Family Friendly Fall Walks & Runs

Florida is the ideal location for outdoor family friendly activities. Once the summer rain subsides, Tampa Bay becomes a bustling outdoor wonderland of activities including the beach, biking and walking. Outdoor sites like the Lowry Park Zoo, Busch Gardens and Sunken Gardens are much more enjoyable during the fall as you stroll through the parks. Of course, play grounds and parks are filled with laughter and families.

This fall you can combine a fun family activity, healthy exercise and supporting a great cause all in one with the many family-friendly walks and runs in the Tampa area. Just to name a few: the Spooktacular 5k, Strides for Education and Jingle Bell run/walk. Which one will get your families feet a walkin?

Just a few of the many family friendly walk/runs in the Tampa Bay Area:

October 25     Spooktacular 5k Run/Walk & 1 mile Fun Run

Get your costumes ready to join in the fun for this 5k Run/Walk or 1 mile Fun-Run for the entire family. Food, music, and prizes highlight this family-friendly event organized by and supporting Children Across Borders. Children Across Borders partners with organizations to help children receive quality education, housing and wellness in the US and abroad. For more information and to register, visit

http://www.childrenacrossborders.org/Events/Events/Upcoming-Events.aspx

November 1   HEF Strides for Education

Get those sneakers on to raise funds for scholarships in Hillsborough County. Join in this family-friendly 5k Run/Walk starting at the new Waterworks Park. The Hillsborough Education Foundation supports the school district with many critical projects including scholarships, The STEM Fair and the Teaching Tools store. Bring the entire family for food trucks, entertainment, prizes and more. For more information and to register, visit

http://www.educationfoundation.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.details&content_id=13

November 7   Richard’s Run For Life

This 5k Run/Walk celebrates the best of Ybor while raising funds for cancer research at Moffit Cancer Center. All registered entrants enjoy the post-race party and for an extra donation can enjoy food from the world famous Columbia Restaurant. The Gonzmart Family foundation has been sponsoring this event for 13 years with 100% of the proceeds benefitting cancer research. Fun for the entire family! For more information or to register, visit http://www.richardsrunforlife.org

November 15 Tampa Bay Heart Walk

Get your red on for a fun family walk at Raymond James Stadium supporting heart disease and stroke research. The walk features 1 and 3 mile routes, free Subway sandwiches and a festival area. Funds raised go toward community programs, research, and advocacy efforts for the American Heart Association. Get the family out for a fun walk and support this important cause. For more information and to register, visit http://tampabayheartwalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1090351

December 20  Jingle Bell Run/Walk

Kick off the holiday season with bells on your shoes while wearing a fun holiday themed costume as you walk/run to support the Arthritis Foundation. This fun and festive family-friendly event is a 5k walk/run at Hillsborough Community College. What a great way to start off your holiday by supporting an important cause. For more information or to register, visit http://jbrtampa.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1109884

What a fabulous way to bring the family together, get healthy exercise and support important causes in the community. These local walk/run events are family-friendly with music, food, prizes and themed attire welcome. Introduce your children to the importance of getting active and supporting local causes early and as a family. Join in the fun and support one or more of these festive events.