24 Jan The Best Places to Go Running with Kids in NYC

Start Running as a Family

The urban playground of New York City is one that children and parents alike can explore and enjoy together, while incorporating physical fitness into the experience. Particularly in an era marked by increasing digital dependency and rising childhood obesity rates, instilling a love for physical fitness in your children early on can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy habits. One such habit is running, which boasts a host of benefits including increased cardiovascular health, improved concentration, and better overall well-being. With New York’s dynamic landscapes and landmarks, running with kids in NYC can become an adventure they look forward to.

Getting started on this fitness journey starts with getting the kids excited about running. Make sure to communicate the importance of physical fitness in an accessible and fun way. Instead of stressing weight management or performance goals, emphasize how running will make them feel strong, happy, and energetic. Another effective approach is to engage their competitive spirits. Encourage them to challenge themselves to reach new personal bests and celebrate their achievements enthusiastically.

Best Parks to go Running with Kids

One of the top places for running with kids in NYC is Central Park, an urban oasis teeming with lush landscapes and paved paths. It’s a refreshing break from the city’s concrete jungle. The park’s main loop is approximately 6 miles long, offering several options to customize your run depending on your children’s stamina. Additionally, the park has several playgrounds along the route where kids can take breaks and engage in different physical activities. Safety is of paramount importance here, but with the regular park patrols, well-maintained trails, and regular public traffic, Central Park provides a safe and welcoming environment for runners of all ages.

Besides Central Park, Riverside Park and Prospect Park in Brooklyn also offer child-friendly running routes. Riverside Park provides a less crowded alternative, with spectacular views of the Hudson River. On the other hand, Prospect Park’s rolling meadows and forest trails provide varied terrains that can make running more enjoyable for children.

While running routes and the environment play an essential part in maintaining your child’s interest in running, so does your role as a parent. Turning running sessions into quality bonding time can motivate your child to lace up their running shoes with enthusiasm. Share stories, ask about their day, or even sing their favorite songs as you jog together. Consider making running a regular part of your family routine. Maybe you can plan weekend runs or evening jogs before dinner time.

Running Clubs For Kids

To further nurture their passion for running, consider enrolling your children in youth running clubs. NYC offers various programs such as the New York Road Runners’ Youth Program that provides free running opportunities and introduces kids to professional runners for inspiration.

Keeping your children engaged in running for fitness can be a challenging yet rewarding process. While motivation might waver occasionally, consistent support and making the activity enjoyable will likely make them see running less like a task and more of a lifestyle choice. With the diverse cityscape of NYC as their playground, your kids have the opportunity to stay fit while having fun and experiencing the City’s charm firsthand. As they enjoy their running adventures, remember that it’s less about speed or distance, but more about encouraging a lifetime habit of enjoying physical fitness.

Find more fun activities to do with your kids by looking at our classes guide.