20 Best Family-Friendly Races and Walks in Atlanta

Fresh air, exercise and the opportunity to support a good cause are three great reasons to participate in an organized walk or race with your family. Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly races and walks around metro Atlanta. Check websites for dates and advance registration, as well as COVID-19 safety precautions.

Summer Kid-Friendly Races and Walks in Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta Run Like Wild 5K

Support Zoo Atlanta’s conservation efforts by participating in this 5K race and one-mile family walk. In-person races are sold out, but you can join from home or your favorite trail virtually. April 24.

Lauren’s Run

Lauren’s Run encourages participants to run, walk, skip or bike any distance in any location to support CURE Childhood Cancer. The event will be held virtually; 5K runners can submit their times, and medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age division. Since its inception, the event has raised almost $5 million for childhood cancer research. May 2.

Strong4Life Superhero Sprint

Wear superhero costumes and participate in a 5K or one-mile fun run to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Strong4Life program. Be sure to stay for the costume contest! June 5.

Braves Country 5K

Cross the finish line on the Braves field inside SunTrust Park! Participants in the 5K (ages 8 and older) receive an Atlanta Braves game ticket and can buy additional game tickets at a discounted rate for family and friends. A 50m dash is available for younger runners, too. A virtual 5K option is also available. June 5.

Chattahoochee Nature Center Possum Trot

The point-to-point 10K or one-mile fun run along the Chattahoochee River supports the wildlife and programs of the Chattahoochee Nature Center. This year, virtual options for are also available. June 19.

Georgia Peachtree Junior

Held in Piedmont Park, the Peachtree Junior will feature a Mile (timed) and Dash, with the Mile crossing the same 10th Street finish line as the AJC Peachtree Road Race. To ensure a socially distant event, participants will choose a time slot to run ; a virtual option is also available. The Mile is open to kids ages 6-14, while the Dash is open to kids ages 6 & under. July 2.

AJC Peachtree Road Race

Atlanta’s most famous 10K race is a 2-day event this year, with in-person and virtual options. Kids 10 and older can register; race numbers are assigned by lottery. July 3-4.

Atlanta’s Finest 5K

This race offers two kid-friendly options: a one-mile fun run and a 50m dash for the youngest participants. Attendees can view police gear including squad cars, motorcycles and the Mobile Command Unit. Participating families raise awareness and funds for the Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta program. August 28.

Fall Kid-Friendly Races and Walks in Atlanta

Thanksgiving Day Half-Marathon and 5K

An Atlanta Turkey Day tradition includes a half-marathon, a 5K, a one-mile run and a 50m dash. Besides the excitement of finishing under the Olympic Rings, participants join post-race festivities in Georgia State Stadium and get medals for running. Check age requirements for each segment. Nov. 25.

Duluth Donut Dash 5K

The Donut Dash 5K supports foster children and families throughout Georgia. All participants get a doughnut! After the race, enjoy a carnival, crafts and a parade at the Duluth Fall Festival. Sept. 26.

Spooktacular Chase

Come in costume and bring your pets to this family-friendly timed fun run! It raises funds for VRS, a local non-profit, dedicated to the blind or visually impaired. Choose from a 10K, 5K or 1K race (the shortest one is free!) to run or walk on a route that includes parts of the Silver Comet Trail. Virtual options are available. Oct. 23.

The Color Run

Wear white to this 5K, un-timed event in which thousands of participants, or “Color Runners”, get splashed with different colors at each kilometer. Color washes off after race. Kids younger than five can participate for a lower cost by foregoing the participant kit. 2021 date to be announced.

Winter Kid-Friendly Races and Walks in Atlanta

Jingle Bell Jog

Kids and adults can run or walk to the finish of this 5K or one-mile fun run. Those that choose the longer route receive a holiday-themed medal and a Santa suit! Along the way, Christmas carolers serenade participants. Dogs are welcome, especially in holiday costume. All participants receive jingle bells to tie to their shoes, so this run is especially exciting. Dec. 3 (tentative date).

TartanTrot

Bagpipe music kicks off this Scottish-influenced 5K or one-mile fun run organized by Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church. Proceeds support organizations like Family Promise and Habitat for Humanity. Afterward, a post-race party offers food, games, music and awards.

Spring Kid-Friendly Races and Walks in Atlanta

Shamrock ‘N Roll Race

This St Patrick’s Day themed run/walk around Atlantic Station raises funds for Junior League of Atlanta’s community partners. Dogs and strollers are welcome, and prizes are awarded for most spirited, top finishers, and more. Afterward, explore the Healthy Lifestyle Village and enjoy entertainment and food.

Tour DeCatur

The Tour DeCatur includes both a one-mile fun run and a Tot Trot for the youngest members of the family. All proceeds benefit the Decatur Education Foundation, which provides educational and enrichment opportunities to children and youth across Decatur. All registered kids receive participation medals.

The Daffodil Dash

Peace and tolerance is the mission of this 5K/1mile run/walk. It’s held in memory of the 1.5 million children who died in the Holocaust and in support of children today facing humanitarian crises. Funds raised support Holocaust education and awareness, and help families in remote villages in Darfur, South Sudan and Rwanda. Live music is at the start/finish and points along the park-based route.

Refuge Run

City of Refuge helps people in crisis and this run supports its mission. Participate in a 5K through Atlanta’s historic west side neighborhoods and downtown. It’s a great way to see the city up close!

Hunger Walk/Run

An annual 5K walk and fun run raises awareness and funds for the Atlanta Community Food Bank and other local organizations that support food pantries, community kitchens and shelters. The huge event at Georgia State Stadium includes food trucks, games, educational activities and live entertainment.

Ongoing Kid-Friendly Races and Walks in Atlanta

AJC Kilometer Kids Youth Running Series

The Kilometer Kids Running Series provides children ages 14 and under with running events to all year long, most of which are free The goal is to help kids experience the fun of running and promote healthy, active lifestyles. Check their website for upcoming events.

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