Want to teach your children about giving back while creating lasting family memories? Charity walks and runs offer the perfect combination of physical activity, community involvement, and charitable giving. These events give kids the chance to experience firsthand how their efforts can make a difference in their community, whether they’re helping other children, supporting environmental causes, or raising funds for medical research.

The Greater Philadelphia region offers numerous family-friendly charity events throughout the year, each providing unique ways for children to engage in philanthropy. From costume contests and face painting to kids’ dashes and nature walks, these events make giving back fun and accessible for all ages. Many events even offer special medals, t-shirts, and activities designed specifically for young participants, helping them feel proud of their contributions.

Here’s your chronological guide to events scheduled for 2025 across the five-county region. Did we miss your favorite family-friendly charity walk or run in the Philadelphia area? Share it in the comments below to help other families discover more opportunities to get active and give back!

Cupid’s Chase 5K (February 8, 2025)

• Location: Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia County
• A heartwarming winter 5K supporting individuals with disabilities. This chip-timed, certified course welcomes runners, walkers, and rollers of all abilities. Features medals for all finishers, age group awards (13 categories), trophies for top 3 male/female finishers, and drawstring bags. Early registration (before January 1) guarantees an event shirt. Participants receive zoo admission; no pets permitted. Check-in starts at 7:00 AM, race begins at 8:00 AM.

March of Dimes’ March for Babies (April 5, 2025)

• Location: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia County
• A classic Philadelphia tradition supporting maternal and infant health, this walk features kid-friendly activities, face painting, and a “superhero sprint” for young participants. The relatively flat route along the Schuylkill River Trail makes it accessible for strollers and young walkers.

River Crossing YMCA Bucks County Strong 5K + 1-Mile Run (May 10, 2025)

• Location: War Memorial Stadium, Central Bucks West High School, Doylestown, Bucks County
• Part of the historic Bucks 5K Series, this Mother’s Day weekend tradition features seven race options through scenic Doylestown streets. The event includes pre-race entertainment, community cheer support, a 1-mile fun run for younger participants, and a special post-race celebration with family-friendly activities and vendors. Special surprise commemorative items await at the finish line, making it a perfect Mother’s Day weekend activity.

Powel Elementary 5K & Family Fun Day (May 10, 2025)

• Location: Drexel’s Vidas Athletic Complex, 4300 Powelton Ave, Philadelphia County
• A community-building event featuring a 1-Mile Fun Run (9:00 AM), 5K (9:30 AM), and Student Dash. The day includes food and family activities, with proceeds supporting Powel Elementary School’s Playworks partnership. Early packet pickup available before race day. This West Philadelphia tradition brings together students, families, teachers, and neighbors to support whole-child education.

Radnor Elementary School RES Smart Run (May 18, 2025)

• Location: Radnor Elementary School, 20 Matsonford Road, Radnor
• A community event featuring 1 mile fun run or 5K race, with prizes for the top overall and age group finishers and plenty of family fun. The proceeds of this race go towards supporting numerous PTO educational and extracurricular opportunities.

The 25th Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic (May 18, 2025)

• Location: Sesame Place, Langhorne, Bucks County
• A family-friendly race series featuring a 5K Classic (8:00 AM), one-mile fun run (7:00 AM), and kids’ sprint races (9:00 AM). Each participant receives a free one-day admission ticket to Sesame Place, plus the opportunity to purchase additional discounted tickets. Sponsored by Levittown Bristol Kiwanis Club and Bucks County Herald.

Girls on the Run Philadelphia 5K Celebration (June 1, 2025)

• Location: The Philadelphia Navy Yard, 4747 S. Broad St, Philadelphia County
• A celebratory 5K fun run marking the culmination of Girls on the Run’s spring season. This inspirational event welcomes program participants, running buddies, and community runners of all abilities. Features commemorative medals for all participants, with special programming starting at 7:30 AM and the main run at 9:00 AM. Open to public registration with separate pricing for adults ($30) and youth ($25).

Delco Run for Heroes (October)

• Location: Springfield Township Municipal Complex, 50 Powell Road; Springfield, PA
• This family-friendly event benefits the Delaware County Hero Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for the children of Police, Firefighters, and Emergency Responders who died in the line of duty.

