Are you looking for a place to run, walk, or jog to your heart’s content while your littles burn some energy at the same time? Maybe you love to run but need races that are stroller-friendly. Wondering “Where can I find 5ks near me?” Look no further! These upcoming family-friendly community 5ks are just for you.
Join the excitement of an Indianapolis 5k or other runs with your whole family. Many of these events are held to raise money for local charities, so your morning run can also support a cause close to your heart. Let your kids share in the spirit of giving back to others and prioritize physical fitness at the same time.
If you’re just looking for a fun morning out with the family, you have a whole range of creative 5k race themes to pick from! From bubble runs, to races that include donuts or ice cream, to 5ks sponsored by local sports teams, there’s sure to be something on our list to catch your kids’ attention!
2023 Indianapolis 5ks Near Me
Indianapolis Saint Patrick’s Day Wee Irish Mile
March 17, 11:15 am
Location: Starts at North Street and Pennsylvania Street intersection
Race Length: 1 mile
Ages: 5 and under FREE
Stroller Friendly: Yes
Participants are encouraged to join this 1-mile run dressed in their best Irish attire or even leprechaun costumes. This short event takes place before the city’s popular Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and is a precursor to the 5k Shamrock Run and Walk the next day. Save money when you register for both events! Be sure to register for the Wee Irish Mile in advance, because the number of participants is limited.
500 Festival Rookie Run
May 14, 12:30 pm
Location: Ohio and Meridian Street Intersection
Race Length: 2 blocks-1/3 mile, depending on age
Ages: 3-10
Stroller Friendly: No
The Rookie Run is an annual event held in conjunction with the Indy 500 Festival’s Kids Day on Monument Circle. Kids love participating on their own in a real race designed to fit their age and abilities. Just like a full 5k or race for adults, registration includes a numbered bib, finish line snacks, and a finisher’s medal. You won’t be able to run as a family, but you’ll have a blast cheering on your little athlete from the sidelines!
Franciscan Health Foundation Race For Kids
June 3, 8:30 am
Location: Franciscan Health Lafayette East Hospital
Race Length: 5K and Kids Dash Available
Ages: 10 and under FREE
Stroller Friendly: Yes
The Race for Kids is aimed to raise awareness and funds for Franciscan Health’s Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and other pediatric departments. Registration opens at 8:30 am, the Kids Dash is scheduled for 9:15, and the 5k starts at 9:30. From 8:30-11 am, there will be a FREE Healthy Families Fun Fair taking place inside the hospital, with kid-friendly activity booths.
Heroes For The House
June 17, 8:30 am
Location: NCAA Hall of Champions
Race Length: 5K Run/Walk and Rookie Run Available
Ages: 4 and under FREE
Stroller Friendly: Yes
Proceeds from this run help families with children in area hospitals stay at the nearby Ronald McDonald House at little or no cost. Participating in this race is a great way to give back to your community as a family. Your race bib gives you free admission to the Hall of Champions after the race.
Bubble Run
June 24, 7 am
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds
Race Length: 5K
Ages: 4 and Under FREE
Stroller Friendly: Yes
The Bubble Run at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is the most fun way to get your exercise. White t-shirts are recommended for this event, as you will be running through bubble bogs filled with colored bubbles!
Christmas in July Half Marathon and 5k Indy
July 29, 7 am
Location: White River State Park
Race Length: 5k/Half Marathon available
Ages: All ages welcome to register
Stroller Friendly: Yes
Join this jolly run at White River State Park for a morning of festive family fun. The half marathon begins at 7 am, while the 5k starts an hour later at 8. Your registration fee includes lots of Christmas swag, snacks, prizes for top runners, drink tickets for those 21+, and a post-race Christmas party.
Gateway Gallop 5k Run/Walk
August 5, 8 am
Location: Ben Davis High School, Indianapolis
Race Length: 5K
Ages: Family Rates Available
Stroller Friendly: Yes
Gateway Gallop, formerly known as the Flapjacks 5k, still serves pancakes at the end of the run! In collaboration with local breakfast restaurant, the Breakfast Company, this 5k benefits local trails on the west side of Indianapolis. You can work for your breakfast, while raising funds and awareness for the continued development of the Far West B & O Trail in Marion County.
