartlett Lions in the 5K, 10K, and non-competitive youth races.
Registration Required
September 2025 Races and Fun Runs
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5K For All: From Babies to Grandparents
Sep 7, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Fox River Marina and Boat Launch, Port BarringtonJoin this family-friendly run/walk with distances for everyone.
Registration Recommended -
NAMI DuPage Run for the Mind
Sep 27, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM St. James Farm Forest Preserve, WarrenvilleSupport local mental health programs with a stroller-friendly 5k, or a 1-mile color run.
Free Registration Required -
Rosetober 5K Run, Walk & Fest
Sep 27, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District, RosemontThe morning kicks off with a 5k, followed by family-friendly German fun.
Free -
Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk
Sep 27, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM Montrose Harbor, ChicagoSupport mental health services at this family event.
Free Registration Recommended
October 2025 Races and Fun Runs
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Family Glow Walk
Oct 3, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM PRAIRIE VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, Morton GroveGlow your way through the park at this family-friendly walk.
$10.00 / $15.00 Registration Required -
River Run 5K, 10K and Kids Dash
Oct 4, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Montgomery Village Hall, MontgomeryThe Kids Dash was new in 2024.
Registration Recommended -
Across the Spectrum 5K
Oct 4, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Silver Springs State Park, YorkvilleRegistration Required -
Villa Park Women's Club Trick or Trot 5K and Little Devil Dash 1K
Oct 25, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Ruggard Gazebo (Villa Park), Villa ParkCome in costume to run in support of Villa Park Women's Club.
Free Registration Recommended
November 2025 Races and Fun Runs
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Turkey Trot and Sammy Scurry
Nov 27, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM Harper College Campus, PalatineEnjoy a family run on Thanksgiving.
Registration Recommended -
Turkey Trot 4-Mile Run
Nov 27, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Lake Ellyn Park, Glen EllynBreak a sweat before feasting on Thanksgiving.
Free -
Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot
Nov 27, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Elmhurst Turkey Trot, ElmhurstHeld annually on Thanksgiving day, this is a family favorite.
Registration Recommended
December 2025 Races and Fun Runs
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Did we miss a race or fun run in your area? Let us know, and we’ll add it to the list! You can also check out our outdoor activities page for even more ways to enjoy the outdoors with your family.
