9 Toronto Family Fun Runs

Since running around is already part of our daily routine, why not harness that energy and put it to good use raising funds for good causes while increasing your cardio capability?

Now in its 36th year, this High Park run—which raises funds for prostate cancer research—is considered by many to be the official start of spring. With distances of 8k (already sold out) 5k (sign up today!) and a 1k children's race (ages 5 to 13) that loop around one of the city's best parks, this well-organized run is a great family outing for everyone.

Sign up without delay for this Sunday's Lovely Spring Run in support of mental wellness and the psychiatric emergency services at St. Michael's Hospital. Held on the traffic-free former grounds of Ontario place, a kids' run (9:30 am) starts off the event, followed by a 1k walk/run and a timed 5k walk/run. Good to know: Online registration ends today, (but you can register on-site up until the start of the race

Not to be confused with the other 10k race down Yonge Street held later in May, the Yonge Street 10k offers an option for stroller joggers to participate in the race too (a recreational category, not intended for competitive runners). The entry fee for stroller joggers is also a mere $10—just another reason to love this fabulous fun sprint down one of the city's busiest streets.

The kids will love the ‘kids' dash', but it's worth upping your training since the title sponsor of this race is a jeweller. Achieving a new personal best is great, but we'd be just as happy walking away the winner of a diamond. This gorgeous run is held on and around at the Wooden Sticks golf course just outside the city, with proceeds going to Uxbridge Cottage Hospital.

Held on Good Friday, this Easter themed run starts with kids (literally, their race begins first at 8:50 am) and treats all finishers aged 10 and under to a finisher's medal and goodie bag. Older kids and adults can sign up for the 5k or 10 mile races that begin afterwards.

This Leaside run is in support of diabetes and is held in Sunnybrook Park, with a 2k run/walk for kids. Start with a pre-race yoga group warm-up and end with fun family activities and a barbecue, all while raising funds for a great cause.

This Toronto-based triathlon for kids is held in Scarborough at the Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre. The temporary closing of the Birchmount pool means that this year's event will be a duathlon (run/bike/run) for kids ages 3 and up.

Held in memory of Nicola Anne Tullio, who passed away in 2006 from Bone Marrow Disease, this popular triathlon held in North York welcomes kids aged 3 to 14 years for a day of swimming, running and biking. Dozens of volunteers offer face painting, crafts, bouncy castle jumping and more, making this a festive celebration of sport and life.

A fun and festive day for the family is at the centre of this outdoor fundraising initiative in support of Autism Canada. Starting at Nathan Phillips Square, this 3k walk is all about the kids, with mascots such as Geoffrey the Giraffe from national sponsors Toys‘R'Us and Babies‘R'Us, play zones, face painters, food and refreshments, performers and more. Arrive early to give yourself lots of time to enjoy these activities!