Parkrun for Families in Brisbane | Active Kids

At the start of a new year, we often have resolutions to get into shape, get more active and stay healthy, but finding the time to do that when you have kids is close to impossible. Our busy schedules soon put paid to all our best laid plans.

However, instead of struggling to fit in exercise around kids, a great solution is to take up an activity with the kids. That way, you get fit at the same time as getting the kids active and promoting a healthy lifestyle to them from a young age. What’s more, you get to do something new and fun together. If this is something you’re interested in, then parkrun could be for you!

What is Parkrun?

Parkrun is an organised run held in parks all around Brisbane. The runs are 5km long, and are held weekly, usually on a Saturday morning at 7am, so they don’t take up your full weekend. The runs are open for everyone to join (after registering with parkrun at parkrun.com.au), from kids right through to serious runners. What’s more, the runs are safe and easy to join and are run by volunteers so they are completely FREE!

The runs are also timed runs, so for those who have registered and brought along their barcode, their run will be timed. This can be a great way to get kids enthusiastic about taking part each week and trying to beat their own personal best!

Timed runs also use age grading, where a score is calculated based on your time, sex and age group, meaning your score can be compared to others, even of a different age or sex. I wonder how we would stack up against our kids?!

Is Parkrun Suitable for Families?

Parkrun is a great option for families as the runs are suitable for anyone, of any age or ability. It’s all about taking part and enjoying the run. While there are serious runners taking part, you are more than welcome to join at your pace, even if that is walking. All that parkrun ask is that anyone taking part is fit enough to walk, jog or run 5km (that’s 3.1 miles), and that you are considerate of other runners. Full Course Safety information is given for each parkrun for more information.

Parkrun has the following rules for runners with children and dogs:

Children under eleven years old must be accompanied by and within arm’s reach of a parent, guardian or appropriate adult of the parent’s choice, throughout the run.
Runners with pushchairs are welcome. However, you must take extreme care of other runners and, when possible, start from the back of the pack and try to keep to one side of the other runners.
Runners with a dog are also welcome, but the dog must be kept on a short lead or harness and kept under control throughout the run. There is a full support page about running with a dog at parkrun events here.
It is not permitted to run with a pushchair and a dog at the same time.

Where Can Families Take Part?

Parkrun takes place in 270 locations around Australia, and there is no shortage of great locations to choose from in Brisbane. Simply head to parkrun.com.au/events and use the map to find your nearest one!

Our picks of some of the best parkruns for families in Brisbane include:

Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks
South Bank Parklands, South Bank
New Farm Park, New Farm
Kidspace Playground, 7th Brigade Park, Murphy Road, Chermside
Wynnum Manly Foreshore
Minippi, Meadowlands Road, Carina
Hanlon Park, Junction Street, Stones Corner
Ashgrove Sportsground, Ashgrove
Teralba Park, Osborne Street, Michelton

All of the above parkruns take place at 7am on a Saturday morning, but be sure to check the parkrun website in case of any changes.

If there isn’t a parkrun right by you, you can even work with parkrun to set up one on your own doorstep! You can read more about that here.

What Should We Know Before We Go?

First of all, before you take part in any parkrun event, you must register online at parkrun.com.au. You only need to register once, and then you can turn up at any parkrun event to take part.

You should also click on the parkrun you wish to attend on the map here. It is important to go through and read the Course Description before you take part. This will help you to work out if that particular run is suitable for you and your family. For example, it will include information such as the run route and the surfaces you will be running on. It also has rules you must follow for Course Safety, as well as useful information such as how to get there, where to start, and what facilities are there.

It is also worth knowing that parkruns are lovely social events, and most also organise a post-run coffee at a local cafe so you can get to know other runners.