Willistown Conservation Trust Run-a-Muck 5K & Countryside Bash (October 4, 2025)

• Location: Rushton Woods Preserve, Newtown Square, Chester County
• A unique 5K run or “muck” (walk) through diverse cross-country terrain supporting countryside preservation. This festive event features post-race entertainment including a bonfire, live music, lawn games, mechanical bull, and face painting. Enjoy food, beer, wine, and festivities with the whole family – leashed dogs welcome! Participants receive t-shirts and fastest runners win prizes.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s Halloween Lemon Run (October 25, 2025)

• Location: Marine Parade Grounds, Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia County
• A spooky and inspiring Halloween-themed 5K and Kids’ Dash supporting childhood cancer research. Features costume contests with awards for Most Creative, Best Group, Best Pet, and Best ALSF-Themed costumes. Family-friendly and dog-friendly event includes a Kids’ Dash for children under 8.

Halloween Howler 5K and 1 mile Run/Walk (October 25, 2025)

• Location: Anson B. Nixon Park, 405 N. Walnut Rd., Kennett Square, Chester County
• Join this spirited event celebrating the love of running and dogs on the newly-paved paths at Anson B. Nixon Park. Offering both a 5k run and a one-mile walk option (and a dog-friendly Wolf Pack Mile option), this event benefits Good Samaritan Services. Don’t forget to wear your costumes for a chance to win a prize, including awards for best dog costume and the best dog group (dog and owner or dog and family). Kids 12 and under walk for free.

The Phoenixville Bed Races (November 1, 2025)

• Location: Third Avenue at Reeves Park, 148 3rd Ave., Phoenixville, Chester County
• Grab your friends, family, or co-workers to create a team or witness the excitement as teams race decorated BEDS on WHEELS (yes, beds) to raise funds for Ann’s Heart and Good Samaritan Service, two area non-profits providing shelter and supportive services. The event also features food and kids’ activities including face painting and arts and crafts.

Nemours Children’s Run at Philadelphia Marathon Weekend (November 23, 2025)

• Location: Von Colln Memorial Field (adjacent to Philadelphia Museum of Art), Philadelphia County
• A festive celebration of youth fitness during Philadelphia Marathon Weekend featuring age-based fun runs along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Each child receives a t-shirt, medal, and goodies. The event includes giant inflatables, balloon art, soccer clinics by Philadelphia Union, and family activities. Race distances vary by age group, with parent/guardian required to be present.

5K Turkey Trot and Children’s Fun Run in Wayne (November 27, 2025) – see this article on our sister site for information on additional Turkey Trots in suburban Philadelphia.

• Location: Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Rd., Wayne, Chester County
• Wilson Farm Park once again hosts the Seven Summits Therapy Turkey Trot in 2025. Offering both a 5k and a children’s race, with the leafy park in the backdrop, this event benefits the Wounded Warrior Project and Phoenixville White Horse Rugby. Round up the relatives, get bundled for the weather, and start trotting. Register here.

Elves for the Shelves 5K and Fun Run in Radnor (December 6, 2025)

• Location: Radnor Memorial Library, 114 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne, Delaware County
• The Elves for the Shelves 5k, Walk, and Fun Run is a family-friendly way to start the holiday season and support the Radnor Memorial Library. The event will start and end in front of the library and features a professionally-timed 5K, a 2.3 mile walk, and a .5 mile Fun Run/Walk option. Register by November 10th to be guaranteed a t-shirt.

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Tips for Participating with Families

1. Register Early: Many events offer early-bird discounts and guarantee t-shirt sizes for advance registrations.
2. Plan for All Ages: Check event websites for age-specific activities and course options. Some events offer shorter routes for families with young children.
3. Come Prepared: Pack sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, and any necessary medical supplies. Consider bringing a stroller for younger children, even if they plan to walk.
4. Make It Fun: Many events have themes – encourage kids to dress up or participate in available activities to make it more engaging.
5. Pace Yourselves: Remember these events are about having fun and supporting good causes, not setting speed records.

Additional Information

• Check event websites or social media pages for weather-related updates and last-minute changes
• Consider volunteering if your family isn’t ready to participate – many events need help with registration, water stations, and kids’ activities

Remember to verify dates and details closer to the events, as schedules may change. These family-friendly events offer wonderful opportunities to get active together while supporting worthy causes in your community.