Donut Judge Me 5k
August 20, 8 am
Location: The Carmel Gazebo, 3 Civic Square
Race Length: 5K
Ages: 3 and under FREE
Stroller Friendly: Yes
Donut Judge Me 5K… because sometimes your motivation comes with sprinkles on top! This is the only 5K on our list for the summer where you will get to eat half a dozen donuts while running!
Colts 5k
Summer 2023 Date TBA, 8 am
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium
Race Length: 5K/ Fun Run available
Ages: Child must be 7 years old to race in the 5K alone. All ages may participate with an adult companion.
Stroller Friendly: Yes
Experience the thrill of NFL football when you Finish at the 50! All 5K and Fun Run participants will receive an exclusive Colts 5K t-shirt, commemorative medal, and Preseason Game Ticket.
Ice Cream 5k
Summer 2023 Date TBA, 8 am
Location: White River State Park
Race Length: 1-mile Kids Run, 5k, and Baby & Toddler Crawl
Ages: All ages welcome
Stroller Friendly: Yes
This is a fun event for the entire family! 5K and 1 Mile participants will receive a t-shirt, ice cream, and more swag! After the race, you can enjoy dancing, face painting, music, awards, and ice cream. A portion of the proceeds from the Ice Cream 5k will help benefit Riley Children’s Hospital.
Daredevil 5k & Kids Dash
Summer 2023 Date TBA, 9 am
Location: Daredevil Brewing Co.
Race Length: 5k/ 1k available
Ages: KIDS DASH 1K Free with Speedway Summer Running Program
Stroller Friendly: No
The Daredevil 5K, formerly known as Hops & Flip Flops, is a fast, flat, and fun race through the heart of Speedway. This year there will be a one-of-a-kind medal for adults and a unique reward for the kids. In addition to all participants receiving a cooling towel to beat the heat, you will get your choice of a delicious beer from Daredevil Brewing Co or a scoop of ice cream from their new partner, Fundae’s Ice Cream & Sweets. Proceeds for this race benefit Speedway Trails.
Races We Hope to See Return
Some local races may not confirm events until later in the year. Many popular themed 5ks and runs are traveling operations. Just because your favorite run isn’t making it to Indy this year doesn’t mean we won’t see it here again soon! We’ll update this page when we learn of new races being added to the schedule.
Child Advocates Superhero Run
Previous Location: White River State Park
Race Length: 5K and 1 Mile Family Walk Available
Ages: 5 and Under FREE
Stroller Friendly: Yes
Every child needs a hero, and whether you’re running, walking, or flying…you’re having fun and supporting a great cause! Proceeds benefit CASA of Marion County. Superhero costumes are encouraged!
Aloha Family Fun Run/Walk
Previous Location: Baxter YMCA (Indianapolis)
Race Length: 5K or 1 Mile Available
Ages: 5 and Under FREE
Stroller Friendly: Yes
Food trucks, face painting, bounce houses, and more meet you at the finish line. Plus, all participants are allowed FREE entry to the Y’s outdoor pool for the remainder of the day! All proceeds benefit the Baxter YMCA Scholarship, allowing local families, children, and individuals to participate in YMCA programs, regardless of ability to pay. Luau attire is recommended, so bring on those leis and grass skirts!
New Pal Dragon Dash
Previous Location: New Palestine Elementary School
Race Length: 5K/ 1 mile available
Ages: All Ages Welcome
Stroller Friendly: Yes
This is a fun event for the entire family! 5K and 1 Mile participants will receive a t-shirt, ice cream, and more swag! After the race, you can enjoy dancing, face painting, music, awards, and ice cream. A portion of the proceeds from this race will help benefit Riley Hospital for Children.
The Great Amazing Race
Previous Location: Northwestway Park, Indianapolis
Foam Glow
Previous Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds
Spartan Sprint/Kids Race
Previous Location: Perfect North Slopes, Lawrenceburg
Tough Mudder- Mini Mudder For Kids
Previous Location: Ceraland Park, Columbus
Color Run
Previous Location: White River State Park
