30+ 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 times and advance registration information.

Winter Kid-Friendly Races and Walks in Atlanta

Run the Lights of Life 5K

Run through Life University’s annual holiday light show at this 5K and 1K event. Following the run, participants can enjoy caroling, hot cocoa and more festivities. Dec. 2.

Girls on the Run 5K

Family members and friends are invited to join this annual race celebrating Girls on the Run Atlanta, an organization that inspires girls of all abilities to recognize their individual strengths, while building a sense of connection in a team setting. Dec. 2.

Atlanta BeltLine Race Series

Explore the Eastside BeltLine and its historic neighborhoods and enjoy food, fun and freebies at this community race. Proceeds benefit the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership. December 9.

Jingle Bell Run

Kids and adults can run or walk to the finish of this 5K or one-mile fun run benefitting the Arthritis Foundation. 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 fun. Dec. 9.

Resolution Run

Get the new year off to a strong start – with a 5K, mile run and dash, this race gets the whole family moving! The event begins and ends in Piedmont Park. Jan 1.

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. Feb. 10.

Spring 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. Feb 26-May 10.

Northside Hospital Atlanta Women’s 5K

Women and girls ages 8 and older can take part in this 5K marathon that celebrates women and fitness. Sponsored by the Atlanta Track Club, the run will be held at the refurbished Cheney Stadium, which was used as a warm-up facility at the 1986 Olympic Games. March 23.

The Daffodil Dash

This 5K/1mile run/walk is 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. April 7.

Atlanta BeltLine Race Series 3K-5K

Explore the Northside BeltLine and its historic neighborhoods and enjoy food, fun and freebies at this community race. Proceeds benefit the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership. April 20.

Zoo Atlanta Run Like Wild 5K

The only run where you might catch a glimpse of lions, elephants or gorillas! Support Zoo Atlanta’s animal care, education and conservation efforts by participating in this 5K race and one-mile family walk.

Spin the District Cycle Race Series

This annual series of cycle criterion races take place in Union City on April 25, Hapeville on April 29 and College Park onApril 30. The Hapeville and College Park events include races for kids of all ages, and all three events feature block parties with food, games, kids’ activities, music and more. Find details on each criterion at spinthedistrict.com.

Lauren’s Run and Picnic

Hosted by CURE Childhood Cancer, this annual event has raised 4.8 million for childhood cancer research. A 5K and 2K run/walk are followed by a Tot Trot and a family picnic, with food, inflatables, face painting, costumed characters, games, prizes, arts & crafts and more.

Midweek Mile & Dash

This free event is designed to give kids ages 14 and younger the experience of a cross country event. Held in Westside Park, Atlanta’s largest greenspace, the timed mile will run along the park path and is for ages 6 – 14, while the dashers will run 50 meters in the field near the playground.

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!

Publix Atlanta Kids Marathon

A fun day of racing gives kids the chance to get out and get active. Events include a 5K for ages 8 and older and a 3K for ages 7-14. Kids 14 and under can participate in the 1ooM and 50M dashes. The marathon, sponsored by Atlanta Track Club, is held at Centennial Olympic Park.

Paladin Pacer

Pinecrest Academy’s fourth annual Paladin Pacer is open to runners, walkers and hikers and includes a 5K event and a Fun Run. This year, the event will be held on the academy’s 68-acre campus for a trail race for a walk/run in a beautiful natural environment.

Hunger Walk/Run

This 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 event at Home Depot Backyard includes food trucks, games, educational activities and live entertainment. In-person and virtual options.

Tour DeCatur

The Tour DeCatur includes a 5K, 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.

Georgia Aquarium 5K

Designed for all ages, this run/walk/jog starts and finishes at the Georgia Aquarium. There’s also a virtual option; proceeds benefit the Aquarium’s research and conservation initiatives. Participants will receive a finisher medal and Aquarium swag!

Annunciation Day School 5K Spartan Run

Wear your Spartan helmet and join on this community race! Open to all ages, it starts on the ADS campus at 2500 Clairmont Rd. Registered runners will receive a Chick-Fil-A chicken biscuit and commemorative t-shirt.

