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
Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2025
various start dates and locations
Five-race series with events of different lengths for 2-year-olds through 8th graders.
2K Glow Run and Walk (Glen Ellyn)
April 5, 2025 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
1.25-mile fun run featuring glow items and a DJ.
Good Life Race (Oak Park River Forest High School)
April 6, 2025 | 8:30am
5k, Youth Mile, and Junior Dash. Benefits Housing Forward and & Collaboration for Early Childhood.
Mt. Melas Adventure Run (Mount Prospect)
April 12, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Participate individually or as a team.
Run for 102 (La Grange Park)
April 12, 2025 | 8:00am
PTO/PTCs for the six schools in District 102 host this 1-mile fun run and 5k.
Superhero Fun Run
Superhero Fun Run
April 12, 2025 | 8:30am
Get ready to run, walk, and soar at the Superhero Fun Run on April 12 at the Sensory Garden Playground! This family-friendly 3K invites heroes of all ages and abilities to dress up and join the adventure. Whether you’re racing to the finish line or enjoying the journey at your own pace, the fun doesn’t stop after the run. Stick around for an afterparty on the playground with music, superhero meet-and-greets, and giveaways. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a heroic community event that supports inclusive play! Gather your sidekicks to sign up today!
Mustang Trot 5K Run/Walk (Downers Grove South High School)
April 13, 2025 | 9:00am
Benefits Tzu Chi Foundation. Register in advance for discounted admission.
Chicken Run 5k, 10k, and Lil Peeps Kids’ Run (Batavia)
April 19, 2025 | 7:30am – 10:30am
Register in advance for discounted admission.
Walk for Autism (Arlington Heights)
April 19, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
1.25-mile family-friendly walk. No registration is required but t-shirts can be purchased.
Fox Trot Run/Walk (Peg Bond Center, Batavia)
April 26, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Includes a 0.25 and 1 mile run for youth up to 5th grade.
Run, Walk and Roll 5k and 1-Mile (Bloomingdale)
April 27, 2025 | 8:30am
Benefits care and services provided at Marklund.
May 2025 Races and Fun Runs
Color Run (Clarendon Hills)
May 2, 2025 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
2nd annual color run at Prospect Park. Register in advance.
Cinco de Mayo Color Crawl (West Chicago)
May 2, 2025 | 6:00pm
Two-mile walk and run through Kress Creek Farms Park. Register by April 20, 2025 to receive a t-shirt.
Windmill Whirl 5K Race and Kid Fun Run 1K (Batavia) – CANCELED
May 3, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Register in advance for t-shirt. Note: This race was moved to May, after previously being held in the summer months.
Color Run, Walk and Roll (Franklin Park)
May 4, 2025 | 9:00am – 10:00am
2-mile course featuring various activities along the way.
Stars and Spikes 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run (Madison Elementary, Lombard)
May 10, 2025 | 9:00am – 10:00am
Support Madison Elementary and Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.
Mother’s Day Fun Run and Walk (Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago)
May 11, 2025 | 8:00am – 9:00am
Festive walk with family-friendly activities.
Mutt Strut 5K & 1-Mile Puppy Path (Lombard)
May 17, 2025 | 8:00am
Dogs are encouraged but not required.
Darien Dash 5K/10K & 1-Mile Run/Walk
May 17, 2025 | 8:00am
Also includes free kiddie fun run for ages 5 and under.
Run for the Roses (La Grange Park)
May 18, 2025 | 8:00am
A La Grange Park tradition for over 26 years.
Winfield Education Foundation Tiger Run
May 18, 2025 | 8:15am – 10:15am
Kids Dash, along with a 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk
Walk the Walk for Mental Health (Hinsdale)
May 18, 2025 | 9:00am
One-mile color walk supporting Community House.
Tower Trot 5K, 10K, Double, and Fun Run (Western Springs)
May 24, 2025 | 8:30am
Fundraising for Healing Hearts for Ashley will be held in conjunction with the race. Advance registration is required.
Kiwanis Cup Kid’s Race (Des Plaines)
May 31, 2025 | 8:00am – 9:30am
Compete in the race, then visit Family Day at Lake Park Golf Course and Marina.
June 2025 Races and Fun Runs
Roselle’s Run for the Roses
June 1, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Family-friendly 5k, as well as a 1/3 of a mile youth run afterwards.
Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K and 10K (half-mile kids’ run) (Wheaton)
June 7, 2025 | 7:30am
Benefits funds for Cosley Zoo animals, exhibit development projects, public programs, and conservation projects.
Tom’s Try-athalon
Tom’s Try-athalon
Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 8:00am
Don’t miss Tom’s Try-athlon! This friendly competition promotes exercise in a fun and energetic way. Kids will show off their skills and athleticism by participating in the three traditional triathlon events: swimming, biking and running (please note that failure to wear a bike helmet during the entire bike portion will result in disqualification).
Event starts promptly at 8am!
Age Groups: 6-8, 9-11, 12-14
Registration Information:
- $30 per participant-Before May 16
- $35 per participant-May 17-June 3
- Online registration ends June 3 at 11:59pm
- $40 Day of registration until 7:30am (if space available)
See here for more information and registration: Tom’s Try-athlon | Oak Brook Park District
Chicago Congenital Heart Walk (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago)
June 7, 2025 | 8:30am – 12:00pm
Benefitting Children’s Heart Foundation.
Run for the Zoo (Chicago)
June 8, 2025 | 7:30am – 10:30am
Benefits Lincoln Park Zoo.
Firefly Race Series (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
June 13, 2025 | 8:00pm – 9:00pm
3K Fun Run on June 13, 2025, with 10K the next morning.
The Garden Dash 2K/4K (Prospect Heights)
June 14, 2025 | 9:30am – 11:00am
Family-friendly walk, run or both.
Daisy Dash (Clarendon Hills)
June 15, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Family-friendly 5k and youth 1K fun-run.
Shopping Cart Shuffle 5K and Family Fun Run
June 21, 2025 | 7:30am – 11:00am
Supports Neighborhood Food Pantries.
July 2025 Races and Fun Runs
4 on the 4th (Downtown Elmhurst)
July 4, 2025 | 7:15am – 9:30am
4-mile race, followed by a Kids 1k.
Firecracker 5k (Warrenville)
July 4, 2025 | 7:45am – 10:00am
Family-friendly 5k, along with 50-yard and 100-yard sprint and 1-mile fun run.
Frontier Days Stampede (Arlington Heights)
July 6, 2025 | 7:30am – 9:00am
Ran in conjunction with the five day festival.
Stan’s Donut 5K Run, Walk and Kids Dash (Chicago)
July 26, 2025 | 7:00am
Race is located at Soldier Field and includes donuts along the course.
August 2025 Races and Fun Runs
TwiLight Fun Run (Palatine)
August 8, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Glow as you run through Hamilton Park.
2K Kids Color Bash Run (Glen Ellyn)
August 9, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Register in advance for discounted pricing.
Ben’s Memorial Mile (Downers Grove)
August 9, 2025 | 4:00pm
Join the little kids’ 100-meter run or 5K.
Parkie’s 5k and Family 1-Mile Fun Walk (Bolingbrook)
August 23, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Register in advance to receive a t-shirt.
St. Mary of Gostyn’s 5K Race and 1 Mile Run (Downers Grove)
August 23, 2025 | 8:00am – 12:00pm
Support St. Mary of Gostyn at this annual event.
Bartlett Lions Day Dash
August 24, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Support the Bartlett Lions in the 5K, 10K, and non-competitive youth races.
September 2025 Races and Fun Runs
5K For All: From Babies to Grandparents (Port Barrington)
September 7, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Run/walk varying distances.
Thin Mint Sprint (Fox River Grove)
September 13, 2025 | 8:30am – 12:00pm
Benefitting Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois.
Lake Ellyn 1-Mile Classic and Kids Dash (Glen Ellyn)
September 14, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Join the fun at this annual event.
Medinah Color Run
September 18, 2025 | 6:00pm
Register in advance to participate in this colorful event.
Color Run (River Forest)
September 20, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
1-mile race, benefitting West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA).
Mecca Moves Walk, Run, Roll (Burr Ridge)
September 20, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Head to the Burr Ridge Village Center for this annual race.
Fit4Fall 5K and 1-Mile Youth Run (West Chicago)
September 20, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Support healthy living with Healthy West Chicago and We Go Together for Kids.
Harvest Hustle 5K and Kids Mile (Geneva)
September 20, 2025 | 10:15am start
Hustle through Peck Farm Park at this 5k or kids’ mile.
