Best Milwaukee Family Fun Runs in 2025

The Dirty Ninja Mud Run for Kids™ takes place in West Bend in July

Milwaukee’s North Shore and the surrounding area offers a variety of family-friendly fun runs that cater to all ages and fitness levels. Participating in these events is a wonderful way to promote health, enjoy the outdoors, and spend quality time with loved ones. Here are some upcoming runs to consider.

North Shore Pub Run

When: Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Where: Foxhole Craft Beer Shop & Kitchen
More info on the North Shore Pub Run
Whether you’re covering 5 k, looping shorter laps, pushing a stroller or just enjoying a walk, everyone’s welcome at any pace. Afterward, stick around to swap stories over a well‑earned drink. Make Wednesday evenings your weekly chance to move, explore and connect with neighbors.

Race to Cure Sarcoma 5K

When: July 12, 2025
Where: Whitnall Park, 5879 S 92nd St., Franklin
Sign up online

This family-friendly race winds through the scenic paths of Whitnall Park with both a timed 5K challenge and a welcoming 1-mile fun run that lets everyone join the fight against sarcoma. Every participant earns their stripes with a custom event tee and finisher medal, plus the satisfaction of supporting critical cancer research with each step. The morning kicks off at 7:00am with registration and packet pickup, building to an inspiring 8:00am opening ceremony before the 8:30am starting gun sends racers on their mission. Thanks to affordable pricing—just $35 for adults, $10 for kids 6-12, and free for the littlest supporters 5 and under—this feels like a community rallying cry wrapped in athletic gear.

Run/Walk to Milwaukee Irish Fest

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025
Where: Urban Park, Milwaukee
Get involved: Visit arthritis.org/irishfest5k to register, fundraise, or learn more

Lace up for a cause and join the celebration at the Run/Walk to Milwaukee Irish Fest! This annual tradition brings the community together for a morning of movement, music, and meaningful impact in support of the Arthritis Foundation. New this year: Raise $200 and earn a pair of limited-edition 2025 Irish Fest compression socks—bright green and perfect for stepping out in style. Your registration fee counts toward your fundraising total, so every dollar gets you closer to your goal.

Dirty Ninja Mud Run for Kids™

When: July 19, 2025 
Where: Regner Park, 800 N. Main Street, West Bend 
Sign up: westbendwi.gov/mudrun

Get ready for a splash of mud and a lot of smiles. This kid‑only obstacle race—built for ages 4‑15—threads through Regner Park’s woods and fields with age‑scaled courses featuring sloppy mud pits, climbing and crawling challenges, and a giant water slide finish. Every runner scores a custom headband, event tee, course map, lunch coupon, and a dated finisher medal, plus a wristband good for a free swim at Regner Park Beach afterward. Thanks to main sponsor Bank Five Nine, the day feels like a community festival of grit and giggles. Space is limited, so register early and let the kids earn their mud stripes!

Oak Leaf Trail Exploration

When: Anytime
Where: Milwaukee County, WI
Sign up: No registration required

For families interested in a more flexible and self-paced activity, the Oak Leaf Trail offers over 135 miles of multi-use paths encircling Milwaukee County. The trail connects major parks and provides scenic views, making it ideal for a family run or walk at your convenience.