Water Drop Dash 5K

The Chattahoochee Nature Center celebrates the EPA’s Fix-a-Leak Week with this annual event. Run the flat course along the Chattahoochee River, or participate virtually and report your times. Proceeds from the Water Drop Dash support water conservation education.

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!

Summer Kid-Friendly Races and Walks in Atlanta

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.

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.

Microsoft Peachtree Junior

Held in Piedmont Park, the Microsoft 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. The Mile is open to kids ages 6-14, while the Dash is open to kids ages 6 & under. Kids can also participate in STEM activities, compete in the track and field zone, and pose for photos on the photo op wall.

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 4.

5K Stroller Roll Atlanta

Expecting moms, dads and grandparents can participate in this race with a baby jogger or stroller. Participants are encouraged to dress in costumes and decorate their strollers. Presented by It Starts With Me 2, a nonprofit that encourages healthy living for families.

Atlanta BeltLine Race Series 5K-8K

Explore the Westside BeltLine and its historic neighborhoods and enjoy food, fun and freebies at this community race. Proceeds benefit the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership.

Atlanta BeltLine Race Series – Westside 5K-8K

Explore the Northside BeltLine and its historic neighborhoods and enjoy food, fun and freebies at this community race. Proceeds benefit the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership.

Fall Kid-Friendly Races and Walks in Atlanta

Light Up the Corners 4 Mile Run and Twilight Trot

Held at The Forum in Peachtree Corners, this nighttime running party and fundraiser benefits the Fowler YMCA’s “Why it Matters” program, serving youth and families in need. Before and after the race, enjoy food, entertainment, kids’ activities, a DJ, dance party and more.

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.

Past fall races:

The Smile Run

Participate in the 5K, Fun Run or Tot Trot at this annual event in Canton, held in memory of Christian Egner. Proceeds from the race will benefit organizations that benefit children, particularly those with special needs.

Hammer Down Road Race

This family-friendly 5K/10K is presented by JE Dunn Construction and benefits For the Hope Partnership, Orange Duffel Bag Initiative and Habitat for Humanity. After the race, enjoy food, music, face painting and more.

Backpack Love 5K

Held in downtown Flowery Branch, this event raises funds to provide food to families in need. Events include a 5K run, fun run, and a virtual 5K.

Paint Gwinnett Pink 5K Walk/Run and Family Fun

This race supports Northside Hospital’s Cancer Institute and includes live entertainment, a fire show and food for participants and their families.

Dyslexia Dash

Organized by the International Dyslexia Association of Georgia, this event recognizes October as Dyslexia Awareness Month. It’s held at Perimeter Mall and includes a 5K run plus a 1-mile fun run for kids. Oct.

Big Pumpkin 5K Run

Hosted at Riverside Park in Roswell, this flat course is also walker- and stroller- friendly, and is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Wear a costume and compete in the costume contest!

Easterseals North Georgia Trick or Treat Trot 5K

Run, walk, roll or stroll in this 5K at Pinckneyville Park in Peachtree Corners. The event raises funds and promotes awareness of young children with disabilities in Atlanta and north Georgia. Kids ages 9 and younger can run for free in the Spooky Sprint event and get a special prize.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium 5K/Walk Like MADD

Team up with the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC at this race, which has a 5K, Mile and Dash (for ages 6 and younger). The course finishes on the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Proceeds benefit MADD Georgia.

Turkey Trails 5K-10K

This annual event is designed for runners and walkers of all ages, and features a 5K, 10K, mile run and a kids’ dash. Held in Little Mulberry Park in Auburn, there’s also a virtual run option.

Midweek Mile & Dash

This free event is designed to give kids ages 14 and younger the experience of a cross country event. After running the trails at Legacy Park in Decatur, kids can have fun in the Track & Field Zone.

Invesco Thanksgiving Day Half-Marathon and 5K

This Atlanta Turkey Day tradition includes a half-marathon, a 5K, a one-mile run, 50m dash and 5K dog/jog stroller wave. 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. 23.