NAMIWALKS/Run for the Mind 5K and 1 Mile Color Run
NAMIWALKS/Run for the Mind 5K and 1 Mile Color Run
St. James Farm Forest Preserve
2S541 Winfield Rd,
Warrenville, IL 60555
September 27, 2025
5K – 8am | 1M Color Run – 10am | Kid Zone – 8am
Help break the stigma associated with mental illness at the 2025 NAMIWALKS/Run for the Mind 5K and 1 Mile Color Run.
Before, between, or after the runs, visit the Kids Zone and Health Fair.
This highly anticipated, FREE, event will be held on Saturday, September 27th, at St. James Farm/Forest Preserve in Warrenville.
Raise $100 on your own to earn a NAMIWALKS t-shirt.
8:00 – 5K
8:00 – Kids Zone & Health Fair
10:00 – 1 Mile Color Run (in partnership with the DuPage Prevention Leadership Team, led by local high school students)
Don’t miss out on this exciting event – it’s sure to be a blast while making a meaningful difference in the mental health community!
All proceeds from this event will go directly to supporting mental health programs and services in our community. Your participation helps rase awareness and provides crucial support to individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk (Montrose Harbor, Chicago)
September 27, 2025 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Support mental health services at this annual event.
Rosetober 5K Run, Walk & Fest (Rosemont)
September 27, 2025 | 10:00am – 6:00pm
Visit Parkway Bank Park for the race, fest, or both.
Inside Out Club’s Fall Family 5K (Danada Forest Preserve, Wheaton)
September 28, 2025 | 9:00am start
October 2025 Races and Fun Runs
Family Glow Walk (Morton Grove)
October 3, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Glow your way through the park at this family-friendly walk.
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!
Run for the Kids Superhero Hustle 5K Run/2K Walk (Villa Park)
October 4, 2025 | 9:00am start
Suit up for the superhero-themed race benefitting Easter Seals DuPage and Fox Valley.
River Run 5K, 10K and Kids Dash (Montgomery)
October 4, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:00am
The Kids Dash was new in 2024.
The Scarecrow Scramble (Lisle)
October 4, 2025 | 5:15pm start
Cheesy Pretzel 5k and 1 Mile Walk (Bolingbrook)
October 5, 2025 | 8:00am – 11:00am
Register in advance for this event through the Promenade.
Monster and Me Mile (Lemont)
October 11, 2025 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Support Lemont Juniorettes at this festive run.
Frank Lloyd Wright Races (Oak Park)
October 19, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Running for the 49th year through the streets of Oak Park.
Villa Park Women’s Club Trick or Trot 5K and Little Devil Dash 1K
October 25, 2025 | 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Costumes encouraged!
Zombie Fun Run/Walk (Roselle)
October 25, 2025 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Enjoy a 1-mile run/walk with spooky fun.
Cardio Kidz Halloween Costume Run (Palatine)
October 26, 2025 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Come in costume and the designated race for each age group.
November 2025 Races and Fun Runs
Gobbler Hobbler 10K and Mashed Potato Mile (Oswego)
November 9, 2025 | 8:30am – 10:30am
Reindeer Run (Brookfield Zoo)
November 15, 2025 | 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Turkey Trot 4-Mile Run (Glen Ellyn)
November 27, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Bring donations for a local food pantry.
Turkey Trot and Sammy Scurry (Palatine)
November 27, 2025 | 8:00am – 11:00am
Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot (Elmhurst)
November 27, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
December 2025 Races and Fun Runs
Chilly Chili 5K and 2K (Schaumburg)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 11:30am
2025 Races Not Yet Announced
These family-friendly races and fun-runs were held in 2024, but have not announced their plans as of July 15, 2025. Check their websites for more details.
- Color Run (Arlington Heights)
- La Grange Rocks 5K
- Tiny Tot Triathlon (La Grange)
- Field Park Fit Family 5K (Western Springs)
- Mummy Mile (St. Charles)
- Howl-O-Ween 5K (Bolingbrook)
- Cantigny 5K Run Walk (Wheaton)
- Run Your Mutt Off (Warrenville)
- Hephzibah Halloween Fun Run and Walk (Oak Park)
- Fraidycat 5k, 8k and Meow Mile (Oswego)
- Family Flashlight Walk (Rolling Meadows)
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.
