According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and young people need to do at least 60 minutes of aerobic exercise every day. The reality is, only 30 percent of America’s youth do the recommended amount of activity. As a result, nearly one in three children are obese, and are likely to face chronic obesity-related problems such as heart disease, cancer, asthma and high blood pressure in their adult life.
However, these stats can be reversed. Parents are strong influencers in their children’s lives and studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between physical activity in parents and their offspring. When an active lifestyle is built early on, children are more likely to exercise as an adult.
If you’re already participating in athletic events, and you’re struggling for ways to get your child involved, here’s a few event suggestions that are perfect for the whole family this summer.
May
Saturday, May 7 – Tulip Time Run – Holland
The Kids Fun Run is just one mile long, the perfect distance for any child looking to complete in their first race. Each runner receives a ribbon of accomplishment at the finish line. The Kids Fun Run is in addition to the 5K and 10K that takes place during the Tulip Time Festival.
Saturday, May 15 – Sky Kids Tri – Ann Arbor
Adults aren’t the only ones that enjoy triathlons. The Sky Kids Tri is for children 5 to 14 years old. The courses are just long enough for them to fully experience the swim, bike, run combo, without getting overwhelmed.
Saturday, May 28 – Krazy Kids Inflatable Fun Run – Grand Rapids
This unique race combines the thrill of obstacle courses with the fun of giant inflatables. Kids 3 to 12 years old are invited to race through 1.5 miles of 11 “krazy” inflatables along the course. Registration includes a T-shirt, race bib, medal and more. This is a kid’s only race, but there is a dedicated “Parent Viewing Lane” for parents that want to run alongside their child.
Photo courtesy of Krazy Kids Inflatable Run Run
June
Saturday, June 12 – Epic Kid’s Splash and Dash – Gregory
The Epic Kid’s Splash and Dash is perfect for the child that wants to try out a multi-sport, but isn’t ready to do a full on triathlon. The race is for children ages 7 to 15 and features a short swim, followed by a run.
Thursday, June 16 – Trail Trot Fun Run – Holland
In addition to the 5K Trail Trot at Van Raalte Farm Park, kids can participate in their own version of the race during the kid’s run. The one mile run takes kids through the trails of the park and ends with a petting zoo, post-race marshmallow roast and more. This event is perfect for the whole family.
Saturday, June 18 – Potter Park Zoo Wild 1 Mile – Lansing
The Wild 1 Mile at the Potter Park Zoo is your child’s chance to walk on the wild side. There’s a 100-yard dash in the zoo as well as a girls one mile and boys one mile. Registration includes a commemorative T-shirt, medal, free parking and zoo admission.
July
Saturday, July 9 – Swampfoot Mighty Might Mile – St. Clair
This race is for the more adventurous 8 to 12 year old. It’s a cross-country foot race with obstacles similar to those found in military style courses. The adult version of Swampfoot is four miles long, but kids only run the last mile. All participants receive a moisture wicking shirt and medal.
Photo courtesy of Swampfoot Mighty Might Mile Race
Saturday, July 16 – Mudfactor Kidz – Baja Acres
The Mudfactor Kidz run is perfect for the whole family. Kids 4+ can run with their parent through 1.5 miles of mud and obstacles. All racers receive a bandana, medal, temporary tattoo and race bib.
August
Saturday, August 20 – Glow in the Park – Detroit
The Glow in the Park 5K is a night race where people of all ages can join. It’s a fun run, so there’s no need to race as fast as you can through seas of bright foam, rain storms of UV glow water and dust clouds of neon powder. Registration to the race includes a glow in the dark T-shirt, glow necklace, LED lights, and glow paint.
Photo courtesy of Glow in the Park Run
Saturday, August 27 – GR Mud Run – Grand Rapids
The GR Mud Run is the premiere mud race in the West Michigan area. Kids 12 and up can register for the regular 3.1 mile course, but children 6 to 11 are invited to run the Kids Mini Mud. That course is 1.5 miles and includes the muddiest obstacles and best mud pits. Kids run free with a regular 5K registration.
