I’m looking forward to the cooler temperatures of fall, what about you? Fall is the perfect time to get outdoors and take in the cool crisp air and the scenic views of the changing colors. It’s also a wonderful time to partake in a Halloween Fun Run. Whether you’re interested in a big 5K run or a leisurely 1K walk with your little ones, Central Indiana has so many family-friendly Halloween Fun Run options.
Themed runs are the best! Dressing up in costume for Halloween Fun Runs is encouraged (should be mandatory in my opinion!) and many pair the runs with donuts or warm apple cider. Register now and get ready to zoom past zombies, witches, pumpkins, and vampires! Run for fun or run for your life!
2024 Halloween Fun Runs in Central Indiana
Halloween Tricks & Treats 5K w/Kids Candy Dash
Wear your costume for this spectacular chip-timed Halloween fun run/walk at White River State Park on October 27th at 10:30 am. The 80-yard Kids Candy Dash starts at 10:15 am. At the finish line, kids can expect candy, candy, and more candy! There might be a Beer & Wine Garden for the adults as well.
Trick or Trot 5K w/Kids Fun Run & Pumpkin Dash
Register for the Trick or Trot 5K for $30 or sign your kids up for the FREE Kids Fun Run & Pumpkin Dash! Start and finish at Downtown Lebanon Square, and loop through Oak Hill Cemetery. Spooky! Stay for the chili cook-off, costume competition, and live music on the square! This event is on October 12th at 2 pm, a later start time than most!
Irvington Vampire Run w/Little Bat Dash
Part of the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival, the Irvington Vampire Run is a 5K or 1K Run/Walk on October 26th at 9:30 am. Each ticket includes a finisher’s medal and a beer ticket. Kids 12 and under run for FREE in the Little Bat Dash Kids’ Run! They even receive a commemorative bib and finishers’ medal!
Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben w/Kids One Mile Run
The Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben is the perfect fall racing event for the whole family. Choose from a 10K, 5K, and a Kids one-mile run. Enjoy a cool morning with fire pits crackling in an open field, running as the sun rises over Fort Ben. The marathon winds through historic Lawrence and Fort Harrison State Park and ends with festivities inspired by fall in the Midwest. If you’re just there to watch, you’ll have a wonderful time exploring majestic Fort Ben.
Ghosts & Goblins Run/Walk
The annual Ghosts & Goblins 5K or 2K Run/Walk is a ton of fun! Everybody is dressed in costume and there are tons of kids and strollers, so if you’ve got a little one or a first-timer, this is the event for you. The race is on October 26th at 9 am and starts at Carmel High School. After the run, walk over to the Carmel Arts & Design District for brunch!
5K Beer Run at Metazoa Brewing
Run, walk, or jog the 5K Fun Run at Metazoa Brewing. Strollers and dogs are welcome! The event, which takes place on October 26th at 11 am is a fun-filled day of running, live music, games, goodies, and good vibes at Metazoa Brewing. This event would be suitable for older children or children in strollers as the run is on an open course, meaning roads will not be closed and runners are responsible for obeying traffic laws and regulations. Though not technically a Halloween Fun Run, this event is a ton of fun and great for older children to enjoy with their parents.
Mutt Strut
Mutt Strut is the annual 5K fundraiser for the Indianapolis Humane Society. On September 14th at 10 am, you can walk alongside dogs and their companions dressed in costume as there is a dog costume contest! There’s also a wildly entertaining dachshund derby. This casual, family-friendly walk, which takes place at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, raises funds for homeless animals in desperate need. I’ve taken my children for years and it’s a full day of fun!
5Ks and Fun Runs With Kids
Running, walking, and jogging are wonderful for your health. Whether you’ve been away from physical activity since having babies or are new to the sport, getting out and exercising with the family is a great way to spend your Saturday morning. And there’s nothing like starting a race with a sea of other participants with the same goal: to complete the race and have fun doing it.
You can instill a love for running with your kids, who seem to have endless energy to expend! Almost all runs are stroller-friendly, so strap them in so you can get your time in or let them walk some and sit some. Many runs are also dog-friendly! Inquire directly with race organizers to confirm. After you’ve burned off some calories running from zombies, treat yourself to apple cider donuts and other amazing fall treats.
Looking for more 5Ks and fun runs throughout the year? Check out our guide to 5Ks, Walks, and Runs in Indianapolis.
October is jam-packed with fall festivals and Halloween fun! What to do after you’ve completed your Halloween Fun Run? Check out our Ultimate List of Fall Festivals in Indiana. Have you picked out a pumpkin yet? Visit a local pumpkin patch to choose your own from the farm. Here’s 60+ Free Things To Do With Kids This Fall. Looking for spooky adventures? Here’s our guide to area Haunted Houses.
Heading out of town for Fall Break? Maybe a quick road trip? Here are some great Midwest Fall Break Ideas that are worth the drive.
Is your family into 5Ks and Fun Runs? Has your family participated in a Halloween Fun Run before? Share your best Halloween Fun Run photos and comments with us below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!
